Forward deployed LARS provide extensive reach-back capability

By Summer BarkleyJanuary 23, 2016

Forward deployed LARS provide extensive reach-back capability
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command Cargo Utility Logistics Assistance Representative Clarence P. Reynolds and AMCOM Attack Logistics Assistance Representative Craig A. Speck, are supporting aviation units deployed to Camp Ta... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Forward deployed LARS provide extensive reach-back capability
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command Attack Logistics Assistance Representative Craig A. Speck, offers training on engine fault troubleshooting to maintainers who are charged with ensuring unit equipment is always ready when n... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Forward deployed LARS provide extensive reach-back capability
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Clarence P. Reynolds, an U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command cargo utility logistics assistance representative offers hands-on and technical assistance to a Soldier/maintainer who is charged with ensuring unit equipment is al... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait--"Have you talked to the LAR?" are often the first words spoken when Soldiers are confronted by a seemingly irresolvable maintenance issue.

Logistics Assistance Representatives are the link between the Soldier/maintainer on the ground and the vast resources of U.S. Army Materiel Command's life cycle management commands. The LAR is a specially trained expert who provides technical assistance on maintenance standards; policies and procedures to the field customers and commanders for all life cycle command managed equipment. Working directly with the Soldier who uses and maintains the equipment on a daily basis, the LAR focuses on troubleshooting, training and coaching to help the Soldier gain skills that are essential to maintaining critical unit equipment.

"These elite technical experts serve alongside of the soldiers and are exposed to the same dangers, hazards and hardships as the soldiers they serve," said John C. Salazar, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command, senior systems technical representative. "Most of these personnel have served in the military services as a general rule and they have a strong patriot desire to serve."

Salazar said LARS are often asked to go into harm's way to open a new front with the aviation units they support. Recently Clarence P. Reynolds and Craig A. Speck, both AMCOM LARS, pushed forward to Camp Taji, Iraq to support aviation and unmanned aerial systems assets and personnel and they are already making a difference.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher O. Thorn, Bravo Company, 3-2 Aviation Regiment credits Reynolds for much of the unit's current state of readiness.

"I cannot say how instrumental you have been to the success of BCO [Bravo Company, 3-2 Aviation Regiment] Hercules here in Taji," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher O. Thorn. "You have answered all questions, to include getting information necessary for our mission readiness."

Thorn said Reynolds assisted his unit with their Repair Parts Special Tools List and tracked down parts that were required to get the aircraft air-worthy.

"Without you being here, I am certain we would not have been as successful as we were," Thorn added. "You are an inspiration to Soldiers and Leaders alike, always on the spot with the correct information, ready for any challenge. "

"Craig Speck is a go to resource for the aviation team at Camp Taji Iraq. He has a direct impact on Task Force Pistols operational readiness saving the government over 1 million dollars due to his wealth of knowledge and more importantly supporting the warfighter at the tip of the spear. Truly a "Face in the Field" living the LSE mission, 'What's next when Stuff breaks'.

"In addition to the technical and logistical support provided by LARs, they provide hands-on and over-the-shoulder training to the Soldiers and contract maintainers," said Salazar. "LARs have at their fingertips the full force and might of the AMCOM aviation community to ensure success of the aviation mission and they are the eyes and ears of the AMCOM Commanding General and his subordinate organizations."

"Craig Speck is a go to resource for the aviation team at Camp Taji Iraq," said Lt. Col. Christopher J. Buzard, 401st Army Field Support Brigade's Logistics Support Element chief. "He has a direct impact on Task Force Pistols operational readiness saving the government over one million dollars due to his wealth of knowledge and more importantly supporting the warfighter at the tip of the spear."

Buzard added that the LARs are truly a "Face to the Field" living the LSE mission of 'What's next when Stuff breaks'.

"Logistics Assistance Representatives are at the forefront of technical and sustainment support to the war-fighters worldwide," said Leonard R. Alejandro, AMCOM senior command representative to the 401st AFSB. "They are the Eyes and Ears for Maj. Gen. James Richardson, the AMCOM commanding general."

Related Links:

U.S. Army Materiel Command

U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command

U.S. Army Central Command

U.S. Army Sustainment Command

1st Theater Sustainment Command

401st AFSB Facebook