HOHENFELS, Germany - An M1A2 Abrams Tank rolls across the German battlefield like a mechanized monster. Seeing the enemy, the tank roars into action with fire spitting from the turret.
For now, the conflict is over, but, without fuel, the tanks can't continue their move forward.
Soldiers with Company A, 115th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division helped sustain tank crews and their beloved mechanized monsters Nov. 3, 2014, in Hohenfels, Germany, during Combined Resolve III.
Tasked with delivering fuel and water to a tank platoon and U.S. and NATO multinational allies, the 115th BSB left Forward Operating Base West, a base of operations on the west side of the Hohenfels Training Area, to provide the much needed supplies.
Earlier in the day, both FOB West and the refueling convoy's destination were attacked from opposing forces ultimately setting the convoy back. However, dealing with such complications comes with being in a support battalion.
"The mission is dictated by what's happening on the battlefield," said Staff Sgt. Yu-Wei Tsai, a wheeled vehicle operator with Company A, 115th BSB. "We can't predict contact ... but ultimately to win the war you need fuel and water for the war fighters, and we constantly sustain them."
Soldiers in the field rely heavily on 115th BSB so they can be successful in their mission.
Although the fights might be different, every one has to do their part said Tsai.
"For the tanks to run they need the fuel, and the crew needs food and water," said Tsai. "They're doing their fight with the big tanks, and were doing our fight by supporting them."
In addition to supporting U.S. troops, the 115th works with some of the multinational partners participating in the exercise.
"We talk to [Romanians] constantly," said Tsai. "Our supply runs are to Romanians so we are in constant communication with them."
Having trained at Hohenfels before during Combined Resolve II, not much has changed for Tsai.
"Last rotation and this one are pretty similar, just different faces, but having the command team present we're open to more assets," said Tsai. "For example last time we didn't have [route clearance teams,] but this time having [the command team] here we can request more assets to keep us safer."
With more assets, leaders within the support battalion are better prepared to train their Soldiers.
"I think its great to get them behind the seat of what we're doing and what current leaders are doing," said Tsai. "I will go out in command of the vehicle, and at the same time teach my subordinates my job. It doesn't get more realistic than this."
Soldiers like Spc. Robert Rogers, a petroleum supply specialist with the 115th BSB, appreciate the training.
"It's been a good training experience, pretty rigorous, it really pushes your limits," said Rogers. "In garrison we do the same thing, but we never see the big picture, but out here we're actually a part of the mission and can see an overview of what's happening. It makes us feel more connected and ultimately more effective."
Social Sharing