Establishing an ammunition transfer and holding point allows for a rapid distribution of one of the most important commodities on the battlefield. This serves as a mid-point resupply, which in turn extends the 2d Cavalry Regiment’s operational reach. It allows for 2CR to begin forward deployment while ammunition is being transported via ground or air while en route to their final destination.
In coordination with the 16th Sustainment Brigade, the Regimental Support Squadron, 2CR established an ATHP at Powdiz, Poland, staging ammunition from May 28 - 31, 2018.
“We’re demonstrating here that we can carry the ammunition ourselves; that we can out load it in a timely manner and that we can do the out load at a location that’s en route to our final destination,” said Maj. Jed Hudson, support operations officer, RSS, 2CR.
The ATHP team was led by Warrant Officer Shawndaisha Williams, accountable officer, and 1st Lt. Nathan Riggeal, officer in charge, both of RSS, 2CR. Each squadron provided representatives to serve as ammo handlers for their unit. The intent was to provide the whole Regiment with a full combat load of replicated ammunition.
“This time, we have ordered the entire amount of replicated ammunition that a Stryker would receive when going to war,” said Capt. Kyle Thomas, support operations officer, RSS, 2CR. “Approximately 22 flat racks with replicated Class V [ammunition].”
The replicated ammunition was provided by the Hohenfels Tactical Air Support Command and transported to Powidz by 16th SBDE. For distribution purposes, the ammunition was broken down by serial configurations. The paperwork was pre-filled out in order to facilitate rapid distribution with each ammunition stack labeled by bumper number to mitigate any change in serial order.
After the ATHP was established, ammunition distribution was conducted June 1 - 4, ensuring each squadron received their first and second combat load in an expedient manner. Each serial was allotted 45-minutes to an hour to complete its ammunition draw from the ATHP.
“We’ve never done the full replicated combat load like we are doing here today,” said Hudson.
A regimental unit basic load consists of three combat loads. The first is what the Soldiers carry on their person and in their vehicle. It is the ammo that they will consume right away in a fight. The second combat load is what the forward support troop will carry to resupply the line troop. The third combat load is what the RSS, 2CR would carry to resupply the forward support troops.
"For Saber Strike, we are only replicating the first and second [combat load]," said Thomas.
The European theater is the only place where units are routinely stationed and also potentially forward deployed. This provides a unique opportunity to train self-sustainment during long movements. For Saber Strike 18, RSS, 2CR chose to exercise an opportunity to sign the ammunition down to the end-user up front, allowing for increased combat speed.
“The most important thing, I would say, is making sure our Soldiers are properly trained,” shared Williams. “Knowing how to store ammunition, how to make sure they have accountability of ammunition, making sure the Soldiers know how to put it into their vehicles.”
Powidz served as not only the ATHP, but also a bulk resupply point - providing bulk water, bulk fuel and bulk meals ready to eat for the squadrons. Overall, the coordination across units and countries provided 2CR with an invaluable experience and provided lessons learned for future operations.
“What we are doing here is a proof of concept for the United States Army for this onward movement through the European theater,” explained Capt. Kent Wiley, support operations distribution integration branch battle captain, 16th SBDE.
2CR is currently participating in the U.S. Army Europe-led multinational exercise Saber Strike 18 with 18,000 participants from 19 allied and partner nations.