Sustainer - October 2012

October2012

Sustainer
Published in the interest of Joint Sustainment Command - Afghanistan Soldiers and their Families

Interrogating border cargo
Page 10

540th MCT helps Afghan drivers
Page 7

Volume5 Sustainer October2012

On the inside ... From the editor:
Commander’s Corner Welcome to the fifth edition of Sustainer mag-
azine - a monthly publication by the Joint Sustain-
Page 3 ment Command - Afghanistan Public Affairs Office.

The Chaplain’s Office This magazine is for you - Soldiers and Fami-
Page 3 lies of the JSC-A. We’d like to get your feedback on
the content and anything you’d like to see in future
CSM’s Corner issues, so send me an e-mail, or write on our Face-
Page 4 book wall (www.facebook.com/3dESC).

Night-time operations I want to remind everyone that the deadlines
for submitting absentee ballot requests are coming
Page 5 up soon. It is extremely important that every Soldier
and Family member takes the time to vote - it is a
Working with Germans right we defend, so we need to take the time to exer-
Page 6 cise that right.

Helping Afghan drivers Each state has different deadlines and re-
Page 7 quirements, so head on over to FVAP.gov to find the
exact details for your home state, and as always, if
Third Army CG visits Bagram you have any questions, or need any help, please let
me know.
Page 9
Interrogating border cargo As always, be sure to keep informed through
the 3d ESC and FRG Facebook pages for the latest on
Page 10 events and information.

Hispanic Heritage Month Sgt. 1st Class Rob Strain
Page 11 Sustainer Editor

From the PMO
Page 11
Walk Aware and Walk Away
Page 12
And much more ...

The Sustainer magazine is an authorized publication for members of the DOD.
Contents of Sustainer are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by,
the U.S. Government or the Department of the Army. The editorial content of this
publication is the responsibility of the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)
Public Affairs Office.

Brig. Gen. Kristin French, Commanding General, 3d ESC

Maj. Jim Bono, Public Affairs Officer

Sgt. 1st Class Rob Strain, Sustainer Editor

Staff Sgt. Michael Behlin, Sustainer Staff Writer
Sgt. Candice L. Funchess, Sustainer Staff Writer

Contributing Writers:
Sgt. Gregory Williams, 2nd Lt. Henry Chan, Spc. Alicia Smith

The Sustainer staff can be reached by email at robert.j.strain.mil@mail.mil, by
phone: (502) 624-8523, or by mail to 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary),
ATTN: PAO, 1747 Old Ironsides Ave, Fort Knox, KY 40121.

ON THE COVER: Sgt. Robert A. Hamilton, a movement noncommissioned officer with the 276th Transportation Detachment (Automated Cargo Docu-
mentation), works on a radio frequency identification interrogator system, Sept. 21, 2012, at the Afghanistan-Uzbekistan border. The interrogator
provides in-transit visibility of cargo that crosses over the Afghan border. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gregory Williams)

Page 2


Commander’s Corner - Afghanistan
Joint Sustainment Command
Brig. Gen. Kristin French
Sustainer Families and friends, and brigades, 3d ESC/JSC-A HQs
took some cuts.
I am fortunate to regularly
observe the magnificent perfor- We have had to make some
mances displayed daily by JSC-A tough decisions, but I’m confident
personnel in Afghanistan. Every- we can and will continue to ac-
one is making a powerful impact. complish all our required mis-
sions.
Despite the hardships of
being in a difficult, unforgiving As we enter the final
environment, the Warfighters we ninety-plus days of deployment, we
support have not wanted for any- must make the most of the time
thing. we have left here, make our hard
work count and finish strong.
It’s because of the incred-
ible work our team of logisticians Whether here in Afghani-
and support personnel are doing stan or serving back at home sta-
as they plan and execute missions. tion, let the pride of your sacrifice
It is an honor for me to serve with give you strength to endure.
all our Sustainers!
decreased the U.S. footprint from We have all worked very
JSC-A has made several 91K U.S. Forces serving in country hard and need to ensure that all
changes over the past thirty days. to 68K. Every major organization missions continue smoothly.
Last year the President of the took cuts.
United States directed that NLT To all Sustainers and their
October 1st, 2012, there would After a thorough review of Families and friends, thank you
be a force cap of 68K U.S. service all our subordinate units’ capa- for your sacrifices and service to
members deployed/assigned in bilities and requirements, we off- our Nation. I am proud to be serv-
Afghanistan. ramped over 500 JSC-A personnel ing alongside you.
and relocated other Soldiers to
Therefore, over the last alternate sites outside of Afghani- Sustaining the Line!
nine months, the military has stan. Along with our battalions Brig. Gen. Kristin K. French
Sustainer 6

The Chaplain’s Command - Afghanistan
Joint Sustainment Office
Chaplain Collie Foster
Facing the Challenges of Life “chadah” which means to make Scriptures teach us that positive
glad, joined together, sharpened, influence should come from parent
Have you ever tried to use grow. So to be sharpened as an to children, friend to friend, older
a knife only to find that it wouldn’t individual is to be ready, useful, men to younger men, older women
cut? It was probably frustrat- and productive in life and society. to younger women, teacher to stu-
ing – the problem: It needed to be It means to be joined with others dent.
sharpened! King Solomon once and growing to meet the challeng-
wrote, “As iron sharpens iron, so es that life will throw your way. Just as you tried to cut
one man sharpens another.” So, something and found that your
what can we learn about this wise So what does that mean for knife was dull. You sharpen the
saying and the principle of how we Families of deployed Soldiers? It knife and think to yourself – Wow,
can be sharpened. means that you must be intention- why didn’t I get this done earlier –
al in developing relationships with this is GREAT!
Just as a knife that isn’t individuals that you can influence
sharp isn’t productive, useful, and that can influence you in a Remember, it is never too
or helpful the same goes for an positive way. I would not be a good late to get started.
individual. The Hebrew word used chaplain if I didn’t give you some
in this proverb for sharpen is scriptural principles to follow. Chaplain Foster

Page3


Command Sgt. Command - Afghanistan
Joint Sustainment Maj.’s Corner
Command Sgt. Maj. Karl Roberts
Greetings from Kandahar Air- safe.” We have to remember that
field, everyone is a safety officer, no
matter the rank.
Wow, Sustainers!
I would much rather a low-
It’s really hard to fathom er ranking Soldier tell me that I’m
that we’re now past the halfway committing an unsafe act, than to
mark in our deployment, but we continue the act and possibly lose
are. And what I want you to be my life as a result.
proud of most is that we’ve accom-
plished so much, in such a short So, what I’m asking is that
period of time. We, the Soldiers we look out for one another to en-
of the 3d ESC and JSC-A, have sure that we take home every Sol-
performed difficult tasks and mis- dier that we took to Afghanistan.
sions at an efficiency that’s been As a team, if we work together, we
unbelievable. can and will accomplish this goal.

Now that we’re getting Thanks again for keeping
short, as it is so commonly re- us in your thoughts and prayers,
ferred to, we have to understand and we look forward to joining
that this period is also the time you, our family and friends, soon.
that most accidents or incidents
occur during a deployment. Sustaining the Line!
CSM Karl A. Roberts
As the senior enlisted boggling, these things are prevent- Sustainer 7
leader, I’ve seen so many incidents able.
happen because of complacency
or Soldiers just not being focused, What I want us to focus
it’s mind boggling. But keep in on during this time is “doing the
mind that even though it’s mind right thing and keeping each other

Find something that worked - or didn’t work? Let CALL know

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erational records in order to facilitate rapid adapation initiatives and conduct focused knowledge sharing and
transfer that informs the Army and enables operationally based decision making, integration, and innovation
throughout the Army and within the JIIM environment.

Page4


Soldiers transport cargo during nighttime operations
Sgt. Gregory Williams

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Sol-
diers with the 25th Transportation Company trans-
ported cargo and multi-class items to Forward Oper-
ating Base Pasab, Afghanistan on August 30, 2012.

The 25th TC sustains Soldiers in the field
serving under the Joint Sustainment Command -
Afghanistan by delivering mail, supplies, multi class
items, ammunition and military vehicles during
night time tactical operations.

The Soldiers prepared for the mission by
conducting various battlefield drills varying from
reaction to small arms fire, to vehicular breakdown
procedures.
Sgt. Jesus A. Alvarez, a truck commander with the 25th Transportation
Company, escorts a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protective vehicle to an am-
“We have to learn how to think ahead and munition point on August 30, 2012 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The
how to anticipate delays we may face out on the 25th TC uses the MRAP to provide security for their convoy during night
time tactical operations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gregory Williams)
road,” said Staff Sgt. Steven P. Maui, a convoy com-
mander with the 25th TC. “It’s a collective effort After a two-hour trip, the convoy headed to
to make sure the mission is complete because the the CRSP yard to offload its cargo, which consisted of
routes and terrain is tough out here.” six loads of multi-class items and mail. Maui said it’s
important to get mail to troops because hearing from
Maui said even though he’s been deployed to a loved one can raise morale and help Soldiers focus
both Iraq and Afghanistan, he considers Afghanistan out in the battlefield.
to be more difficult because routes are considerably
more dangerous. “Being a truck driver, I understand both sides
of the coin because I used to be in field artillery so I
Spc. Jonae T. Blackwell, a truck driver with know how important stuff like mail is.” Maui said, “I
the 25th TC, said it’s very important for Soldiers to remember that great feeling of seeing the transporta-
pay extra attention to their surrounding environment tion people during my eight years in artillery.”
during the night.
After unloading its cargo, the 25th TC picked
“We all have to be more alert at night, espe- up two battle damaged vehicles and other retrograde
cially the gunners, because it’s their job to look for equipment, which would be returned to the United
shadows so they can get positive identification on States for reset.
whatever’s out there,” Blackwell said. “We don’t want
to cause any unnecessary damage so attention to The RESET process takes used vehicles, in-
detail is critical to the mission success.” spects them and replaces any defective parts, refur-
bishing the equipment to like-new condition.

To work more efficiently, Soldiers paired off
into teams of two’s as one Soldier would hold a flash-
light while the other would secure the cargo straps.
After the group finished securing its load, the convoy
moved out and finished its mission two hours ahead
of schedule.

Blackwell said after completing more than 70
convoy missions, she takes pride in helping sustain
troops in the field who don’t have the same amenities
as those who stay on a base.

“I would say this mission has been a big
wakeup call, helping me to learn and live all the
Army values,” Blackwell said. “The Army is one big
Spc. Walter G. Abad Yarleque, a truck driver with the 25th Transportation family and we don’t mind going out of our way to help
Company, straps down cargo on the back of an M-915 heavy truck on Au-
gust 30, 2012 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The 25th TC transports and supply other units.”
cargo to forward operating bases during nighttime tactical operations.
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gregory Williams)

Page 5


Reserve Soldiers, German counterparts
sustain fight in northern Afghanistan
Sgt. Gregory Williams counterparts have processed more years ago we used to print out
than 200,000 ISAF customers their paperwork for them for the
MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Af- through the terminal. rotary section, but now they have
ghanistan - Three years ago, an access to both the CJ-1 command
all-German staff was in charge “When you can speak and and Centrix systems,” explained
of the Camp Marmal fixed wing understand each other then you Rademacher. “Now sometimes the
passenger terminal. The Interna- can solve problems,” said German Americans have more informa-
tional Security Force then decided 1st Sgt. Christian Rademacher, a tion than us, which helps us work
to move Joint Sustainment Com- passenger terminal chief with the together better.”
mand - Afghanistan Soldiers into Air Transport Wing 62.
the terminal to run the rotary op- The Centrix system is a se-
erations. What soon followed was Customers fly out of the cure web-based system that allows
the beginning of a joint operation Camp Marmal PAX terminal from air operators to view online reser-
mission between countries sepa- Mazar-e-Sharif to other destina- vations and flight information in
rated by the North Atlantic Ocean tions within Afghanistan. real time. The U.S. military uses
back home. the system to track contractor
Soldiers and contractors helicopter flights, reservations and
The 540th Movement book flights either through the cancellations. Even though the
Control Detachment, known as an CJ-1 command or Airlift Passenger system is secure like all computer
MCT, an Army Reserve unit from Reservation System. It was only programs, it can encounter glitch-
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, works three years ago that Joint Sus- es due to information overload.
with German soldiers to move tainment Command - Afghanistan
more than 1,000 passengers, or Soldiers could only help rotary “If our system went down
PAX, through the passenger termi- passengers, but now they are in- we have a back-up through the
nal every day. volved in the fixed wing operation German tower log system, which
as well. gives the terminal an outline of all
Since December 2011, the that day’s flights,” said Sgt. Justin
540th MCT and their German “When I was here three L. McCubbin, a passenger termi-
nal noncommissioned officer with
the 540th MCT. “This is truly a
coalition effort that helps us share
vital information with each other.”

McCubbin said commu-
nication and sharing informa-
tion are key to mission success
because in some cases Soldiers
are mission-essential person-
nel. Whether it’s a general officer,
chaplain or an enlisted Soldier,
everyone has a mission that needs
to be completed.

“Helping a customer to fly
out is critical because, in a way,
their mission becomes my mission,
and it’s good that most Germans
here speak three languages so
they still can help out the Soldier,”
McCubbin said. “We help Soldiers
get to other forward operating
bases and even redeploy unit’s out
of here as well.”
Sgt. Maurice L. Daniels, a passenger terminal noncommissioned officer with the 540th Movement
Control Detachment, and German Spc. Patrick Peter, a passenger terminal specialist with the High The Soldiers behind the
Flight Staff 255th, work side by side at the Camp Marmal Passenger Terminal in northern Afghani-
stan, Sept. 9, 2012. The 540th Movement Control Detachment and German forces average more than
600 customers a day at the flight terminal. See GERMANS, next page
Page6


GERMANS, from previous
terminal desk interact with hun-
dreds of passengers everyday,
which forces them to deal with
a slew of different personalities.
Rademacher said even though it’s
impossible to make every custom-
er happy, whoever is behind the
counter will try to help the cus-
tomers as best they can.

“I remember one time there
was a Soldier who had to go on
emergency leave and I got on the
phone with terminals in Manas
(Kyrgyzstan), Alaska and Iowa,”
McCubbin said. “Ultimately he got
home in two days and it’s mo-
ments like that, which makes do- Soldiers prepare to board a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, Sept. 9, 2012, at Camp Marmal, Afghanistan.
ing this job worth while.” The helicopter is used to transport passengers between various destinations throughout Afghani-
stan, and its main cabin can hold up to 33 Soldiers.

Even though the Soldiers and when it’s slow we all share have shown that it doesn’t matter
are miles apart from there respec- photos, play table football and talk what uniform a Soldier wears. In a
tive loved ones, the Americans and about life,” Rademacher said. “We war zone, all it takes is a common
Germans have grown close to one treat each other like we’re one big goal to bring everyone together.
another. family.”

“We’re here every day sit- Together the 540th MCT
ting next to each other for hours and their German counterparts

540th MCT helps Afghan drivers

MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan - For Soldiers
at an entry control point at Camp Marmal, it is very
important to get Afghan drivers escorted onto the
base as soon as possible.

Not only do the Afghans transport vital mili-
tary cargo from location to location, but they must
meet mission deadlines as well.

If a driver is not escorted onto the base within
72 hours of their arrival, the U.S. government must
pay them an additional $140 in demurrage costs.

Imagine how much money is wasted if hun- Spc. Ryan M. Sweeney, a transportation coordinator with the 540th Move-
dreds of drivers cannot get their cargo to the proper ment Control Detachment, gathers a group of Afghan drivers in order
to get them in contact with their escorts on September 9, 2012 at Camp
destination. Marmal. The 540th MCT direct drivers to the correct drop off point when
cargo needs to be delivered to the camp. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gregory
Williams)
If the cargo doesn’t get on base, everyone from
the driver to the Soldiers suffer, so for the Louisiana sure the drivers link up with the carrier, but we also
reservists there is no time to waste. have to make sure they get a memo to get paid,” said
Sgt. Jamion J. Anderson, a national afghan trucking
The 540th Movement Control Detachment coordinator with the 540th MCT.
processes paperwork for Afghan drivers at Camp
Marmal.

“Our unit is not only responsible for making See DRIVERS, next page
Page7


DRIVERS, from previous if we’re trying to provide the best customer service to
the drivers, they know the universal sign language
“We have usually dealt with over 100 cases for ‘pay me.’”
a month where drivers are missing paperwork and
can’t get paid.” The Soldiers understand the hardships driv-
ers may have to endure, which is why the government
The Soldiers must act as the middleman, compensates them. Hayner said drivers have shared
making sure both the driver and carriers communi- stories of paying off Taliban fighters at make-shift
cate to ensure the readiness of future convoy opera- check points in order to get to the base.
tions.
Once a driver arrives, they have to spend ad-
“Even a mistake in paperwork can delay a ditional money on food while they wait for an escort,
truck getting on base, which can affect everyone on which can sometimes take more than three days.
base from the Post Exchange to the dining facilities,”
Anderson said. “We don’t want any mistakes on our “Doing this job has given me a new perspec-
end causing a missed meal.” tive on the war because I’m starting to see that most
of these drivers aren’t combatants,” Hayner said. “We
Not only do Soldiers on the base rely on the try to make the drivers feel comfortable enough to
cargo that is on the back of the truck, but the Afghan come back and do more convoys for us, which is a
drivers depend on the cargo being delivered in order part of the counter insurgency doctrine.”
to get paid.
As surrounding forward operating bases start
Staff Sgt. Anthony J. Hayner, an entry control to shut down due to U.S. Forces pulling out, there are
point noncommissioned officer with the 540th MCT, still Soldiers out in the field who depend on convoys
said it’s funny how communication isn’t the problem to get valuable supplies.
between the Soldiers and Afghans, but it’s tracking
down the carrier who has to pick up the load that’s “Our mission is to help sustain the warfighter
the hard part. and cargo can’t make it from camp to camp if we
don’t do our jobs,” Anderson said. “Anything we can
“Our interpreters taught us phrases that help do to make sure that the drivers don’t lose money
us do our job, but hunting down the carriers is the and the government doesn’t spend more money, we’re
hardest part because most of the time we’ll have going to do.”
phone numbers that don’t work,” Hayner said. “Even

Soldiers with the 540th Movement Control Detachment take cargo straps off of a pallet on September 9, 2012 at Camp Marmal. The 540th MCT builds
pallets, which are transported by Afghan drivers to other bases. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gregory Williams)

Page 8


Third Army commander visits Bagram Retrosort Yard
2nd Lt. Henry Chan and Spc. Alicia Smith
BAGRAM AIRFIELD,
Afghanistan -- Third Army Com-
manding General, Lt. Gen. Vincent
Brooks, visited the Soldiers of the
Bagram Airfield Retrosort Yard,
Sept. 16, 2012.

The Soldiers of the Bagram
Airfield Retrosort Yard, BAF RSY,
is operated along with two other
retrosort yards in Afghanistan un-
der the 18th Combat Sustainment
Support Battalion, or CSSB.

The success of the BAF
RSY is contributed to the effort
of Soldiers from the 18th CSSB
from Grafenwoehr, Germany, the
10th Sustainment Brigade of Fort
Drum, N.Y., the 427th Brigade
Support Battalion of the New York Lt. Col. Michelle Letcher and Sgt. 1st Class Edward Dowd brief Lt. Gen. Vincent Brooks, Third Army
National Guard and the 1462nd commander, on how the Retrosort Yard at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, is operated and its capabili-
ties on Sept. 16, 2012. (U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Henry Chan, 18th Combat Sustainment Support
Transportation Company of the Battalion)
Michigan National Guard.
the month of August, the BAF RSY As the visit drew to an end,
After a warm welcome, the produced more than 400 TEUs Brooks recognized five Soldiers for
18th CSSB senior leadership led (Twenty Foot Shipping Container their hard work and dedication
Brooks to the main processing Equivalent Units), far exceeding all in running the facility. Staff Sgt.
tent to provide an overview of the historical productions. Daniel Scroggins, Sgt. Kevin Root,
Retrosort Yard, or RSY, and how Spc. Justin Fivecoat, Pvt. Anthony
it ties into the other CENTCOM With high spirits, the group Klenk and Cpl. Jennifer Malone all
Materiel Retrograde Elements. proceeded to tour other areas of received coins from the three-star-
the RSY. general.
The Retrosort Yard is a
vital facility in the reduction of Sgt. 1st Class Edward “My first general [visiting
the amount of excess materiel in Dowd led Brooks to view recently our yard], my first coin,” Fivecoat
Afghanistan. Between the three opened shipping containers full of said. “It was exciting and new. He
main Retrosort Yards in the Af- used tires, vehicle parts and even left an impression.”
ghan Theater, the Bagram Yard is the cab of a 5-ton military trans-
the highest producing facility. In port truck. Malone was pleased to have
the General visit the yard to see
Staff Sgt. Barry Ruger and how operations were run.
Spc. Brian King introduced the
newly built “Virtual Warehouse” “It was great to see the
to the General. The Virtual Ware- general and for him to see how the
house is a successful program yard works,” she said.
devised by the Soldiers of the BAF
RSY to re-distribute high demand Brooks ended his trip by
items back to units with a higher speaking with all of the Soldiers at
level of customer service. the RSY.

Spc. Brian King (right) explains to Lt. Gen. Office supplies, computer “We needed [the mission]
Vincent Brooks, Third Army commander, how
cables, “Chem-lights” (disposable to be done,” Brooks said. “We
the Virtual Warehouse operates to re-circulate
highly-demanded items to local units in the chemical light sticks) or similar gave the mission to the 1st TSC
battlefield. This program effectively saves the items collected from the process- (Theater Sustainment Command),
U.S. taxpayer money in supplying Office sup- and they gave the mission to you,
plies, computer cables, “Chem-lights” (disposable ing area are gathered here for
chemical light sticks) or similar surplus items issue to local units with no charge because we knew that you’d get it
to units in-need. (U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt.
to the unit. done.”
Henry Chan, 18th Combat Sustainment Support
Battalion)

Page 9


Sustainers use ‘interrogator’ to track cargo at
Afghanistan-Uzbekistan border

HAIRATAN, Afghanistan - With the drawdown
of U.S. Forces already in full swing, the importance
of cargo movement throughout Afghanistan is at
an all time high. Units redeploying to the U.S. must
be able to track their cargo, whether it’s in or out of
country.

At the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan border, one
Army unit is working to prove how effective the
northern distribution system could be.

This system could possibly give the Army
more options during the redeployment process.
Soldiers with the 276th Transportation Detachment (Automated Cargo
Documentation), provide security around the Afghanistan-Uzbekistan
The 276th Transportation Detachment (Auto- border, Sept. 21, 2012. The unit provides security for field representatives,
mated Cargo Documentation) uses a radio-frequency VIP’s and other Soldiers who visit the border. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt.
Gregory Williams)
identification interrogator system to track cargo
within the northern Afghanistan area. good because a unit won’t have to waste unnecessary
manpower,” Mannis said. “All the Soldiers need to do
The interrogator provides in-transit visibility is set up a pole, boot up the system and plug it into a
of cargo and is used to formulate daily transportation power source.”
reports to Joint Sustainment Command - Afghani-
stan. Mannis said maintaining the interrogators’
operational readiness doesn’t take much effort and
Sgt. Robert A. Hamilton, a movement non- even if it did, the unit would do whatever it took to
commissioned officer with the 276th ACDD, said keep the system running because they know other
transportation Soldiers are usually confined to of- units depend on the data it collects.
fices and he’s happy his unit was given this unique
mission. “It’s important that we keep track of contain-
ers coming in the country through the Uzbekistan
“One of the most rewarding parts of the mis- border because we help other units save time when
sion is to have the opportunity to get Soldiers out on they do inventory,” Mannis said. “Cargo is moving all
the road and out of the office,” Hamilton said. “Most the time so we can see if it came through this check-
transportation coordinators work out of an office so point or not.”
it’s a good to give these Soldiers road experience.”
As the Afghan National Army guards the
Soldiers with the 276th ACDD not only gain checkpoint and interrogator, Hamilton said the 276th
experience outside the wire, but have the opportunity ACDD expects to collect more data from the system
to show there are more redeployment options besides as the drawdown continues.
the Pakistan Ground Lines of Communication, or
GLOC. “Once the larger elements start to drawdown
we expect to track more cargo,” Hamilton said. “In
“There is a lot of potential at Hairatan border the future we also hope to facilitate the movement of
that could help with the redeployment process and frustrated cargo as well so the busier we are, the bet-
drawdown,” Hamilton said. “The interrogator by the ter because it will make the Soldiers happier.”
border is mission critical, so it’s important for Sol-
diers to make sure it’s always operational.” The 276th ACDD is hoping to show the Army
there is a golden opportunity to the north of Afghani-
Spc. Joseph D. Mannis, a transportation stan.
coordinator with the 276th ACDD, has worked with
interrogators in the past and said the system is not Hamilton said an opportunity that if it is re-
only an important asset to transportation missions, vised could be more than tracking cargo, but moving
but is also easy to set up. it out at a faster rate, which would help everyone go
home just a little bit quicker.
“Setting up the system can take two to three
Soldiers if they know what they’re doing, which is

Page10


2012 National Hispanic Heritage Month
JSC-A Equal Opportunity Office celebrate their Independence Day
on 15 September.
This year’s National Theme
is “Diversity United, Building Mexico on 16 September
America’s Future Today”. (not on 5 May/”Cinco de Mayo”).

The Theme refers to the Chile on 18 September.
vital role Hispanics play in the Columbus Day, “Día de la Raza”,
moments that shape our country, is also celebrated during Hispanic
and during Hispanic American Heritage Month.
Heritage Month, the U.S. Army
recognizes the achievements and 1988. For years, the Army has
contributions of these individuals. forged relationships with Hispanic
The celebration heightens associations, and will continue to
America’s diversity is a our attention to diversity and the support and sponsor professional
source of strength, and Hispanic many contributions Hispanics development forums.
Americans have not hesitated to have made to enrich the United
defend and show their allegiance States. Through these relation-
to this nation in many ways, but ships, the Army further increases
especially through military ser- The observance com- awareness among key Hispanic
vice. mences on 15 September to co- audiences of the educational and
incide with the day several Latin career opportunities available in
Originally a week-long American countries celebrate their the Army.
celebration approved by Presi- Independence Day.
dent Johnson, National Hispanic
Heritage Month (15 September – 15 Costa Rica, El Salvador,
October) was enacted into law in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua

A word from the Provost Marshall
The month of October marks seven months Don‘t leave items lying around unsecured just
that we have been here. inviting someone to walk off with your stuff.

Now is not the time to get complacent about Don‘t leave valuables inside of a vehicle,
securing not only government equipment but person- locked or not.
al possessions as well.
Take the time to secure government and per-
Theft is on the rise and many of the incidents sonal property; don‘t let your stuff become someone
are crimes of opportunity. Remember to lock your else‘s treat and a trick on you.
door when you leave your room.

1
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Complacency Can Kill:
Walk Aware & Walk Away
JSC-A Safety Office tem to mitigate this hazard. Safety!
A dictionary defines com-
placency as “self-satisfaction CSM Roberts (3rd ESC/
especially when accompanied by JSC-A) states; It’s very important
unawareness of actual dangers or that we stay on course- Thing
deficiencies”. called complacency- if you allow
complacency to set in, you have
During combat deploy- now slipped on your “A” game and
ments the mid-tour and last 100 become a victim. You must remain
days service members can lose situational aware at all times.
focus on the mission.
Enhancing situational
The results can lead to awareness allows troops to better
more injuries, equipment damage plan and mitigates the risks of the
or worse - loss of life. mission. They are able to make de-
cisions at any given moment that
In order to protect our- reflect the current environment,
selves from accidental losses we rather than making a decision
must perform to standard, be based on a static picture taken
disciplined in our actions, avoid prior to the start of the mission.
unnecessary risks, and stay situ-
ationaly aware of our surround- Keep situational awareness
ings. of your mission and don’t allow
complacency to end the mission.
Use the battle buddy sys- Stay alert, Stay Alive! Sustainer

Page12


Surgeon Cell takes care of Soldiers health needs
JSC-A Command Surgeon Cell

Since arriving in theater, the Surgeon Cell
has been committed to ensuring all JSC-A Soldiers
throughout the Combined Joint Operations Area -
Afghanistan maintain access to medical care and
health support during the Troop drawdown.

The section’s missions have included: work-
ing to continue Role 1 coverage for Soldiers at Camp
Marmal, Phoenix, Pasab, Dedahdi and Shindand;
planning and executing theater-wide vaccine admin-
istrators; aiding in medical equipment retrograde;
screening Soldiers for the walking blood bank; and
visiting our higher, lateral and subordinate leaders future, organize volunteer support for the Warrior
and medical staff. Recovery Center, and exercise the first ever JSC-A
MASCAL plan.
In all of the actions, the JSC-A Surgeon
Cell has assured the medical needs of all Sustain- The Surgeon Cell serves as the senior medical
ers across the CJOA-A have been met, which allows advisors for the JSC-A. The cell oversees the Army
them to continue their important sustainment and Health Support (AHS) and Force Health Protection
retrograde missions. Additionally, the Surgeon Cell (FHP) of over 4,500 JSC-A Soldiers located through-
has successfully initiated plans to maintain the cur- out Afghanistan.
rent levels of medical providers in the JSC-A in the

JSC-A EO and SHARP reinforce awareness
JSC-A EO and SHARP

at Bagram and Kandahar Airfield. The Sexual Harrassment
Students attending the SHARP and Assault Response Prevention
MTT received training that is program reinforces the Army’s
designed to prepare Soldiers and commitment to eliminate inci-
Department of the Army civilians dents of sexual asault through a
to serve as victim advocates and comprehensive policy that centers
Sexual Assault Response Coordi- on awareness and prevention,
nators. training and education, victim
advocacy, response, reporting and
The SHARP program is a accountability.
comprehensive integration and
transformation of the Army’s Army policy promotes sen-
The Joint Sustainment Sexual Assault Prevention and sitive care and confidential report-
Command - Afghanistan’s Equal Response (SAPR) Program and ing for victims of sexual assault.
Opportunity and Sexual Harass- Prevention of Sexual Harassment
ment and Assault Response Pre- (POSH) efforts.
vention Offices has been tasked by
the commander to ensure that all The SHARP program re-
commands minimize discrimina- inforces the Army’s commitment
tory practices and sexual harass- to eliminate incidents of sexual
ment/assault incidents. harassment and sexual assault
through awareness and preven-
All Soldiers within the tion, training, victim advocacy,
JSC-A should be able to report in- reporting and accountability.
cidents without the fear of reprisal
in an effort to maximize human During the training at
potention and ensure fair treat- Bagram and Kandahar Airfield, 35 The Joint Sustainment Command - Afghani-
ment for all. Soldiers from JSC-A units gradu- stan Sexual Harassment and Assault Response
Prevention coordinator, Sgt. 1st Class Loretha
ated and started their new duties Alexander, conducts training to Headquarters
During the month of Sep- to serve as victim advocates and and Headquarters Company, 3d Sustainment
tember, two SHARP Mobile Train- Sexual Assault Response Coordi- Command (Expeditionary) Soldiers. (U.S. Army
photos by Master Sgt. Adam Eckstein)
ing Teams (MTT) were conducted nators.

Page13


MRB supports maintenance efforts
JSC - A Materiel Readiness Branch

The Support Operation’s MRAP-Recovery Vehicle, and average Operational Readiness
Materiel Readiness Branch pro- Heavy Equipment Transporter rate of 93% for ground equipment
vides theater wide oversight of sys- fielding. and 83% for aviation fleets.
tematic maintenance trends and
analysis for the Joint Sustainment The section has also pro-
Command - Afghanistan. vided g uidance to internal and
external units on maintainance
The JSC-A MRB supports procedures, resulting in an
the Combined Joint Operations
Area - Afghanistan by coordinat-
ing all maintenance efforts of
lateral and subordinate units, co-
alition and joint forces in conjunc-
tion with the Army Field Support
Brigade and contract maintenance
activities and other strategic part-
ners.

The MRB has monitored
and assisted with the Security
Forces Assistance and Advisory
Teams, Operational Reserve Force,

Religious support team provides spiritual guidance
JSC - A Religious Support Team

spread throughout the CJOA-A. Care for Soldiers, ci-
vilians and contractors is important and takes place
in all regions of Afghanistan.

Religious support is provided from members
of the JSC-A, brigade and battalion RST’s to reach
the hearts and souls of those we came to serve.

Support behind the scenes. Can you find Chaplain Collie Foster in the pho-
to above? He is running right beside Chaplain David Vanderjagt. The way
the photo was shot, he is hidden by the runner, with the exception of his
right foot. Much of what the Religious Support Teams do is hidden “behind
the scenes.” (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Candice L. Funchess)

Spiritual resiliency is built by many un-
seen ministries. Last month, there were 606 min-
istry events across the CJOA-A. In all, these events
touched the lives of 13,741 personnel. These events
included convoy prayers, Bible studies, chapel min-
istry, hospital visits, training events and many other
The Joint Sustainment Command - Afghanistan Religious Support Team
spiritual ministries. is comprised of Master Sgt. Wyman Loveless, Chaplain David Vanderjagt,
Staff Sgt. Florence Thornton, Staff Sgt. Daniel Letters and Chaplain Collie
The JSC-A RST’s are bringing God to Sol- Foster. (Courtesy Photo)
diers, and Soldiers to God.

Chaplains and chaplain assistants are

Page14

Sustainer - October 2012

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Sustainer - October 2012