LOG-IT LAR helps Soldiers keep computers talking

By Summer BarkleyJuly 12, 2014

LOG-IT LAR helps Soldiers keep computers talking
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Michael A. Madden, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command logistics information technology logistics assistance representative, talks with Soldiers from the 514th Support Maintenance Company, 10th Sustainment Brigade, while Spc. Sean M. Koski, ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
LOG-IT LAR helps Soldiers keep computers talking
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Michael A. Madden, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command logistics information technology logistics assistance representative, provides 'over-the-shoulder' training to Spc. Sean M. Koski, 419th CSSB sustainment automation support management of... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan--Every day, in locations around the world, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command logistics assistance representatives and senior master technicians work toward one goal -- to improve Soldier skills and knowledge on communications and electronics equipment that is vital to mission accomplishment.

CECOM's mission is to develop, provide, integrate and sustain the logistics and readiness of C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and mission command capabilities for joint, interagency and multi-national forces worldwide. To execute the mission, CECOM provides software and hardware engineers, logisticians and maintenance personnel to the field supporting units. The 'Face to the Field' includes Logistics Assistance Representatives, Field Service Representatives and Field Service Engineers under the management of CECOM's Senior Command Representatives.

CECOM LARs supporting Operation Enduring Freedom are usually assigned to a logistics support element nested in one of the battalions of the 401st Army Field Support Brigade. The LARs are a critical link between the deployed Soldier and the solutions to battlefield problems that could delay or stop mission accomplishment. The CECOM LARs are subject matter experts who train and mentor Soldiers to increase their knowledge and ability to work on and with C4ISR systems.

One of the CECOM LAR skill sets is LOG-IT, short for Logistics Information Technology, and the men and women who are LOT-IT LARs are out working with supported units to train, advise and assist Soldiers in keeping their black boxes (computers) talking.

Michael A. Madden, LOG-IT LAR, recently worked with a Soldier from the 419th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion who was charged with ensuring approximately 35 companies were able to update data on equipment availability and readiness for use in planning missions.

"He [Madden] taught me just about everything I know so far," said Spc. Sean M. Koski, 419th CSSB sustainment automation support management officer.

Koski said the knowledge he's gained from Madden enables him to keep the computer systems for his supported companies functional for the unit.

"Anytime we have any issues, he [Madden] is here to give us the big picture," said 1st Lt. Sylvia L. McDonald, 514th Support Maintenance Company, 10th Sustainment Brigade maintenance control officer. "Our brigade SASMO [sustainment automation support management officer] referred us to Mike."

"We rely on our SAMS boxes for daily reports," said Sgt. 1st Class Jamie Cox, 514th SMC maintenance control sergeant.

Madden said his job is to train, advise and assist Soldiers on how things are supposed to work.

"I provide information and over-the-shoulder training and mentoring," Madden said.

He said he acts as an 'honest broker' and focuses solely on training Soldiers. He explained that he does not work for the Soldier's unit or command and also has no affiliation with the product.

Madden also said working so closely with Soldiers in a deployed environment enables him and other LARs take a lot of information back to the program managers who field equipment. He believes LAR feedback can help identify potential problems, trends and solutions.

Madden was nearing the end of his seventh deployment as a civilian and scheduled to return to his home station at Fort Hood, Texas where he is a LOG-IT LAR in the 407th Army Field Support Brigade's Logistics Support Element.

Related Links:

U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command

3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

U.S. Army Materiel Command

1st Theater Sustainment Command