Soldiers with the Alabama Army National Guard’s 123rd Classification and Inspection Company recently completed their annual training at Anniston Army Depot.
The partnership between the unit and the depot is a new one, allowing the Soldiers a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced civilians in a real-world maintenance and logistics environment.
ANAD’s industrial environment gave Guardsmen exposure to large-scale maintenance operations that are difficult to replicate during traditional drill annual training.
Army Capt. KayLynn Brittain, commander of the 123rd CICo, said the training gave the Soldiers the wrench time they needed.
“My maintainers can dedicate two weeks to honing their craft and working on equipment that we do not have organically in the unit but are expected to be proficient in to complete our missions both at home and abroad,” said Brittain.
The 123rd is one of seven Classification and Inspection Companies in the National Guard. CICos receive, temporarily store, disassemble, classify, inspect and gain accountability for retrograde materiel.
“In other words, we support the warfighter from a sustainment standpoint,” said Brittain. “If they need equipment maintained, stored and pushed to the front lines, we are the team that makes it happen.”
Sgt. Blake Jones, a track vehicle repair mechanic with the 123rd, said the experience reinforces their confidence and their technical proficiency.
“You actually get to see the vehicle you know and love being put together from day one, ground up. So it’s interesting to see what goes into it,” he said.
Cassandra Simmons, ANAD’s depot operations officer, helped coordinate the unit’s training and said it was another example of the depot’s continued commitment to Army readiness.
“With a workforce comprised of 99% civilians, the integration of military personnel within ANAD’s production areas reinforces our primary operational objective—providing unwavering support to the warfighter.”