Across the Arabian Gulf and the Levant, Soldiers assigned to Operation Spartan Shield are doing their part to create cleaner, safer work environments for themselves and the units that will replace them.
With guidance from the 35th Infantry Division, Task Force Spartan Soldiers are making strides in being stewards of Army resources by cleaning up their areas of responsibility by carrying out Operation Clean Sweep.
“We have seen more organization in motor pools and flight lines and less clutter, making it easier for units to work,” said 35th Inf. Div. Senior Div. Logistics Officer Maj. Mark Bastian.
Bastian explained that the objective of Clean Sweep is to recover excess material and equipment and turn it in at the Camp Arifjan retrograde sort yard. There, it will be identified, sorted, and categorized by specialized contractors. Contractors identify the parts and classify each piece as either serviceable or non-serviceable. If parts are deemed serviceable, they will go back into stock in the Army computer system where they can be located, ordered and shipped globally to any other unit that may need that particular repair part or piece of equipment.
35th Inf. Div. Deputy Commanding General of Operations Brig. Gen. Jeff Van explained the newer Army computer system (GCSS – Global Combat Support System) in a way that makes sense to both seasoned and newer Soldiers.
“Older Soldiers are used to keeping repair parts on their shelves and grabbing them as needed,” Van explained. “With GCSS – Army, younger Soldiers can understand it easier by comparing it to Amazon for the military.”
“The system can locate a part at any Army warehouse worldwide and it will ship from the warehouse closest to the destination. Soldiers are more apt to use the system because it’s more efficient than the old Army supply systems,” continued Van.
By adding the unused equipment and excess repair parts back into the GCSS system, not only are Soldiers clearing up their work areas, they are saving the government and taxpayers money by reusing equipment that may have otherwise been forgotten about.
“Soldiers need to know that by doing their part and taking the time to do this right, they are doing the right thing for themselves, the Army and taxpayers,” said Col. Timothy Bush, 35th Inf. Div. chief of staff.
“Once the Soldiers complete their turn-ins and contractors are able to add the serviceable items back to stock, those parts are able to be used in a more efficient manner,” Bush stated. “Instead of possibly waiting weeks for a repair part to ship from the U.S., it might show up in a warehouse here. That could lead to a difference of days as opposed to weeks of downtime for equipment being used on missions.”
By gaining visibility of the resources available in the region, equipment may be down for less time, leading to greater mission success. And while Soldiers continue working on their piece of decluttering their work areas, they are also taking part of something much bigger than they may be aware of. They’re setting their replacements up for success while being stewards of Army resources and government funds.