ZAGAN, Poland -- The 16th Special Troops Battalion recently began logistical preparation and support for the 2-1 Armored Brigade Combat Team, by leading a pre-deployment site survey to seven intermediate staging bases here.
The 16th STB spearheaded a group of key logistics planners from various organizations to validate all host nation, contracted, and organic logistical support requirements. This process is crucial to ensure conditions are set for the ISBs to serve as strategic platforms and to rapidly receive 2-1 ABCT next month, enhancing the unit's speed of assembly.
The reception, staging, onward movement, and integration mission of 2-1 ABCT is similar to the recent rotational deployment of 3-4 ABCT; however, this rotation is more telling than the first, because U.S. forces will demonstrate its ability to simultaneously deploy and re-deploy two ABCTs. This in effect displays the "deployment pipeline" of United States Army Europe, and its ability to swiftly project forces while maintaining a constant dynamic presence in the theater.
The 16th STB is tasked to stand up, resource, and manage the seven ISBs across western Poland, enabling 2-1 ABCT to reach full combat strength and promptly achieve "ready to fight" status. These ISBs are part of the theater RSOI process, and are therefore "theater infrastructure," where deploying units link up to integrate Soldiers, equipment, and mission command systems before moving to tactical assembly areas. The STB supported the same mission set for the 3-4 ABCT RSOI in January, and is using critical lessons learned to ensure a more efficient and streamlined process is implemented.
A key aspect of the event was to facilitate cross talk, communication, and relationship building to ensure a smooth process upon mission execution. In all, the requirements generated will support the overall "quality of life" for 2-1 to include billeting, food service, gyms, mailrooms, Armed Forces Network (AFN), Wi-Fi, and Army and Air Force Exchange Support (AAFES) support.
"Seeing these sites and talking with the logistical planners, contractors, and host nation representatives will ensure that we maximize our coverage and support once the 2-1 Soldiers arrive this September," said Lt. Col. Michael Yerkic, AAFES Europe/Southwest Asia Region, Chief, Plans, and Operations.
"It is imperative that we have these discussions with key planners to develop a shared understanding, generate requirements, and come together to make the mission happen," said Lt. Col. Brian J. Ketz, Commander of the 16th Special Troops Battalion. "In the end, using lessons learned from 3-4, the planning and attention to detail put forward now will pay dividends in smoothing out the reception of 2-1 this fall."
The 16th STB along with key players from across Europe will enable speed of assembly and a successful deployment of an expeditionary ABCT, further demonstrating USAREURs dynamic presence and commitment to building a Strong Europe.
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