Cpl. Benjamin Cossel
CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- From office supplies, to combat boots, war is hell on equipment. Without the right equipment, performing one's mission at best can be difficult at worst, impossible. With operations that run around the clock, Soldiers of the Headquarters Company and 239th Military Intelligence Company supply sections ensure Bowie Brigade troopers always have the proper equipment.
The sign attached to the wooden fence in front of the non-descript warehouse belies the buildings true purpose. "Welcome to Little Rock!" the stenciled letters read, the only indication that this particular warehouse is different on the long stretch of road dotted with similar buildings.
"We run a consolidated warehouse operation out of this building," explained Jonesboro, Ark., resident Staff Sgt. Chris Baker, supply noncommissioned officer in charge with the 239th Military Intelligence Company, 39th Brigade Combat Team. "From here, the 239tht MI Company and the Brigade's HHC (Headquarters Company) are responsible for the issue, maintenance and accounting of all OCIE [Organizational Clothing, Individual Equipment]."
Issuing of gear to Soldiers is just one piece of the multi-faceted mission of the joint supply section.
"Along with issuing equipment, the supply section is responsible for the final accountability of all equipment within the company," said Sgt. Ellett Quarles a resident of Marvell, Ark., and the supply sergeant with Headquarters Company, 39th BCT. "We're the guys who keep the company commander out of trouble."
For every piece of gear that a Soldier receives, a sheet of paper in the form of a hand receipt accompanies the issue. Ultimately, the commander of a unit is responsible for those items on his property book. Quarles explained it is the job of the supply sergeant to make sure the necessary paperwork is in proper order and every piece of gear is accounted for.
"So we have the documentation and records that we are charged with maintaining," Quarles said. "Of course we make supply runs to Camp Anaconda on a regular basis to restock our supplies as well as obtaining equipment for Soldiers that we don't carry here on Camp Taji."
With all that the supply section is responsible for, having a good team of Soldiers is essential to a smooth operation.
"Were it not for the great group of Soldiers I have working for me," said Baker, "we would never be able to keep up with the pace working in a combat zone requires us to maintain."
As Soldiers of the brigade run 24-hour operations, to meet their obligation, the supply section too must run around the clock ensuring Soldiers needs are met. That need, coupled with obligations outside their daily duties has presented challenges for the section.
"Running 24 hours, giving up people from my section to stand local national watch, do rotations working on the tower, it can put a strain on your operations," Quarles said. "But everyone here is making sacrifices and stepping up to the plate and with a lot of hard work, we are accomplishing our mission."
The long hours, the shuffling of people, convoys and monthly inventories, all add up for a long tiring day, but at the end of it, Quarles noted, it's the job satisfaction that keeps him and his Soldiers going.
"Knowing that we are able to help people, help them get what they needâ?¦ For all of us, that's the thrill and satisfaction of this job, getting that something difficult for someone that makes their life easier or lets them perform their mission easer, that makes us all smile and keeps us moving."
| Date Taken: | 12.03.2004 |
| Date Posted: | 12.03.2004 11:44 |
| Story ID: | 686 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 171 |
| Downloads: | 130 |
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