Trace team evolves as pandemic continues

WIESBADEN, Germany – A stable organizational approach and committed team members allow the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden trace team to continue to respond to the changing demands of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Less than a year ago, the trace team didn’t exist. There was no Army job description, office space or bank of telephones to serve its workforce.

Garrison military units detailed Soldiers from a variety of backgrounds to establish the team in March of 2020 in order to combat the first wave of the pandemic. At the time, five teams were spread across the Wiesbaden installation manning phones and collecting information.

According to Chief Warrant Officer 3 Maurice Woods from Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, one of the first trace team members and its current officer in charge, there were no formulated tactics and procedures in those initial days. “When we first started, it was a growing process,” he said.

Questions, according to Woods, like how to collect information, store data and methods for pushing information out to decision makers and the public have been resolved.

Newer trace team members like Airman 1st Class Ustav Poudyal, analyst, are now assigned for 60-day details after they’ve completed training. “This time has been really beneficial for me in terms of my career development,” he said. “I really haven't had a chance to have exposure to a lot of joint environments.” Assigned in November, he decided to extend his time with the team.

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Nies, airspace NCO from Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, is completing his second appointment to the team. “The second time they called and asked if I could come back, I did it without hesitation,” he said. “I really find pleasure in doing this job; I feel like I'm a part of a bigger picture.”

With his current rotation, Nies sees the organizational changes, including its hierarchical structure. Divided into Alpha, Bravo and Charlie sections, Nies has recently become the officer in charge for the Charlie group. “I have some junior enlisted Soldiers underneath me,” he said. He is focusing on developing his leadership skills around how his crew operates.

The section strategy is another one of the tactics Woods said reflected the learning gained from experience. By having three sections with each in their own apartment/office space, they can flexibly schedule for weekends and reduce the risk if there is a COVID-19 positive person on any one team.

Change remains the biggest challenge they face according to Woods. He said the constant shift in host nation and Army-wide policies means his team must be ready to make adjustments to their tactics and procedures. He pointed to the recent reduction of quarantine from 14 to 10 days as an example.

Nies said, “Be patient with us; be patient with the whole situation.” He added, “Keeping up with the changes is really probably the most challenging part.”

As for the team members, when they finish their rotation on the trace team, they return to their normal military assignment with the caveat that they can be called back when needed. Clearly, for some, they feel called to stay.