3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Soldier excited to be involved with the convoy security company training

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Michael Behlin | Capt. Brian Pilch, a Seward, Alaska, native, and battle captain for the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) convoy security company, explains the CSC daily battle rhythm to Brig. Gen.Michael J. Lally, 3rd ESC commanding general, during his visit to Camp Buehring, Kuwait. As the CSC battle captain, Pilch is responsible for facilitating training with key instructors for each incoming company  

BALAD, IRAQ

12.29.2008

Story by Spc. Michael Behlin 

3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command

By Michael Behlin
3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Training Soldiers to become safer and more knowledgeable on the equipment they will be using in Iraq is a big deal to 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) commanding general, Brig. Gen. Michael J. Lally.

Matter of fact, he found this so important that he put into action the 3rd ESC convoy security company, which was based at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

The CSC consisted of a 10-man team from 3rd ESC Soldiers appointed by Lally to help reduce the accident rate in the command. Doing so, the 3rd ESC pulled Soldiers from its combat security units to form a complete team of organizers and trainers.

Making the trip to Kuwait with the team is Capt. Brian Pilch, a support operations mobility officer for the 3rd ESC and Seward, Alaska, native. Pilch, a 16-year service member, took an enthusiastic approach to ensuring the safety of Soldiers with his position within the CSC.

As a battle captain for the CSC, Pilch was responsible for facilitating training with key instructors for each company. Each brigade combat team has around 20 to 24 companies that he coordinates with and locks in the times and amount of vehicles they will use.

Pilch helps organize training that includes convoy live fire lanes and Blue Force tracker.

"I think that with any familiarization training, the earlier it's conducted, the better," said Pilch. "The Soldiers have a better understanding of how big and powerful these vehicles are."

So far, Pilch said the training has been phenomenal as the CSC has met the commanding general's intent on getting Soldiers familiar with the Mine Resistance Ambush-Protected and M1117 armored security vehicles that the Army is using in theater.

Fueling Pilch's enthusiasm throughout the training were Soldiers and has been something that was more prevalent in his military career during his time as a noncommissioned officer six years ago.

The former staff sergeant was excited to watch Soldiers go through the training process and interact with them as well. When asked what part of the training he enjoyed, he replied, "Soldiers."

"I've taken some ownership of this training because when I see these young Soldiers faces, who are our brothers and sisters in arms," said Pilch. "Anything we can do to help facilitate them being safe, I'm all for it."

"We're put into harm's way and that comes with our jobs, and we know that," he continued. "But anything we can do to keep Soldiers safe, we as leaders need to embrace and try to develop further."

From his interaction with trainers and Soldiers who conducted the training, Pilch said the feedback has been outstanding. The Soldiers have been grateful and enthusiastic to learn and drive the various pieces of equipment they will operate in Iraq. He said that at his level of leadership, he hopes the training will help reduce or eliminate the accident rate in country.

Pilch and his fellow CSC cadre expect the accident rates to drop in the future for incoming brigade combat teams. To sum it all up, he has given the CSC training his personal stamp of approval.

"I believe in it," Pilch said, "and I'm proud to be a part of it."

• Date Taken: 12.29.2008
• Date Posted: 12.29.2008 04:01
• Story ID: 28231
• Location: BALAD, IQ