3rd CANADIAN DIVISION SUPPORT BASE DET WAINWRIGHT, AB-- Preparing for combat is always a daunting task, but having the right people and equipment can make all the difference.
The 877th Quartermaster Company is one of the U.S. Army Reserve units supporting the Canadian Army during Maple Resolve 19. Maple Resolve is a joint, multinational training exercise with multiple countries and over 5000 troops that is hosted to validate the Canadian Army for future missions. The 877th Quartermaster Company’s primary Mission is to provide fuel for the exercise.
Sgt. Danielle Gomes, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the setting up and operating of the fuel station, said she has been working hard with her soldiers to try and cross-train them on how to be able to set up the equipment needed to complete the mission.
Having the Canadians there and building that relationship has made things go a lot smoother for the company.
“They are so comfortable with giving us help and allowing us to work,” said Gomes, when talking about the Canadian Army.
Even though some of the equipment has been different, the Quartermaster Company has been able to make it work. They have been able to incorporate their background knowledge to produce exceptional results.
Pfc. Joel Jones, a Petroleum Specialist with the 877th Quartermaster Company, said that some of their equipment does not line up with what the Canadian Army has, but they order different parts to make it work.
Not only is this exercise helping the Canadian Army but has made this company more capable to go into the field.
“It was nice for me to have this experience and I feel like I know more now”. Gomes said, “ It also has been good experience for my soldiers to handle other countries.”
Making the best of the situation and focusing on what the mission is pushes the company to success with setting up the fuel point and creating a good bond with our NATO counterparts.
“After all fuel leads the way,” said Gomes.