Members of a Brigade Logistics Support Team that supports the Army Field Support Battalion-Hood, Fort Hood, Texas, got an eyeful on how another big, successful franchise like the Army & Air Force Exchange Service conducts its logistics.
Lt. Col. Tosie Andrews, battalion commander, led BLST personnel to the AAFES distribution center in Waco, Texas. Waco is about 65 miles north of Fort Hood.
The trip was part of the BLST's officer professional development to see how AAFES conducts its supply chain distribution management, Andrews said, and added that all were impressed with the Waco operations.
AAFES, part of the Department of Defense, sends merchandise to stores and post exchanges on military bases worldwide. Active and retired military personnel and their families may use AAFES facilities. Prices, on average, are about 20 percent cheaper compared to civilian stores and there is no tax.
Bryan Ed, AAFES Distribution Center director, gave part of the tour.
Andrews said she is also planning for the BLST to visit the Wal-Mart Regional Distribution Center in San Antonio within the month to see how it conducts supply chain management.
Attending the Waco trip were Chief Warrant Officer Francisco Orta, 3rd Cavalry Regiment BLST chief; Maj. Sosa Hiraldo, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division BLST chief; Chief Warrant Officer Clayton Peyton, Division Support Team, 1st Cavalry Division BLST chief; Master Sgt. Manuel Cordero, AFSBn-Hood senior enlisted adviser; Maj. Eduardo Pumarejo, AFSBn-Hood, executive officer; Maj. Jeffrey Marsteller, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division BLST chief; Chief Warrant Officer Heriberto Rivera, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division BLST chief; and Andrews.
The AFSBn-Hood falls under the 407th Army Field Support Brigade at Fort Hood. This brigade is one of seven AFSBs within the Army Sustainment Command headquartered at Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. The ASC supports Army and joint forces in support of the combat commanders around the world.
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