Readiness ramps up for Oklahoma transportation detachment

Photo By Staff Sgt. Bradley Cooney | Members of the 1245th Transportation Company rear detachment, 345th Combat Service Support Battalion, Oklahoma Army National Guard, ground guide a palletized load system (PLS) in the motor pool during their field training operations at Camp Gruber Training Center near Braggs, Oklahoma, Saturday, March 3, 2019. Camp Gruber Training Center provides state-of-the-art facilities for units to train in both urban and rural environments. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mireille Merilice-Roberts)  

BRAGGS, OK, UNITED STATES

03.02.2019

Story by Sgt. Bradley Cooney 

145th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

CAMP GRUBER, Okla. --- The brisk Oklahoma winds blew through the valleys and plains of Camp Gruber Training Center near Braggs, Oklahoma, Saturday. Bundled up and braving the sub-freezing temperatures, members of rear detachment, 1245th Transportation Company, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard, train on hooking vehicles up to trailers.

While most of the is deployed overseas, the rear detachment spends their time sharpening their skills through training like this at CGTC. Along with driver’s training, they work on basic Soldiering skills, multiple weapons systems and mastering their individual specialty.

"We are going through hands-on classes to improve performance and skills on our equipment,” said Staff Sgt. Jesse Curtis, of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, acting platoon sergeant for 1245th rear detachment's 1st platoon. “We're getting everybody certified and licensed properly.”

During a normal drill weekend, it can be difficult devoting the entirety of time to training Soldiers in their respective jobs. The opportunity to come to CGTC and focus solely on job training has proven beneficial for the company.

Camp Gruber's state-of-the-art facilities enables the unit to train on various terrain, from urban to rural environments, keeping their traditional Guardsmen proficient in their respective roles. "Getting them out there and training hard is the goal," said Curtis.

Having a well-trained transportation element is paramount to a unit’s mission success. The movement of supplies and personnel in an efficient, safe and timely manner is crucial.

“As a rear detachment of nearly 100 Soldiers, it is essential that we are maintaining safe driving standards, good licensing practices and instill the importance of not only maintaining your skill sets but seeking constant improvement.” said 1st Lt. Jennifer Arends, commander of the 1245th rear detachment.

While the unit waits for the rest of their team to safely return from deployment, they will continue to train, upholding the highest standard of operational proficiency.

• Date Taken: 03.02.2019
• Date Posted: 03.05.2019 17:21
• Story ID: 312653
• Location: BRAGGS, OK, US
• Hometown: ADA, OK, US
• Hometown: LOCUST GROVE, OK, US