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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Sep 6, 2008 - 11:54:07 AM |
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America's Army Reserve : 100 years of tradition continues with 316th ESC
By Maj. Christopher E. West, 316th ESC Public Affairs Officer
Apr 22, 2008 - 6:47:49 PM
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Blackanthem Military News
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| Members of the 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) standing behind Brig. Gen. Gregory E. Couch, the commanding general of the unit, along with Command Sgt. Maj. Stacey E. Davis, the unit’s senior enlisted leader, during a cake cutting ceremony to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Army Reserve. |
LSA ANACONDA, Iraq - As servicemembers prepare to celebrate the 100th anniversary of U.S. Amy Reserve April 23, it is only befitting that they remember the selfless service, sacrifices, and dedication to duty that countless warrior-citizens have made-and continue to make-to sustain our nation, secure our freedom and prolong our prosperity.
Since its humble inception as a small reserve contingency of about 360 medical professionals, the Army Reserve has transformed into a federal combat support and combat service support-focused operational, expeditionary, and homeland defense force that is an integral part of the total Army.
Without question, the warrior-citizens of today's Army Reserve are the best trained, best led, and best equipped fighting force our Nation has ever fielded, and the patriotic men and women who comprise the 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) is no exception to this precept. The history-making unit based out of Coraopolis, Pa. is the first U.S. Army element of its kind, active or reserve, to test the validity of modular force logistics in a wartime environment.
Modular force logistics is an evolutionary concept, which emphasizes streamlining the process of how supply resources are procured, distributed, and replenished. This new concept helps military logistics elements forecast resources needed more effectively and efficiently.
It also helps diminish redundancies by reducing unnecessary layers. Operational command and control improves by providing leaders total visibility of the distribution system, its content, and the theater infrastructure.
Prior to assuming its pioneering role as the senior logistics command in Iraq last August, the unit trained extensively for several months to ensure it was poised and battle ready to help combat units achieve and sustain the victory.
"We're versatile and mobile, can cater to several military branches -- whether U.S., Coalition or Iraqi and can manage logistics at every level in theater, from the individual Soldier to the collective unit mission," said Brig. Gen. Gregory E. Couch, commanding general of the 316th ESC and a native of Olathe, Kan. "Our job is to ensure that proper planning has taken place, that each unit we support can fulfill its mission, that their movements go smoothly, and that they have the best equipment and supplies," he added.
The command's motto, "Sustain the Victory," translates into providing everything from bullets to beans, from fuel to maintenance parts to coordinating certain human resources. The command oversees 20,000 logistical Soldiers, providing support to United States forces, Coalition partners and Iraqi forces in theater.
"The Army Reserve is no longer simply a force in reserve. We are a vital part of our nation's defense. We are no longer a strategic force that stays in reserve until we are needed to supplement other forces. Today's Army Reserve is a skill-rich, operational force, complementing the joint force where and when needed," said Command Sgt. Maj. Stacey E. Davis, the senior enlisted leader of the 316th and a resident of Silver Springs, Md. "That is what we do here daily, around the clock. We provide the resources needed to maintain our combat effectiveness whether in Taji, Baghdad, Tikrit, Kuwait, or here," Davis further remarked.
As evident by their conspicuous performance of duty, the men and women of the 316th are continuing the proud tradition of selfless service tour nation and to freedom loving people everywhere that makes the Army Reserve such a special and renowned organization. Like previous warrior-citizens of times past, they, too, have answered the call to duty, put boots on the ground, and demonstrated to both friend and foe that they are indeed Army Strong!
Proud of their past and confident in their future, the Army Reserve Soldiers currently serving are part of the next greatest generation of Americans who have served their nation in the military. And they are serving with pride and with distinction.
Editor's Note: Major Christopher E. West is the public affairs officer for the 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command based out of Coraopolis, Pa. The unit is near completion of its yearlong tour of duty in Balad, Iraq.
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