CAMP VIRGINA, Kuwait (Dec. 9, 2011) -- The Redistribution Property Assistance Team is working hard to meet the presidential directive to transition troops and equipment from Iraq by Dec. 31.
Before service members redeploy, theater-provided equipment such as vehicles, ammunition, life-support items, and medical supplies must be turned in. The Redistribution Property Assistance Team, or RPAT, will then process the items for future use.
"We are the command and control for the whole process," said Sgt. 1st Class David Parthemore, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, RPAT command cell liaison officer.
The U.S. is currently conducting the largest logistical operation since World War II by moving tens of thousands of service members and equipment and processing everything through Kuwait.
"The RPAT yard is open for processing 24 hours a day," Parthemore said. "The biggest success is the massive amount of troops and equipment processed in such a short amount of time."
Units that already completed the RPAT turn-in process are happy with the support they received.
"I think we are going to get everyone home for Christmas," said Capt. Chris Durham, commander of A Company, 2nd Squadron, 183rd Calvary Regiment. "The guys here have done an outstanding job."
As service members leave Iraq, they reflect on the time spent there.
"We have a lot of interaction with the Iraq Army and Iraq Police," Durham stated. "It seems like they are ready to take over the job."
This mission is personal for many service members.
"I am honored to be a part of this mission," said Parthemore. "To see those service members processed through and get back to their families is such a great feeling."
Third Army is staying ready by keeping agreements with its partner nations and meeting the security agreement of transitioning troops and equipment from Iraq by Dec. 31.
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