BAUMHOLDER, Germany -- Soldiers from the 51st Transportation Company, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, began fielding new equipment and restructuring the makeup of the light composite truck company Oct. 6 to meet the increasing logistical demands of the European Theater.
In order to keep up with the high transportation demand within Europe, 51st Trans. Co. began expanding its truck fleet by adding the United Kingdom's heavy equipment transporter and the mine resistant ambush protected all-terrain vehicle, or M-ATV.
The M-ATV, the new gun truck platform for the Army, is also part of the new Steel Knight fleet. The M-ATV is a significantly larger platform than the current Humvee, providing its crew members enhanced protection from improvised explosive devices and improved tactical operating capabilities. The 51st Trans. Co. acquired 20 M-ATVs, and began training operators the last week of October.
"The greater security provided by the M-ATV over the previous models directly ties into our readiness as a forward stationed truck company in a very versatile theater, where we could be going anywhere at any time," said 1st Lt. Kelly Washington, platoon leader, 51st Trans. Co., who spearheaded the training on the new vehicles. "We are happy to have the increased protection afforded by the new gun trucks. These trucks will greatly increase our convoy security abilities."
By mid-November, the unit anticipates the common remotely operated weapons station will also be added to the arsenal. The highly advanced weapons system, which will be mounted on the new gun trucks, will serve to protect the weapons operator and maintain the safety and integrity of the crew as a whole.
In addition to fielding new vehicles and weapons stations, leaders divided the company into four line platoons consisting of one medium tactical vehicle platoon, two palletized loading system platoons, and a HET platoon.
"The dynamic theater and diverse logistical requirements in Europe form a need for creative solutions," said Capt. Ashian Izadi, company commander. "While we are a light composite truck company by mission, the unit adds additional versatility and logistical capabilities to its fleet for support of heavy transportation requirements through the new HET fielding."
Restructuring the company into platoons segregated by vehicle sets will allow Soldiers and leaders to become subject matter experts on their equipment, performing services and maintenance more efficiently.
"With well trained, motivated Soldiers, 51st Trans. Co. can move anything, anytime, anywhere," said 51st Trans. Co.'s 1st Sgt. Jason Bologna.
Social Sharing