Welcome to 'The Jungle': MALS-16 Marines keep warehouse running, squadrons flying

Photo By Cpl. Ryan Rholes | Pfc. Edward Rotert, a storage clerk with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, uses a...... read more read more

Photo By Cpl. Ryan Rholes | Pfc. Edward Rotert, a storage clerk with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, uses a 10k forklift, named for its capablility to lift 10,000 pounds, to remove gear from a 40-foot container so awaiting Marines can log and store it. The warehouse Marines receive several loads each day, oftening containing more than 100 items.  see less | View Image Page

CAMP BASTION, AFGHANISTAN

05.14.2010

Story by Cpl. Ryan Rholes 

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

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CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – Ever had to track a dozen things at once? How about a hundred? A thousand? Imagine being responsible for buying, receiving, organizing and issuing more than 16,000 different parts required to keep an entire Marine aircraft wing operational in a harsh combat zone.

That is the role of the consumable management division Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16 – tucked away amidst a maze of storage containers and mountains of equipment and gear here. These warriors serve as the entry point for every piece and part needed to keep 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward)'s birds in the air and our support squadrons rolling.

The process starts with the consumable control branch Marines working at the MALS 16 compound. Two Marines run this integral section, working 12-hour shifts ordering stock items, reviewing order statuses and fixing order errors. Although it may sound it to some, this job is far from easy. These Marines have ordered more than $21 million worth of gear, conducted a massive inventory that recovered $4 million of delinquent gear, raised their computer inventory accuracy from 76 to 98 percent and resolved 3, 641 discrepancies by conducting a wall-to-wall inventory after arriving Feb. 20.

"We don't put your average Marine in this section. This is usually where our best guys end up," said Gunnery Sgt. Maurice Williams, a Columbus, Miss., native serving as the CMD staff noncommissioned officer in charge. "I've never seen a perfect system, so 98 percent accuracy is pretty top notch."

But ordering parts and finding discrepancies in the inventory system is only part of the process. While CCB Marines act like a quality assurance asset, the 18 Marines operating the squadron's warehouse, sometimes referred to as "the jungle," get hands-on with everything that passes through the squadron.

The warehouse Marines serve as the receiving point for 3rd MAW and get as many as 12 deliveries a day, containing anywhere from 50 to hundreds of items. The Marines unload the deliveries in blazing heat with no air conditioner for reprieve, and then begin the tedious process of passing items off, categorizing and delivering items, and storing and logging stock items.

The Marines pass items damaged in transit to the repairable management division. Next, they prioritize items going straight to squadrons into three categories: priority 2, 5 or 12. Priority 2 items are items keeping an aircraft from flying – the Marines deliver them first. Priority 5 items are parts not keeping an aircraft from flying, but need replacing. Priority 12 items are indirect items such as office or shop materials and supplies. The delivery Marines usually deliver 200 to 300 items each day.

"Our delivery Marines are in and out all day and every time they leave and return their times are logged so that everyone can see and make sure they are moving as fast as they can to get this stuff where it goes," said Williams.

While some Marines are categorizing and delivering the direct turnover items, others are responsible for logging and storing the stock items, which are line items needed so frequently by squadrons that the MALS keeps them on hand. A common misconception is that a line item is a single part. However, a line item actually refers to a specific part, meaning that 5,000 of the same type of screw count as one line item.

The process is intricate, the hours long and hot, and the job sometimes thankless, however these Marines serve as the nerve center for the flight line. A helicopter cannot fly without a pilot, but a pilot can't fly a helicopter missing essential parts. A service only possible through Marines brave enough to face "the jungle."