Col. Isaac Torres, commander of the 414th Contracting Support Brigade, engages in a discussion with brigade members during a commander’s symposium dinner at Caserma Milano, Italy, recently. The staff ride offered leaders a platform to reflect on historical military operations, fostering a shared understanding among Italian and Army civilians to enhance current and future mission planning and execution.

Col. Isaac Torres, commander of the 414th Contracting Support Brigade, discusses the logistical challenges of the World War I Battle of Monte Grappa and their relevance to modern contract support requirements during a visit to Caserma Milano, Italy, recently. The visit included stops at Parco Ragazzi ’99, key points along the Piave River, and other historic sites for on-site discussions with brigade members.

Members of the 414th Contracting Support Brigade discusses the logistical challenges of the World War I Battle of Monte Grappa and their relevance to modern contract support requirements during a visit to Caserma Milano, Italy, recently. The visit included stops at Parco Ragazzi ’99, key points along the Piave River, and other historic sites for on-site discussions.

VICENZA, Italy (Sept. 4, 2025) –– While modern technology offers unprecedented capabilities for managing logistics, Soldiers, Army civilians, and leaders from the 414th Contracting Support Brigade discovered during a recent staff ride to Monte Grappa that some challenges – like difficult terrain – remain timeless. The brigade’s study of WWI logistics on the Piave River highlighted parallels between historical acquisition struggles and today’s contract support requirements, demonstrating that even the best systems must adapt to the realities of the battlefield.

Col. Isaac Torres, the 414th CSB commander, and brigade members visited Parco Ragazzi ’99, Caserma Milano on Monte Grappa, and key bridge points along the Piave River for on-site discussions.

“These were very challenging conditions. Back then, there were no established regulations or supporting documents for procuring supplies for the warfighter," Torres said. "What I take away from this is the level of leadership required – the ability to make quick decisions and get those supplies and services to the right place, on time, to sustain the fight.”

Sustaining the warfighter proved challenging, a theme throughout the brigade’s battlefield tour. Challenges included delivering food, ammunition, and equipment up the mountain and over the long distances from supply points to the front lines along the Piave River. Brigade members provided recaps at each location, highlighting significant details and comparing past acquisition challenges to those of today.

Sgt. 1st Class Miguel Torres, a noncommissioned officer in charge of the Alpha Division, Regional Contracting Office-Vicenza, provided insights on the Italian Alpini Soldiers and their contributions during the battle. “Our mission is to provide premier operational contracting support across Europe and Africa, meaning we must be as agile and adaptable as the Alpini,” Torres said. “Just as they found a way to get supplies up the mountain, we must find ways to deliver the right supplies and services to our warfighters.”

The two-day staff ride took the brigade to five locations, culminating in a commander’s symposium during dinner. The staff ride provided leaders an opportunity to discuss historical military operations and helped Italian and Army civilians develop a shared understanding of past events to inform current and future mission execution.

Torres reflected on the leadership lessons he observed. “I’m very proud of everything this brigade accomplishes daily,” he said. “This staff ride highlighted the difficult decisions those leaders faced, and I see parallels to the challenges I ask of all of you. My priority is ensuring you have the tools and training necessary to support our mission partners."