Puerto Rican Reservists conduct convoy operations during Nationwide Move 15

Photo By Sgt. Victor Ayala | Staff Sgt. Robert Roman, platoon sergeant of 2nd platoon, 432nd Transportation Company and Ceiba, Puerto Rico, native, supervises offloading operations after a two-week, 2,700-mile convoy operation from Fort Riley, Kan., to Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., on July 17. The convoy operation was part of Nationwide Move 15, an annual Army Reserve approved functional training exercise designed to provide Reserve component transportation units with valuable, realistic training by conducting real-world operations in support of continental United States activities. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Victor Ayala, 210th MPAD)  

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CA, UNITED STATES

07.16.2015

Story by Sgt. Victor Ayala 

210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. - Reservists train monthly to keep their skills sharp in the event they are called to serve in wartime, and most of them train close to home. For the Reservists of Puerto Rico's 432nd Transportation Company, whose home is a small Caribbean island, convoy operations training opportunities are limited. However, this didn't stop 69 Soldiers of the 432nd from successfully completing a cross-country trip to deliver equipment from Fort Riley, Kansas, to Fort Hunter Liggett, California, on July 16.

The unit's two-week mission was part of Nationwide Move 15, an annual Army Reserve approved functional training exercise designed to provide Reserve component transportation units with valuable, realistic training by conducting real-world operations in support of continental United States activities. Nearly 70 Soldiers of the 432nd and 28 military trucks made a trek of more than 2,700 miles to provide equipment to medical reserve units who will be training at Fort Hunter Liggett during the month of July.

The mission allowed the Reservists to exercise their skills over a distance more challenging to its drivers. According to Staff Sgt. Robert Roman, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the convoy, 432nd Soldiers travel only about 100 miles of convoy operations during a typical drill weekend, due entirely to Puerto Rico's small size. Despite the limitations on mileage, Roman says his Soldiers are diligently trained and were more than ready to take on this month's convoy operation.

"During our small convoys back home, we do the same as we've done here," said Spc. Jose Pastrana, a truck driver and Caguas, Puerto Rico, native. "We perform proper preventive maintenance checks and services, plan ahead, and react quickly to breakdowns."

Trained as they were, the Soldiers of the 432nd still faced a number of challenges during their trip.

"Back home, we know our routes already. For example, if we see traffic, we can easily avoid it," said Pastrana. "We're not from around here, so we don't always know what to expect. It's good though because it teaches us to adapt."

In addition to providing invaluable training to its Soldiers, the 432nd is also providing real-world logistics support to fellow Reservists in other units. For many 432nd drivers, this adds a great deal of value to the mission. Many are excited to see the Army becoming more self-sufficient logistically.

"This kind of training is what the Army needs more and more of," said Staff Sgt. Antonio Alvorado, a squad leader and Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, native. "You're training troops and saving the government money. Why use civilian companies to move our equipment when there are Soldiers ready and motivated to do it?"

• Date Taken: 07.16.2015
• Date Posted: 07.17.2015 20:59
• Story ID: 170414
• Location: FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CA, US
• Hometown: BARRANQUITAS, PR
• Hometown: CAGUAS, PR