Two female Soldiers teaming up at JRTC

Photo By Lt. Col. Brandon Mace | U.S. Army Reserve Pvt. Maeghan Stanley, a culinary specialist, and Pvt. Shauntilize Newsom, a petroleum supply specialist, both with the 910th Quartermaster Company, help each other put on their chemical protective equipment for a simulated attack during Joint Readiness Training Center rotation 19-5, March 15 to 26, 2019, at Fort Polk, Louisiana. JRTC provides America’s military forces relevant, rigorous, multi-echelon training in a decisive action and mission rehearsal exercise environment to develop adaptive leaders, confident units, and robust capabilities across the range of military operations achieving Army readiness. (U.S. Army Reserve Photo by Maj. Brandon R. Mace)  

FORT POLK, LA, UNITED STATES

03.20.2019

Story by Maj. Brandon Mace 

412th Theater Engineer Command

JRTC

FORT POLK, La. – Members of the U.S. Army Reserve’s 910th Quartermaster Company, based in Ardmore, Oklahoma, provided service support for Joint Readiness Training Center rotation 19-5, March 15 to 26, 2019, here.

JRTC provides America’s military forces relevant, rigorous, multi-echelon training in a decisive action and mission rehearsal exercise environment to develop adaptive leaders, confident units, and robust capabilities across the range of military operations achieving Army readiness.

During this exercise, the 910th QM Company provided fuel support to the other participating units. This mission combined the real-world requirement of fuel transport and delivery with simulated scenarios where the Soldiers had to defend themselves from various enemy attacks.

U.S. Army Reserve Pvt. Maeghan Stanley, a culinary specialist with the 910th QM Company, was there participating with her unit. She said some of the missions were hard, but it was good training.

“I honestly think it's really good deployment training,” said Stanley. “It gets us ready for deployment, giving us an idea of what we could expect if we deployed. I feel like everybody in the military should do this type of training.”

Stanley prefers this type of realistic exercise over the limited training they can do on a battle assembly weekend. She was surprised at how active the training exercise was, and said it has given her a new awareness of what it means to be lethal and combat-ready in her warrior tasks and drills.

“We’re actually getting attacked!” said Stanley. “Out here it’s a lot more action, were actually doing stuff like wearing our chemical masks. You have to be ready to be attacked. Always have your stuff near you so you’re ready and able to grab it really fast and get into the battle.”

Fellow Soldier Pvt. Shauntilize Newsom, a petroleum supply specialist also with the 910th QM Company, agrees. She added that this gives her unit an opportunity to get to know one another, improving their teamwork.

“It really is good training, our Soldiers are very exhausted,” said Newsom. “We are learning about each other a lot more. We know everybody's weaknesses, who we can move with, and where we have to back that person up so that they are helped.”

Stanley and Newsom have only been in the Army Reserve for about a year, so this idea of helping each other out is important to them as they learn and grow in their jobs. They are two of only five female Soldiers from their unit on this mission, but they said that doesn’t make a bit of difference.

“We are just as good if not better,” laughed Newsom. “We are treated just like the males honestly. We’re Soldiers just like the males. We are all out here as a team supporting the other units.”

Stanley couldn’t agree more, and she hopes to one day become a leader in the Army Reserve so she can mentor and guide the next generation of Soldiers.

“It kind of makes you feel good to be a woman in the military because it lets everyone know that we can do these same things that the males can do,” said Stanley. “It's just my first year, but eventually I do want to strive to to be an NCO.”

Like Stanley, Newsom also has her eyes set on being a leader in the future. She is always asking questions to gain the knowledge she needs to complete her current tasks and to build her military knowledge.

“I kind of like to take charge and get stuff done. I have a two-year plan in my head,” said Newsom. “In two years I want to be a E5 so I can guide people. I have some good NCOs that have taken me under their wing. It was instilled in me that if you have a good NCO, they’re going to help and guide you, so I’m always asking what are we doing and why are we doing it.”

These are just two of the capable, combat-ready and lethal young Soldiers of the U.S. Army Reserve. Throughout the year, training exercises are put on throughout the U.S. to give them and Soldiers like them the tools they need to be ready for anything.

The 910th Quartermaster Company is part of the 90th Sustainment Brigade and 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: 03.20.2019
• Date Posted: 03.20.2019 14:46
• Story ID: 315037
• Location: FORT POLK, LA, US