CASCOM hosts Israeli Chief of Logistics, provides training insight

By Keith Desbois, Combined Arms Support Command Public AffairsJuly 25, 2013

Field Rations
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Beverly Hamlette, Joint Culinary Center of Excellence quality assurance specialist, explained to Brig. Gen. Mofid Ganem, Israeli Defense Force Chief of Logistics, the different types of Meal, Ready-to-Eat and the process used to decide what foods are... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
VR Training
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Mofid Ganem, Israeli Defense Force Chief of Logistics, had the opportunity to try the U.S. Army Quartermaster School's Aerial Delivery & Field Services Department's parachute simulator July 22. The simulator combines 3D virtual reality wit... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Leadership Opportunities
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LEE, Va. - The Combined Arms Support Command hosted Brig. Gen. Mofid Ganem, Israeli Defense Force Chief of Logistics, and members of the IDF for a tour July 22.

CASCOM, a major subordinate command under the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, is responsible for training over 185,000 students annually through 541 courses taught by the Ordnance, Quartermaster and Transportation schools, Soldier Support Institute and Army Logistics University.

The visit provided insight into the curriculum, technology and techniques used to train logistics Soldiers and is part of the Future Battlefield Annual Talks. This is the 22nd annual discussion between TRADOC and the IDF.

During their visit, the group toured the U.S. Army Ordnance School, where they viewed Soldiers training at the Tactical Support Equipment Department. They witnessed Soldiers repairing quartermaster-specific equipment, such as generators, water filtration and laundry service units.

The next stop was the Joint Culinary Center of Excellence to learn how military chefs are trained. After touring the various labs and simulated dining facilities, the delegation was given a presentation on the Meal, Ready-to-Eat.

Beverly Hamlette, JCCoE quality assurance specialist, explained the different MRE types and the process used to decide what foods are included. Ganem is responsible for the IDF's culinary and aerial delivery programs and was very interested in how the meal components were selected.

Another highlight for Ganem was the U.S. Army Quartermaster School's Aerial Delivery & Field Services Department. Subject matter experts shared knowledge about how the department trains parachute riggers and shower, laundry and clothing repair specialists. Ganem was given the opportunity to try the department's parachute simulator, which combines 3D virtual reality, with parachute dynamics, and realistic control to allow jumpers to hone their skills in a controlled training environment before boarding a real airplane.

Finishing up the tour, the delegation stopped at the U.S. Army Logistics University, where they learned about the comprehensive leadership courses taught to logistics officers and senior noncommissioned officers. The university consists of three colleges and an academy that trains more than 34,000 students a year.

"This was a great opportunity to continue to strengthen our supportive relationship with our allies," said William F. Moore, CASCOM deputy to the commanding general. "This visit provided a lot of great dialogue and allowed us all to gain a better understanding of where we are and where we are going."

After departing Fort Lee, the Israelis continued their tour of TRADOC, before returning to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., where senior leaders from both militaries signed the 2014 Agreed to Actions.

The location of the FBAT talks alternates each year between the United States and Israel. During these talks, agreements are made in reference to the bilateral training of forces, as well as lessons learned from both countries.

The information shared during the visit will also help the IDF during their process of creating a consolidated logistics school in Israel.

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