DAVENPORT, Iowa -- During February and March, the 416th Army Field Support Brigade participated in Key Resolve in the Republic of Korea. Soldiers of this brigade supported the mission of the 403rd Army Field Support Brigade, which included preparing for the issue of war stock equipment and providing contracting support for base operations in the event that hostilities occur on the Korean peninsula.
Key Resolve was held Feb. 24 - March 6.
"Key Resolve is a vital exercise to strengthen readiness of the Republic of Korea and U.S. Alliance," said Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/ U.S. Forces Korea, commander, during the exercise. "The scenarios are realistic, enabling us to train on our essential tasks and respond to any crisis which may arise."
Approximately 5,200 U.S. forces participated in KR14, about 1,100 of which came from off the peninsula.
The 416th is the only Army Field Support Brigade in the Army Reserve and is headquartered in Davenport, Iowa. It has the same organizational structure as active-duty AFSBs to include captain, major, and lieutenant colonel positions working in positions typically filled by civilian contractors.
The 403rd AFSB, headquartered at Camp Henry, Daegu, is one of seven field support brigades under the Army Sustainment Command. ASC is headquartered at Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. The 403rd AFSB is the Army Materiel Command's regional storefront in Northeast Asia supporting Eighth U.S. Army, U.S. Forces Korea and U.S. Army-Japan.
The 416th AFSB had Soldiers located at the headquarters of several units, including 19th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), 403rd AFSB, and Army Field Support Battalion-Korea, Camp Casey.
The 416th Soldiers were instrumental in facilitating seamless communication among three levels of command, ensuring an accurate common operating picture was provided from the battalion to 19th ESC level and from Camp Casey to Camp Henry.
The 416th AFSB also provided escort personnel to assist distinguished visitors with their travel throughout the peninsula. Among other activities, these key decision-makers observed operations at the 19th ESC main command post and at the forward tactical operations center, the 403d AFSB Headquarters, and the facilities of Army Field Support Battalion-Northeast Asia, Camp Carroll. The information provided during these visits was essential to the planning of future operations in the Republic of Korea, including Exercise Ulchi-Freedom Guardian in August.
The 416th Soldiers also received the opportunity to explore and experience Korean culture.
The Soldiers were able to visit the Donghwasa Temple, where Buddhist monks receive their training. The head monk and members of the Daegu Friendship Ambassador Club greeted the Soldiers upon arrival.
The club also provided a traditional Buddhist lunch for the Soldiers while they visited the temple. After that visit, Soldiers went to the Seomun Market for a shopping trip. Many of the Soldiers brought back Korean blankets for themselves and their families.
The 416th AFSB is commanded by Col. Greg Townley and its senior enlisted adviser is Command Sgt. Maj. G. Matthew Schmell.
"We are always looking for quality officers and NCOs (noncommissioned officers) to fill our ranks. Joining the Army Reserve is a great place for a Soldier who comes off of active-duty, but still wants to continue to serve. The 416th AFSB provides many opportunities for that Soldier,"
Townley said.
The 416th AFSB is currently scheduled to support UFG in August. The knowledge gained at Key Resolve will greatly assist the unit as it plans for this future mission, Townley said.
The recent experiences of the 416th Soldiers will help them contribute to a successful mission in August. Townley said the unit looks forward to these and other future opportunities to train with its active-duty counterparts.
For more information about the 416th AFSB, contact Townley by calling (515) 321-5085 or email him at Gregory.a.townley.mil@mail.mil .
Social Sharing