TOOELE ARMY DEPOT, Utah -- After traveling more than 900 miles in three days, a convoy carrying approximately 80 Soldiers arrived at Tooele Army Depot (TEAD), Utah, to conduct ammunition logistical training April 6-10.
Ammunition specialists from the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB), 42nd Military Police Brigade augmented the civilian workforce in conducting munitions operations at a strategic level while providing training on other military specialties.
"The 13th CSSB had the opportunity to come here and conduct training they are not able to do at Joint Base Lewis-McChord," said Col. David Chase, 42nd Military Police Brigade Commander. "It is great to setup and test your equipment in a field environment, enabling a better trained and rapidly deployable unit."
Training at TEAD provided the Soldiers the opportunity to witness munitions operations at the strategic level. The Soldiers learned similar tasks they can use at the JBLM Ammunition Supply Point.
"The exercise is primarily focused on the ammunition handler training, however several other low-density MOSs have an opportunity to gain valuable experience operating in a Logistics Support Area as well," said Col. Roger McCreery, TEAD Commander. "Operations are focused at the strategic level here at the depot, rather than the tactical or operational level, which provides the ammunition handlers a unique opportunity to learn more about their respective specialties and implement what they have learned into some of their operations supporting their respective garrisons or Brigade Combat
Teams while deployed."
The Soldiers participated in several other tasks including warehouse/re-warehouse operations, repairing containers and cargo movement. They learned a system to better track the storage of ammunition, different welding techniques, and blocking and bracing procedures.
"This training was a real eye opener," said Spc. Kenneth Isom, ammunition specialist with 63rd OD. "I loved this training because I was able to learn more of my job. [Ammunition Specialists] don't get to do their job a lot, unless we are at National Training Center or deployed."
While these Soldiers enhanced their skills, another group of Soldiers were training in a different area of support.
Three Soldiers from the JBLM Fire Department traveled with the 13th CSSB Soldiers to train with the TEAD Fire Department on wide area fire rescue. The fire fighters learned how to conduct drafting operations, multi-story rescue operations and reacting to a HAZMAT situation.
The training opened the opportunity to receive rotational training designed to increase the Soldier's skill proficiency as close to a deployed environment as possible. With the end of this rotation, TEAD and 13th CSSB are looking forward to conducting more partnered training in the future.
"We want the Soldiers to have a great experience, a valued added experience," said McCreery. "They were able to work their area of expertise, learn something new, and hone skills in their craft."
About TOOELE ARMY DEPOT: The Tooele Army Depot was established in 1942 as the Tooele Ordnance Depot, and for 72 years it has committed itself to readiness and rapid munitions response for America's allies and warfighters. Tooele Army Depot provides storage, maintenance and logistics capability under the Army's Joint Munitions Command (JMC). The Depot specializes in providing services in ammunition equipment prototype design, development, manufacturing and fielding. The depot also develops innovative Ammunition Peculiar Equipment (APE) used for demilitarization, as well as completing renovation, modification, modernization and maintenance of conventional-type munitions.
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