Training remains key element for Soldiers

By Capt. Carolyn Nice, 619th Contingency Contracting TeamFebruary 10, 2015

Training remains key element for Soldiers
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left, Suzanne Scott assists Staff Sgt. Cheleece Jackson and Mathew Holtschlag guides Staff Sgt. Ryan Cross with acquisition policies and systems Feb. 9 while deployed in support of the U.S. Central Command. Jackson and Cross are members of the 6... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Training remains key element for Soldiers
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left, Mike Tempero, Staff Sgt. Ryan Cross, Capt. Carolyn Nice, Martin Meade, Maj. Jason Supnet and Mathew Holtschlag discuss procurement management review inspections during a meeting Feb. 9 at New Kabul Compound in Afghanistan. Meade is the chi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Training remains key element for Soldiers
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

KABUL, Afghanistan -- (Feb. 10, 2015) Soldiers from the 619th Contingency Contracting Team who recently deployed in support of the U.S. Central Command are finding that the need for continued training and mentorship remains just as valuable in a forward location.

Soldiers making up the 619th CCT are operating out of the Regional Contracting Center-Capital in Afghanistan in support of the CENTCOM Joint Theater Support Contracting Command.

Members of the team received three months' notice of their deployment and projected departure, but have been training at their respective Mission and Installation Contracting Command locations for more than a year. The contingency contracting team is made up of Soldiers from MICC-Fort Lee, Virginia, and the 925th Contingency Contracting Battalion at Fort Drum, New York.

The 925th CCBN's goals include providing training and mentorship to Soldiers who are new to the 51C military occupational specialty upon their first contracting assignment. Army Contracting Command officials announced the attachment of Soldiers to MICC contracting offices in January 2013 for professional development alongside their civilian counterparts.

Civilian acquisition professionals continue to teach, coach and mentor 619th CCT members daily in contracting while in a deployed environment.

"In this very demanding contracting environment, 51Cs should take advantage of every possible opportunity to learn contracting while at home station," said Maj. Jason Supnet, the RCC-Capital deputy chief. "The training I received while at MICC-Fort Lee was valuable, and with the right attitude, motivation and leadership, 51Cs can accomplish the mission."

Martin Meade, the chief of RCC-Capital, requires a weekly training program for civilians and Soldiers. He also has a civilian-Soldier mentorship program for on-the-job training in local policies and processes.

"I have worked with many Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine contracting professionals over many years," Meade said. "When the ACC team showed up at RCC-Capital, I quickly realized they all have 'can-do' attitudes, and for me that's the most important aspect to accomplish the mission."

Members of the 619th CCT perform a range of contracting actions from executing pre-award management to closeout administration in support of C-JTSCC operations. The C-JTSCC is responsible for planning, coordinating and delivering agile effects-based contracting for coalition forces to enable long-term security, stability and prosperity while maintaining the public's trust.

"When I observe the 619th CCT, I see nothing but excellent contracting professionals in action working in an austere contingency environment," Meade added. "As they fight through the challenges of U.S. Operation Freedom's Sentinel and NATO's Operation Resolute Support missions, they will arm themselves with the knowledge to quickly execute requirements and conduct a smooth transition when their replacements show up."

Headquartered at the New Kabul Compound in Afghanistan, 619th CCT members also consist of Sgt. 1st Class Larry Buwee and Staff Sgts. Ryan Cross and Cheleece Jackson from the 925th CCBn. Team members met at the Continental United States Replacement Center at Fort Bliss, Texas, where they completed pre-deployment requirements and training.

Related Links:

Mission and Installation Contracting Command

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