CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq— Commanders in every unit can agree that a strong supply section makes a unit’s transition in and out of theater an easier process. The supply section with the 40th Quartermaster Company, 110th Combat Service Support Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), demonstrated that, despite having a limited number of personnel, they still got the job done throughout their deployment at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq.
The unit’s supply section deals directly with accountability by ensuring that all paperwork is prepared and equipment is laid out. This allows the company commander to conduct inventories before signing and accepting the transfer of costly items into the unit’s hand receipts.
“Our job is to ensure every piece of equipment is accounted for,” said Staff Sgt. Laurie Aaron, a supply sergeant with the 40th QM Company, and a Detroit, Mich., native. “We double-check everything, because if we miss something, that means that someone will have to pay for it. Government prices are pretty high when it comes to equipment. By performing my job correctly, it alleviates the commander of additional stress and ensures that we are looking out for the soldiers.”
Aaron also said that carefully observing inventory ensures that units are receiving mission-capable equipment.
“In the supply section, we also turn in unserviceable equipment and clear it from the soldiers from any further responsibilities,” said Spc. Gloria Adams, a supply clerk with the 40th QM Company, and a San Diego, Calif., native. “There are still so many areas in which we support the company, such as submitting work orders for anything that is broken in the living areas and at work. With August being very hot, I can see how difficult it would be to work inside a building without a working air conditioner.”
Adams said that her main area of duty deals with the Army Direct Order program, which provides soldiers with replacement gear in order to keep their uniforms serviceable while deployed.
“Besides equipment, we also manage ammunition,” said Pfc. Kyle Calkins, a supply clerk with the 40th QM Company, and a Yuba City, Calif., native. “We make sure ammo is distributed among Soldiers. All the things that the supply section provides to the company require an account, which is why all the steps have to be taken beforehand to ensure we are able to support and provide.”
Calkins said that he believes that one of the hardest parts about supply is conducting research because there are so many stock numbers that resemble different types of parts. Conducting proper research assists in cutting order time to a fraction.
The 40th QM Company supply section does more than its share to provide unit support. Supply section Soldiers have been working nonstop, preparing for the future redeployment of the 40th QM Company, and ensuring a smooth transition for the unit.