BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – From the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas - bright lights, busy people, dancing and music - comes a small unit of movement control personnel ready to bring that energy to Bagram Air Field.
The 948th Movement Control Team, 313th Joint Movement Control Battalion, ensures the soldiers living and working on Bagram Air Field receive cargo shipped by air. The unit also assists soldiers in coordinating the shipment of cargo by truck, plane or helicopter.
“Our soldiers know that what we do here matters and that they are making a difference every day,” said Capt. Shawn Adams, commander, 948th MCT, a native of Surprise, Ariz. “They really enjoy the interaction with the soldiers and units here on Bagram - they are able to assist and make their missions more successful.”
The U.S. Army Reserve unit prepared for this mission during post-mobilization training at Camp Atterbury, Ind.; sweeping changes are already underway, just two months after arriving in theater.
“The mission here is pretty close to what they set up for us at Camp Atterbury,” said Adams. “Except now, we have to relocate our entire operation to the other side of the base. That is presenting a whole new set of obstacles. We, in the 948, say that with every obstacle comes opportunity; just as every opportunity comes with obstacles.”
This unit, only together since August of 2010, seems capable of overcoming any obstacle with all the Las Vegas energy and positive attitudes of its members. When the unit first began training last year, 24 eager soldiers were members of the team. Only 21 could deploy, creating a very difficult decision for Adams.
“We had to decide which three would not be able to join us for the mission. It was tough letting them go. They all truly wanted to deploy and serve their country,” said Adams.
The team continues to prove how impressive it really is. While continuing operations, leaders prepare for the relocation. However, no one ever loses focus on the mission here at Bagram.
“Our unit knows that the war fighters who go outside the wire daily to face the enemy have everything they need because we assisted them in getting it. We say, ‘They can do what they do, because we do what we do,’” said Adams.
The 948th MCT continues to support the effort in Afghanistan in all the ways Adams expected and some he did not.
“My team surprises me every day with skills I was unaware of them possessing and a level of professionalism and motivation that I believe is unmatched by any unit I’ve ever been a part of. They are truly remarkable,” he said.
These soldiers provide support to each other, the war fighter, and their families, through a strong Family Readiness Group. They posed for a unit photo near where they work here at Bagram Air Field and hope to share their excitement for the movement control mission with those here and at home.
When asked what he would share with families and friends back in Las Vegas, Adams said, “I would tell them that being here with 948 MCT has far exceeded my wildest expectations. As a commander, I have definitely hit the jackpot. This unit rocks!”