Working together to build a sustainable training center

Photo By Maj. Scott Kuhn | YAVORIV, Ukraine--Capt. Robert Wilburn, officer in charge of logistics and infrasturcture for the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine listens as a Ukrainian contractor explains the improvements being made in one of the buildings at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center here. JMTG-U is a multinational training effort consisting of nearly 500 Soldiers from the U.S., Ukraine, Canada, Lithuania, U.K. and Poland. Its purpose is to train Ukrainian Ground Forces in defensive skills while simultaneously helping to build capacity through the development of Ukrainian cadre and building a sustainable combat training center. (Army Photo by Capt. Scott Kuhn)  

YAVORIV, UKRAINE

08.12.2016

Story by Capt. Scott Kuhn 

U.S. Army Europe and Africa     

YAVORIV, Ukraine — When you pass through the gates of Central City at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center here, the first thing that strikes you are the golden-yellow buildings accented by deep red roofs among the tall, green pine and oak trees. The bright colors make it easy to forget that these are buildings that were originally constructed during the soviet-era. That fact isn’t lost on Capt. Robert Wilburn, the officer in charge of logistics and infrastructure for the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine.

Central City is one of three complexes with barracks, dining facilities, office buildings and a gym at the IPSC, a sprawling training area with maneuver and weapons ranges. Currently, JMTG-U calls it home and part of calling it home is making improvements to the infrastructure and providing life support services to the hundreds of multinational Soldiers who also call it home. That’s where Wilburn and his team come in.

Improving Living Conditions
“When I first hit ground [8 months ago] it was a very unstable infrastructure design as far as support capabilities,” Wilburn said. “There was very minimal support, very limited understanding of logistical support on how the Ukrainians would be able to be successful in the future and maintain a legitimate training facility.”

The base was able to support only about 400-500 personnel, which was just enough to meet the needs of the multinational forces here. Add to that the 600 soldiers of the rotating Ukrainian battalions and things became more difficult. In addition, the infrastructure was sparse. Hot water was limited, beds were more than 30 years old, rooms were in short supply and there was only one dining facility.

While the Canadian Army would add a second, smaller DFAC to help support the large number of soldiers, Wilburn had his work cut out for him. He assessed everything he’d observed then identified shortfalls in order to prioritize his efforts.

“We (JMTG-U) had a very small team of 10 of us early on but I knew that I had another 50 coming on post shortly after. I also had a number of training teams coming on as well,” he said. “So, you look at the living conditions as they were and the health and welfare of soldiers and ultimately the sustainability of the training base and that was the number one job for me to tackle.”

He got to work right away on identifying various courses of action to help meet the need of an increasing population at the base. But, whatever course he took he also had to ensure that the solutions were in line with what the Ukrainians could sustain.

“I ultimately came up with three COAs [courses of action]. First, eliminate the single bunk living conditions and go to a bunk-bed style, which gave the soldiers more living space. Second, bring in Alaska style tents, which could support another 12-15 soldiers on a rotational type basis. Third was to bring in the BERG housing shelters (mobile containerized housing units) which can support up to 10 personnel,” he said.

Wilburn said that he was hoping to get approval for at least one of these courses of action, but to his surprise he got approval for all three, within a month.

Learning the finer details of contracting
Wilburn has been a logistics officer his entire career and currently serves with the 224th Sustainment Brigade of the California National Guard. His experience in logistics and handling contracts gave him a basis to begin the process, but he's had a lot to learn along the way.

“I am learning a little more because I am actually handling contract development, scope of work type of things like that for multiple contracts,” he said. “Once we got the process down and figured out how to rout the contracts the process became more streamlined and faster.”

Since the beginning of the year they have awarded almost 20 contracts for various projects ranging from the procurement of 180 bunk beds, 12 Alaska tents and 14 BERGS to road improvements, hot water heaters for the showers and the addition of a third DFAC.

The contracts have benefited the local community as well. According to Wilburn, there is not one project conducted at the IPSC that isn’t contracted to Ukrainian companies and local labor. This ensures a commitment to the project and builds trust and relationships with the local communities.

In addition to the life support improvements made to Central City, local contractors and Ukrainian Soldiers have been working hard to refurbish Engineer City. Although smaller than Central City, Engineer City needed a lot more work. Currently, contractors are gutting and refurbishing a three story barracks building there along with classrooms for training.

Building a team effort
Although he takes the lead on most of the projects here, Wilburn is quick to point out that this is a team effort. He has a team of two NCOs, two Lieutenants and another Captain. They are responsible for all sustainment operations, infrastructure development, S4 operations such as property accountability, mayor cell functions including base operations, classroom allocation and non-tactical vehicle support. And then there are his Ukrainian counterparts who he spends most of his time with.

“We are the number one point of contact within the Ukrainian elements when it comes to base life support and infrastructure development around here,” he said. “My daily functions require I spend more time with the Ukrainian side of the military personnel than anyone else on post to make sure that we are being functional and supportive on both ends of the spectrum. Getting their buy-in.”

The Ukrainians have committed to improving the infrastructure and sustainment of the IPSC. According to the news agency, Interfax-Ukraine, Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak announced recently that another UAH 50 million (more than $2 million U.S.) will be spent on improvements to the IPSC.

The way ahead
IPSC has grown to twice its capabilities since the beginning of the year. It can currently support 1,000 soldiers without any housing or health concerns. For Wilburn that is perhaps the most important achievement for he and his team.

“Our goal has always been focused on developing the capability to bring in soldiers and train them here without there being any questions on the commander’s part on ‘can I house them, can I feed them, is the training environment sustainable?’”

Wilburn is nearing the end of his deployment to Ukraine, but looks back on his time with pride and looks ahead with optimism and confidence.

“My end state is closing out all of my projects successfully and seeing Engineer City as a viable training site for housing and training Soldiers. I want to see this post continue to be able to maintain the environment that we have provided. A year from now, five years from now, I would like to see an improved operation and the Ukrainians being able to maintain the capabilities we have established together.”

• Date Taken: 08.12.2016
• Date Posted: 08.12.2016 08:27
• Story ID: 206897
• Location: YAVORIV, UA