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Old Guard Soldiers Maintain Vehicle Readiness During COVID-19 Pandemic

By Sgt. Nicholas T. HolmesApril 29, 2020

Soldiers with the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) conduct maintenance on a vehicle on Joint Base Myer - Henderson Hall, Virginia, April 21, 2020. Given the current health protection guidance from the Secretary of Defense, Old Guard...
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers with the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) conduct maintenance on a vehicle on Joint Base Myer - Henderson Hall, Virginia, April 21, 2020. Given the current health protection guidance from the Secretary of Defense, Old Guard Soldiers wear face coverings to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 while executing their missions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Nicholas T. Holmes) VIEW ORIGINAL
Soldiers with the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) conduct maintenance on a vehicle on Joint Base Myer - Henderson Hall, Virginia, April 21, 2020. Given the current health protection guidance from the Secretary of Defense, Old Guard...
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers with the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) conduct maintenance on a vehicle on Joint Base Myer - Henderson Hall, Virginia, April 21, 2020. Given the current health protection guidance from the Secretary of Defense, Old Guard Soldiers wear face coverings to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 while executing their missions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. – Soldiers assigned to the 529th Regimental Support Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), maintain vehicle readiness during the COVID-19 pandemic, April 21.

The 529th RSC is responsible for maintaining the readiness of the unit’s tactical and non-tactical vehicles in support of the National Capital Region. The company also provides ground transportation support for deployment, redeployment, mobilizations and demobilizations.

“Our mission is to support the [National Capital Region],” said Sgt. 1st Class Shane Markle, noncommissioned officer with 529th RSC. “There have been changes made every day. We have adapted to them and maintained readiness no matter the circumstances that have arrived. We continue to preform a vital task each and every day.”

Due to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for social distancing, the company has spilt into two shifts, said Sgt. Curtis Riggs, team leader with 529th RSC.

Additionally, the unit has implemented precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We are continuing to sanitize doors and common areas and practice social distancing,” said Markle. “Each Soldier is issued their own equipment, and as tempting as it is, they are no longer allowed to share tools. Again, this is all an effort to reduce exposure to the virus.”

These changes have allowed for some unexpected benefits.

“The different shifts have allowed us to make great headway,” Markle added. “We have made great strides in our effort to maintain our overall readiness. We have gone from 47 service requests, to less than 10. The Soldiers are hard at work sustaining operational preparedness. Readiness will always be a top priority.”

Confidence in leadership continues amid the pandemic.

“You can’t really be prepared for something that has never happened,” said Markle. “It’s uncharted territory, but I think the command really has responded well. They responded quickly and efficiently. I have trust they will continue to keep our welfare a priority.”

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