Photo By 1st Sgt. Duff E. McFadden | Three Soldiers from the Louisiana Army National Guard’s 199th Brigade Support...... read more read more
By Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden
Within the past few months, the Iowa Army National Guard’s Sustainment Training Center (STC), located at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, has played host to Gen. Robert Abrams, commander of the U.S. Forces Command; Maj. Gen. Flem B. Walker, Jr., the Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics (G-4) for the U.S. Army Forces Command; and Command Sgt. Maj. Command Sgt. Maj. Sam K. Young, the First Army command sergeant major.
Iowa’s most recent visitor was Maj. Gen. Darrell K. Williams, commander of the Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM) at Fort Lee, Va. As a major subordinate command of the Training and Doctrine Command, CASCOM serves as the Army's sustainment think tank and premier learning institution. CASCOM enables the Army’s Sustainment Warfighting Function through the development and integration of concepts, doctrine, capabilities and training.
Army sustainment and logistics officials continue to be intrigued with the prospect of expanding the STC training footprint to provide more proactive, cost-effective training for today’s Total Force, encompassing the active duty Army, U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard.
“Our purpose here was to look at the capability at Camp Dodge, specifically on the maintenance side of the house,” said Williams. “I wanted to see what they offered in the way of diagnostic capability. I also wanted to see the wonderful training opportunities that exist out here for both BSB (Brigade Support Battalion) and echelon above BCT-level (Brigade Combat Team) logistics and sustainment capabilities.
“And,” Williams said, “it’s been very impressive.”
The four-acre STC complex provides collective-level training to support battalions, distribution companies, field maintenance companies, support maintenance companies, brigade support medical companies, and infantry brigade combat teams. More than 4,800 active duty Army, U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard Soldiers pass through the STC on an annual basis.
During the brief from the STC commander, Lt. Col. David Babb, discussions ranged from implementation of the new sustainment Mission Essential Task Lists (METL) and the possibility of establishing a Stryker repair course and Army personnel courses.
Williams was then given a tour of the technology training and allied trades areas and was able to observe Army National Guard units conducting their annual training at the Camp Dodge facility, including the Iowa National Guard’s 1034th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion and 3655th Maintenance Company (both from Camp Dodge); the 199th Brigade Support Battalion, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Lafayette, La.) from the Louisiana National Guard; and the Forward Support Company, 1092nd Engineer Battalion (Point Pleasant, W.V.), from the West Virginia National Guard.
“First and foremost, as it has been explained to me, this is for training of the National Guard. And so our National Guard resources have priority and it’s certainly understandable,” Williams said. “But in terms of the Total Force, clearly there are Reserve units that have access to this training. And in fact, we’ve also had Active Duty units come through for training, as well.
“It’s certainly a wonderful capability and one of the things I really like about it is the emphasis on improving the technical craft of our sustainment forces. And so I think the possibilities are pretty tremendous. It adds yet another tool to our sustainment kitbag for training,” he added.
According to unit feedback, fewer distractions, a low teacher-to-student ratio, and interactive, hands-on training highlight the STC training experience. Soldiers say they are actually able to do their jobs, rather than have to perform menial tasks such as setting up tents.
For example, Master Sgt. Eric D. Jaeger, the Automotive Maintenance Supervisor pointed out how supply personnel are able to ply their craft “from birth to grave.”
“They have the opportunity to order a part, get it and then get it to the repair area. These Soldiers experience actual, real-world turn-around times and gain practical experience through building relationships with the mechanics and by running maintenance meetings,” Jaeger said.
By the completion of his visit, Williams had a more concise concept of this unique, state-of-the-art training center nestled within America’s heartland.
“I just want to thank the team here at Camp Dodge for showing me the capabilities that are available here,” said Williams. “As I go back to the Combined Arms Support Command, responsible for the training of our sustainment force, it has certainly widened my aperture about resources that are available to enhance that training to all of our forces.
“There is no ‘one size fits all.’ So the National Training Center and the Joint Readiness Training Center are great for some of our Active Duty capability, and certainly for our Reserve and National Guard.
“But everybody can’t get there. And this one works far better for the model that the National Guard and elements of the Reserve are able to take advantage of. So I just appreciate the tremendous capability and a broader understanding of how our Total Force is trained. And so I appreciate being here,” said Williams.
| Date Taken: | 03.25.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.25.2016 13:39 |
| Story ID: | 193531 |
| Location: | JOHNSTON, IA, US |
| Web Views: | 230 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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