Soldiers, civilians train to 'fight tonight'

By 19th ESC Public AffairsJune 29, 2010

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DAEGU, South Korea - The 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command's mission to maintain the movement of supplies and information north to the fight during a contingency is essential in defeating the enemy. Whether transporting tanks and medical supplies, or moving classified information, in times of conflict, it is crucial that all of the 19th ESC's major support commands are trained and prepared to fight tonight.

In doing so, Materiel Support Command-Korea headed a rail head operation, inviting other transportation units to train on their effectiveness of night time operations May 28 at Camp Carroll.

"The purpose of this training was two-fold, it was to get Soldiers trained on tying down and rigging equipment and to move containers onto rail cars," said Richard D. Patton, MSC-K transportation officer.

While that is their day-to-day mission, many of the Soldiers had never conducted this mission after nightfall. "The one major concern I had before it all started was that lighting wouldn't be adequate," said Patton. "We have lights that have been installed for about two months now and this was our first opportunity to actually come out here and get Soldiers and civilians hands-on training."A lot of times when conducting night time operations, visibility is limited. But with the new lighting system, it was just as easy to do it at night as it is during the day," said Sgt. Kenya N. Robinson, 551st Inland Cargo Transportation Company.

Soldiers worked vigorously from sunset moving military vehicles onto a platform, carefully driving on to rail cars directed by ground guides before tying down equipment. Once equipment was uploaded and secured safely to the car, it was then time to download.

Hammers came out to remove chock-blocks from under vehicles and then all equipment was untied. With the installment of the lighting system at the rail head, the mission ran safely through the night ensuring operations can progress around the clock.

"We found that the lighting was more than adequate and so we are happy with the outcome," said Patton. "And if they really have to fight tonight, they can do that without any issues.""Soldiers had a great time, conducted the mission safely and are looking forward to training again in the future," said Robinson.