Faces of II MEF Expeditionary Operations Training Group [Image 2 of 3]

CAMP LEJEUNE, SC, UNITED STATES

05.16.2023

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Raab 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

U.S. Marine Corps Captain Alisa J. Batcher, Assistant Logistics Officer, assigned to II MEF Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG) stand in front of an Open Water Safety Craft at EOTG Headquarters, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 16, 2023.

Her role is to utilize aggressive problem solving to assist in overseeing all the sections within the S4, to include the armory, motor transport, engineers, boats, supply, and ammunition. Her collateral duties include: Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives Officer, Armory Officer, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate, and Force Preservation for EOTG. The Marines in the S4 work behind the scenes but are responsible for ensuring the life support and logistical requirements are in place to facilitate the courses and exercises involved in the pre-deployment training program and other EOTG support required by II Marine Expeditionary Force.

"Being a logistics officer is unique in that our responsibilities are “a mile wide” yet our subject matter expertise is “an inch deep,” Batcher said." For that reason, I rely heavily on the Marines in my shop, true subject matter experts of their MOS’s, to advise me. There is nothing I do, no decision I make, nor recommendation to the logistics officer, [Maj. Blais] that doesn’t involve a large range of MOS’s and ranks within the S4 shop. In the same vein, I’d offer that a willingness to use the network of professionals around us in the MEF is key to success in supporting the MEU and EOTG. Being able to leverage all the knowledge and equipment at our disposal and how to tap into those resources is incredibly important in solving problems quickly, forecasting requirements, and sourcing creative solutions. You must be humble as a logistician. I learn from those around me every day."

Batcher uses her experience as a Marine officer to effectively execute her duties within EOTG.

"Mastery of all six functions of logistics is impossible but having trust and confidence in those around you and a knowledge of who and where to go for information and resources is critical," she added. "Thankfully, I’ve had a breadth of experience thus far as a Motor Transport Platoon Commander, MMO, CLB S4, MEU Mission Commander, and Company Commander. Here at EOTG, my MEU experience has paid dividends supporting the pre-deployment training packages."

With fluid and ever-changing support requirements, she works with the other sections and branches daily to coordinate, mitigate shortfalls, and educate leaders regarding EOTG's capabilities and limitations.

"The S4 provides the backbone of equipment and life support for EOTG."

The S4 owns and maintains the Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Crafts and Open Water Safety Crafts, shown in image, utilized by Raids and Special Tactics Branches for their courses and exercise safety structure. EOTG has engineering equipment to build doors and facades in support of Close Quarters Tactics Course and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizures. The motor transport section coordinates support from their fleet as well. The supply section supports open purchases and bill of materials requirements. The S4 also oversees and maintains all facilities on the compound apart from the ranges for use by EOTG and Marine Expeditionary Unit personnel.

However, Batcher feels most passionate about her collateral duties.

Batcher said, "Working with Marines every day, coaching, mentoring, and learning from them means the world. To that end, I am deeply invested in Force Preservation and ensuring the well-being of our Marines and Sailors. I assisted EOTG leadership in bringing the command online and in compliance with the new Force Preservation system of record, the Command Individual Risk and Resiliency Assessment System. I believe in the value of force preservation and ensuring our Marines have the resources they need to succeed both personally and professionally."

She is also a strong proponent of networking and has joined several logistician related forums, symposiums and social media pages to keep up with the latest conversations within the logistics occupational field.

EOTG plays an integral role in ensuring that outgoing MEUs are ready to respond as a forward-deployed, sea-based MAGTF, capable of conducting amphibious operations as a crisis-response force-in-readiness, as well as conducting contingency operations across the full spectrum of military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl Tyler M. Raab)

• Date Taken: 05.16.2023
• Date Posted: 07.06.2023 13:59
• Photo ID: 7896529
• VIRIN: 230516-M-EJ296-1090
• Resolution: 6417x4278
• Size: 7.65 MB
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, SC, US