In Greek mythology, Atlas holds the weight of the world on his shoulders. A familiar image shows Atlas crouching on a single knee, laboring to support his burden. It could be said Atlas and Lt. Col. Matthew Reynolds, battalion commander of 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, cast similar shadows. In many respects, 703rd BSB holds substantial weight of the Spartan Brigade’s mission on its shoulders.
Known as the “Maintainers,” the 703rd BSB’s priorities are vehicle maintenance, providing fuel, ammunition and medical support.
“Every day I am focused on how I’m going to generate combat power to keep maintenance flowing throughout the brigade,” said Reynolds. “The brigade commander looks to me to keep track of all the maintenance transactions flowing throughout our Support Supply Activity shops. My job is to always have combat power in the fight.”
Managing that mission is a tall order. To combat its complexity, Reynold’s philosophy aims to simplify commands with clear communication. For the Battalion’s mission to succeed, he must maintain confidence in 703rd BSB Soldiers’ abilities to carry out the mission. For example, establishing a successful Brigade Support Area requires well thought-out plans which not only subordinate leaders understand, but should all Soldiers within the organization. Clear communication allows each individual to know their job, task, and purpose in each operation.
"Due to our brigade commander sustaining such a high standard for our company commanders, I have full trust and confidence in them,” said Reynolds. “703rd and the Spartan Brigade is a learning organization dedicated to hard work.”
That hard work came in earnest as 703rd Soldiers built highly mobile Tactical Operation Centers throughout “Spartan Focus” and “Marne Focus”, brigade and division-level, force-on-force field exercises. TOCs contain specialized staff that helps a commander shape the battlefield and must also be defended. These field training exercises allow leadership to identify weaknesses and learn from them.
“Conducting these training events builds trust and cohesion,” continued Reynolds. “Solidifying that trust is the base foundation in everything we do.”
During 2ABCT’s conversion from a light brigade to the Army’s 15th armored brigade, 703rd has seen a large increase in mechanized equipment. Servicing those platforms poses a new set of logistical challenges and maintenance requirements.
“A major difference I have noticed is the increased volume of fuel and ammunition now that we are an armored brigade,” said Reynolds. “The bigger the tanks the bigger the bullets, which means more fuel required to remain in the sustainment fight.”
Reynolds continued, “I will do everything I can to ensure our tanks are mission ready. Having the ability to supply parts and keep our equipment running is how we fight and win.”
The Spartan Brigade will place even more weight on the 703rd’s broad shoulders as 2ABCT prepares for its rotation at the National Training Center, in Fort Irwin, Ca. For more information on the 703rd Maintainers, check out https://www.facebook.com/703rdBSB/