On March 14, 2025, the 906th Contracting Battalion partnered with 125th Finance Battalion to train the 3d Marine Logistic Group (MLG) on Field Ordering Officer (FOO) and Paying Agent (PA) procedures. This mission enhanced the support of Marine Exchange Program (KMEP) 25-01 exercise.
The joint exercise directly addressed the critical need for seamless contracting operations between the Army and USMC, particularly in the dynamic Korean theater. By providing 3d MLG with firsthand experience in Army FOO and PA procedures, the training ensured both branches have a clear understanding of each other’s processes for procuring resources, eliminating confusion and expediting critical support in the field.
LTC Joshua Thompson, 906th CBn Commander emphasized the importance of staying ready and delivering capabilities to the commanders that can enhance mission effectiveness and sustain operational readiness. He stated, “This was a great opportunity for our joint community to validate our mission essential tasks and to build relationships.” MAJ John Lee, 906th CBn stated “While FOO/PA missions are well-known and exercised in deployed environments, we rarely get to practice them during peace time. This training ensures we maintain proficiency and stand ready to execute these critical tasks when needed.”
Staff Sgt. Christopher Cassidy, 125th FIBN stated “This unique interservice mission was the first of its kind since the restructure of the 176th Financial Management Support Unit (FMSU) into the current D Company, 125th FIBN. Joint ventures allow us provide proof of our fight tonight capabilities not just for the United States Army, but across multiple echelons of the DoD.”
The training provided invaluable insights into the distinctive processes employed by each branch, ultimately strengthening interoperability and paving the way for smoother future joint operations. Maj. Joshua Blythe, 3d MLG stated, “The Korean Theater, with its unique demands, allows the Army and Marine Corps to forge a joint expeditionary acquisition team that's not just unified, but truly agile and fight-ready. By practicing critical FOO/PA missions together, even in peacetime, we ensure these skills are honed and ready for immediate deployment when the situation calls.”
Ensuring Contracting Readiness for the Future Fight. FOO/PA capability enables commanders to quickly acquire resources to increase readiness and posture for "Fight Tonight".
By exercising joint capabilities during exercises, we are sustaining contracting readiness and strengthen deterrence on the Korean Peninsula.
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