To feed an army

Photo By OR-5 Mark Doran | (L-R) Pvt. Daniel Hartman, Pvt. Ryan Hasler, Cpl. Jason Balchin, Pvt. Jordan Andersen and Pvt. Bradley Twyford unpack a grocery delivery at Camp Rocky during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 is a combined U.S. and Australian exercise aimed at improving combat training, readiness and interoperability, across the spectrum of military operations from conventional conflict to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance efforts. The exercise forms part of the Australia Defense Forces’ extensive training program to ensure preparedness or any future deployments and the continued readiness to protect and support Australia and its national interests and to ensure Australian and U.S. military forces can work together efficiently and safely. Almost 22,000 Australian and U.S. personnel will participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011, which will see personnel and assets from the Australian and U.S. Navy, Army and Air Force as well as the U.S. Marines training in six defense training areas in Central and Northern Queensland and the Northern Territory, with maritime forces exercising in the Coral, Timor and Arafura Seas.  

ROCKHAMPTON, QL, AUSTRALIA

07.12.2011

Story by Mark Doran 

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command         

ROCKHAMPTON, Australia - Logistics have come a long way since Napoleon's day and the 10FSB ration store at DSG Camp Rocky shows that an army still marches on its proverbial stomach - just the supply chain is now digital.

During the peak of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 close to 9000 troops from Australia and the U.S. will require daily rations in the Rockhampton/SWBTA.

Five local suppliers were awarded the main supply contracts for Talisman Sabre 2011 in Rockhampton and are responsible for the deliveries of meat, fruit and vegetables, bread, dairy products, groceries and ice for the troops.

WO2 Glenn Chant, 10FSB WO Control Officer at DSG Camp Rocky, said they had a detachment of six drivers from 9FSB in their team of 14 and their vehicles included three refrigerated trucks and three Hinos to deliver all the fresh rations for the field kitchens at SWBTA six times a week.

“TS11 has given our newer soldiers the experience of doing their job in the field at a much larger scale than they are used to and they now appreciate what it is like to feed a few thousand people at once,” Chant said.

“One request we are sorting for the U.S. troops is to have kosher meals available for Jewish personnel, this is a minor hurdle as these meals can’t be prepared in our kitchens and have to come from Brisbane.

“We also have Australian/Muslim soldiers who have Haalal dietary requirements which are provided for by the local butcher.

“TS11 has highlighted the need to have the Inspector Foodstuffs trade within Army because of the ability to be able to purchase the rations in bulk and then know the requirements for packaging and shipping to the exercise area.

“This will ensure the products are always delivered at the finest quality from the supplier to the field kitchens.”

• Date Taken: 07.12.2011
• Date Posted: 07.12.2011 04:48
• Story ID: 73572
• Location: ROCKHAMPTON, QL, AU