IRAQ - Every solider in Iraq needs water, food and equipment in order to perform their mission. For some, these things just seem to appear out of the blue, but the soldiers of the 123rd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Armored Division, know different.
The ‘Iron Support’ soldiers work day in and day out to ensure that U.S. forces across central Iraq have everything that they need to accomplish their mission. One way they do this is by providing security for resupply convoys.
Although the 123rd BSB is comprised of fuel handlers, mechanics, medics and logistics specialists, many of these sustainment soldiers provide a service traditionally conducted by combat arms troops – convoy escort teams.
The logisticians receive special training, like the convoy commander’s course, which provides convoy commanders the skills needed to plan and execute convoy security operations, in order to conduct this mission.
“This mission is complex on multiple levels,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Saeed A. Mustafa, command sergeant major for 123rd BSB, 4th AAB, 1st Armored Div.
The soldiers who are assigned to the lead truck of the convoy escort team know the dangers of the mission and are well trained to stay safe during this type of operation.
Sgt. Carlos Gaxiola, a petroleum supply specialist with the 123rd BSB, was selected by Mustafa to be a truck commander for the lead truck. The decision to assign him to command the lead truck was a deliberate decision. This is Gaxiola’s second deployment as a truck commander, and he has experience working in a lead truck.
He and his crew start working several hours before the convoy starts to ensure all of their equipment is functional before the mission.
Non-commissioned officers on the team check equipment after the crew has done their checks. Every piece of equipment that will be on the convoy is checked and double-checked, with Mustafa overseeing the entire process.
This ensures that the lead truck and the rest of the convoy vehicles are completely ready for any threats that might arise during the convoy.
“There is only a small element that wants to do harm to us,” said Mustafa. “But if they try, it is our job to fight and defend the convoy.”
After the checks are completed, it is time for the convoy escort teams to lead a convoy comprised of several large trucks, loaded with equipment, outside the wire.
Gaxiola and his crew call up any activity they see in the front so there are no surprises for any of the trucks behind him.
They also maintain the speed of the convoy, keeping at a nice slow pace, which allows them to see any threats that might be along the route. This pace also gives drivers time to react to the traffic around them.
Until it is time for the 123rd BSB to go home, they will continue to make sure soldiers in Iraq have what they need.
“They are able to shoot, move and communicate; they are physically fit and trained,” said Mustafa. “They are the grunts of sustainment.”