TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Pa. -- Dozens of National Guardsmen from the 1073rd Support Maintenance Company, Greenville, Michigan, spent two weeks here honing their skills through a wide range of training opportunities.

The unit, which arrived April 12, placed 68 Soldiers in 10 different depot shops, including the Machining Branch, Training Division and Tactical Vehicle Branch.

Master Sgt. Joseph Smock, unit leader, said the training the Soldiers received here is key to enhancing the unit's mission capability.

"The ability to get so many hands-on experiences at Tobyhanna is unrivaled," said Smock. "Training is an important tool for Soldiers readiness and this training is putting us another step ahead."

Many of the Soldiers from the 1073rd had previous experience with welding and machining and took advantage of the depot's resources to refine those skills. One of them, Sgt. Derrick Williams, used equipment fabricated by Tobyhanna while deployed and got the chance to see where the process begins.

"I used helmet brackets from Tobyhanna while deployed. It's unique to then come to the depot, work on a machine that helps produce them and see everything come full-circle," said Williams, who is set to end his military career June 8.

In addition to working in line with their military occupational specialty (MOS), Smock said several Soldiers completed oscilloscope, aerial high reach, forklift and other certificates that can be added to their military resumes.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Roger Humphrey praised the all-out effort of depot personnel to provide a welcoming and worthwhile experience here.

"The accommodation from Morale, Welfare and Recreation has been fabulous," said Humphrey. "Walter (Dorosky) has gotten us whatever we asked for. We haven't had this type of experience, both in terms of work and play, anywhere else."

Humphrey added that a computer lab was available to the unit after-hours and many of the Soldiers were able to travel to New York City or Philadelphia during their weekend here.

Reserve Training Coordinator James Ashton, who is extensively involved in bringing Soldiers to Tobyhanna, said having units come here for training not only gives them a chance to work with equipment they might not normally see, but also gives depot employees valuable instructional experience.

"Working side-by-side with Soldiers and sharing their skills gives our employees the opportunity to actually see how much their work means to the warfighter," he said. "It's a win-win situation for the Solider and for Tobyhanna."

Ashton said his role in helping Soldiers make the most of the training opportunities gives him a great sense of pride.

"Being able to directly provide a service to warfighters and seeing how Team Tobyhanna works together to support this program, ensuring Soldiers get the best possible training while they're here, gives me the most satisfaction," he said.

The 1073rd departed Tobyhanna on April 25 and Humphrey noted their new skills will quickly be put to use.

"This training is critical and will be incorporated instantly to make us better Soldiers."

Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna's Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C4ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners.

Tobyhanna's unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our Joint Warfighters.

About 3,100 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command's mission is to research, develop, acquire, field and sustain communications, command, control computer, intelligence, electronic warfare and sensors capabilities for the Armed Forces.