Photo By Lt. Col. Brandon Mace | U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Austin Ross and Spc. Mbadinga Mbadinga, shower/laundry/clothing...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas – It takes all sorts of units conducting all sorts of missions to ensure the U.S. Army Reserve is ready to respond in the case of a large scale conflict. Throughout June, the 974th Quartermaster Company conducted a training exercise to ensure they are ready to do their part.
The 974th QM has been identified as one of the U.S. Army Reserve’s Ready Force X units. Capt. James Dunn, the commander of the unit, explained that this training exercise simulates the actual mission the unit would conduct if called upon.
“In the event of a large conflict, some RFX units will mobilize through Fort Bliss and then deploy,” said Dunn. “The 974th will arrive at Bliss 25 days prior to the first RFX units arriving. We will set up support services, mainly laundry and bath services and be ready to support those units deploying.”
Beyond this exercise, the 974th has also assisted units in thier real world deployments. Since March 2018 the unit has supported the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team in there deployment.
“We have been able to support approximately 5,000 troops,” said Dunn. “The troops of the 974th have worked tirelessly to provide the best support possible to those preparing to deploy.”
U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Jacinto Ponciano, a wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 974th, participated with the unit throughout the exercise. His primary duty has been moving equipment around at the central receiving and shipping point. While there have been challenges, the unit pulled together to make the mission happen.
“We have had a lot of new Soldiers and had to ensure effective training on equipment,” said Ponciano. “We overcame this obstacle by leaning on experienced Soldiers to instruct and oversee those in need of further instruction.”
He said this kind of training is great for the unit, providing an opportunity for Soldiers to train in their specialty and cross-train. It is also a great proof-of-concept for the real-world mission they must be ready to complete.
“Annual training like this provides Soldiers with more hands on experience with the equipment and tasks needed to perform their jobs effectively,” said Ponciano. “Battle assemblies are good training but nothing beats actually performing your job duties.”
The 974th Quartermaster Company is a part of the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). The command is made up of Soldiers, civilians and their families in units headquartered throughout Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. As part of America’s Army Reserve, these units are trained, combat-ready and equipped to provide military and logistical support in any corner of the globe.
| Date Taken: | 06.10.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.11.2018 19:29 |
| Story ID: | 280549 |
| Location: | EL PASO, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 218 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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