sustainer - october 2012

Interrogating border cargo 0

SustainerOctober2012

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

540th MCT helps Afghan drivers Page 7

Volume5 Sustainer October2012

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On the inside ...

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)

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 WriterSgt. 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 [email protected], by phone: (502) 624-8523, or by mail to 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary),

ATTN: PAO, 1747 Old Ironsides Ave, Fort Knox, KY 40121.

Commander’s CornerPage 3

The Chaplain’s OfficePage 3

Night-time operationsPage 5

Working with GermansPage 6

Helping Afghan driversPage 7

Third Army CG visits Bagram Page 9

Interrogating border cargoPage 10

Hispanic Heritage MonthPage 11

From the PMOPage 11

And much more ...

From the editor: Welcome to the fifth edition of Sustainer mag-azine - a monthly publication by the Joint Sustain-ment Command - Afghanistan Public Affairs Office.

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

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

Each state has different deadlines and re-quirements, so head on over to FVAP.gov to find the exact details for your home state, and as always, if you have any questions, or need any help, please let me know.

As always, be sure to keep informed through the 3d ESC and FRG Facebook pages for the latest on events and information.

Sgt. 1st Class Rob Strain Sustainer Editor

CSM’s CornerPage 4

Walk Aware and Walk AwayPage 12


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Joint Sustainment Command - AfghanistanBrig. Gen. Kristin French

Commander’s CornerSustainer Families and friends,

I am fortunate to regularly observe the magnificent perfor-mances displayed daily by JSC-A personnel in Afghanistan. Every-one is making a powerful impact.

Despite the hardships of being in a difficult, unforgiving environment, the Warfighters we support have not wanted for any-thing.

It’s because of the incred-ible work our team of logisticians and support personnel are doing as they plan and execute missions. It is an honor for me to serve with all our Sustainers!

JSC-A has made several changes over the past thirty days. Last year the President of the United States directed that NLT October 1st, 2012, there would be a force cap of 68K U.S. service members deployed/assigned in Afghanistan.

Therefore, over the last nine months, the military has

decreased the U.S. footprint from 91K U.S. Forces serving in country to 68K. Every major organization took cuts.

After a thorough review of all our subordinate units’ capa-bilities and requirements, we off-ramped over 500 JSC-A personnel and relocated other Soldiers to alternate sites outside of Afghani-stan. Along with our battalions

and brigades, 3d ESC/JSC-A HQs took some cuts.

We have had to make some tough decisions, but I’m confident we can and will continue to ac-complish all our required mis-sions.

As we enter the final ninety-plus days of deployment, we must make the most of the time we have left here, make our hard work count and finish strong.

Whether here in Afghani-stan or serving back at home sta-tion, let the pride of your sacrifice give you strength to endure.

We have all worked very hard and need to ensure that all missions continue smoothly.

To all Sustainers and their Families and friends, thank you for your sacrifices and service to our Nation. I am proud to be serv-ing alongside you.

Sustaining the Line! Brig. Gen. Kristin K. French Sustainer 6

Facing the Challenges of Life

Have you ever tried to use a knife only to find that it wouldn’t cut? It was probably frustrat-ing – the problem: It needed to be sharpened! King Solomon once wrote, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” So, what can we learn about this wise saying and the principle of how we can be sharpened.

Just as a knife that isn’t sharp isn’t productive, useful, or helpful the same goes for an individual. The Hebrew word used in this proverb for sharpen is

“chadah” which means to make glad, joined together, sharpened, grow. So to be sharpened as an individual is to be ready, useful, and productive in life and society. It means to be joined with others and growing to meet the challeng-es that life will throw your way.

So what does that mean for Families of deployed Soldiers? It means that you must be intention-al in developing relationships with individuals that you can influence and that can influence you in a positive way. I would not be a good chaplain if I didn’t give you some scriptural principles to follow.

Scriptures teach us that positive influence should come from parent to children, friend to friend, older men to younger men, older women to younger women, teacher to stu-dent.

Just as you tried to cut something and found that your knife was dull. You sharpen the knife and think to yourself – Wow, why didn’t I get this done earlier – this is GREAT!

Remember, it is never too late to get started.

Chaplain Foster

Chaplain Collie FosterThe Chaplain’s OfficeJoint Sustainment Command - Afghanistan


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Command Sgt. Maj.’s CornerJoint Sustainment Command - AfghanistanCommand Sgt. Maj. Karl RobertsGreetings from Kandahar Air-field,

Wow, Sustainers!

It’s really hard to fathom that we’re now past the halfway mark in our deployment, but we are. And what I want you to be proud of most is that we’ve accom-plished so much, in such a short period of time. We, the Soldiers of the 3d ESC and JSC-A, have performed difficult tasks and mis-sions at an efficiency that’s been unbelievable.

Now that we’re getting short, as it is so commonly re-ferred to, we have to understand that this period is also the time that most accidents or incidents occur during a deployment.

As the senior enlisted leader, I’ve seen so many incidents happen because of complacency or Soldiers just not being focused, it’s mind boggling. But keep in mind that even though it’s mind

boggling, these things are prevent-able.

What I want us to focus on during this time is “doing the right thing and keeping each other

safe.” We have to remember that everyone is a safety officer, no matter the rank.

I would much rather a low-er ranking Soldier tell me that I’m committing an unsafe act, than to continue the act and possibly lose my life as a result.

So, what I’m asking is that we look out for one another to en-sure that we take home every Sol-dier that we took to Afghanistan. As a team, if we work together, we can and will accomplish this goal.

Thanks again for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers, and we look forward to joining you, our family and friends, soon.

Sustaining the Line! CSM Karl A. Roberts

Sustainer 7

The Center for Army Lessons Learned rapidly collects, analyzes, disseminates and archives OIL, TTP and op-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.

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

CALL Lessons Learned NIPR website: https://call2army.mil

Army Professional Forums: https://forums.army.mil

CALL SIPRNET Homepage:http://call.army.smil.mil

CALL SIPRNET OEF Current Operations: http://calloif.leavenworth.army.smil.mil


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Sgt. Gregory Williams

Soldiers transport cargo during nighttime operations 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.

“We have to learn how to think ahead and how to anticipate delays we may face out on the road,” said Staff Sgt. Steven P. Maui, a convoy com-mander with the 25th TC. “It’s a collective effort to make sure the mission is complete because the routes and terrain is tough out here.”

Maui said even though he’s been deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, he considers Afghanistan to be more difficult because routes are considerably more dangerous.

Spc. Jonae T. Blackwell, a truck driver with the 25th TC, said it’s very important for Soldiers to pay extra attention to their surrounding environment during the night.

“We all have to be more alert at night, espe-cially the gunners, because it’s their job to look for shadows so they can get positive identification on whatever’s out there,” Blackwell said. “We don’t want to cause any unnecessary damage so attention to detail is critical to the mission success.”

After a two-hour trip, the convoy headed to the CRSP yard to offload its cargo, which consisted of six loads of multi-class items and mail. Maui said it’s important to get mail to troops because hearing from a loved one can raise morale and help Soldiers focus out in the battlefield.

“Being a truck driver, I understand both sides of the coin because I used to be in field artillery so I know how important stuff like mail is.” Maui said, “I remember that great feeling of seeing the transporta-tion people during my eight years in artillery.”

After unloading its cargo, the 25th TC picked up two battle damaged vehicles and other retrograde equipment, which would be returned to the United States for reset.

The RESET process takes used vehicles, in-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 family and we don’t mind going out of our way to help and supply other units.”

Sgt. Jesus A. Alvarez, a truck commander with the 25th Transportation Company, escorts a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protective vehicle to an am-munition point on August 30, 2012 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. 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)

Spc. Walter G. Abad Yarleque, a truck driver with the 25th Transportation 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 cargo to forward operating bases during nighttime tactical operations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gregory Williams)


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Reserve Soldiers, German counterparts sustain fight in northern Afghanistan MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Af-ghanistan - Three years ago, an all-German staff was in charge of the Camp Marmal fixed wing passenger terminal. The Interna-tional Security Force then decided to move Joint Sustainment Com-mand - Afghanistan Soldiers into the terminal to run the rotary op-erations. What soon followed was the beginning of a joint operation mission between countries sepa-rated by the North Atlantic Ocean back home.

The 540th Movement Control Detachment, known as an MCT, an Army Reserve unit from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, works with German soldiers to move more than 1,000 passengers, or PAX, through the passenger termi-nal every day.

Since December 2011, the 540th MCT and their German

counterparts have processed more than 200,000 ISAF customers through the terminal.

“When you can speak and understand each other then you can solve problems,” said German 1st Sgt. Christian Rademacher, a passenger terminal chief with the Air Transport Wing 62.

Customers fly out of the Camp Marmal PAX terminal from Mazar-e-Sharif to other destina-tions within Afghanistan.

Soldiers and contractors book flights either through the CJ-1 command or Airlift Passenger Reservation System. It was only three years ago that Joint Sus-tainment Command - Afghanistan Soldiers could only help rotary passengers, but now they are in-volved in the fixed wing operation as well.

“When I was here three

years ago we used to print out their paperwork for them for the rotary section, but now they have access to both the CJ-1 command and Centrix systems,” explained Rademacher. “Now sometimes the Americans have more informa-tion than us, which helps us work together better.”

The Centrix system is a se-cure web-based system that allows air operators to view online reser-vations and flight information in real time. The U.S. military uses the system to track contractor helicopter flights, reservations and cancellations. Even though the system is secure like all computer programs, it can encounter glitch-es due to information overload.

“If our system went down we have a back-up through the German tower log system, which gives the terminal an outline of all that day’s flights,” said Sgt. Justin 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.”

The Soldiers behind the 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 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


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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-ing this job worth while.”

Even though the Soldiers are miles apart from there respec-tive loved ones, the Americans and Germans have grown close to one another.

“We’re here every day sit-ting next to each other for hours

Soldiers prepare to board a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, Sept. 9, 2012, at Camp Marmal, Afghanistan. The helicopter is used to transport passengers between various destinations throughout Afghani-stan, and its main cabin can hold up to 33 Soldiers.

and when it’s slow we all share photos, play table football and talk about life,” Rademacher said. “We treat each other like we’re one big family.”

Together the 540th MCT and their German counterparts

have shown that it doesn’t matter what uniform a Soldier wears. In a war zone, all it takes is a common goal to bring everyone together.

540th MCT helps Afghan driversSgt. Gregory Williams

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-dreds of drivers cannot get their cargo to the proper destination.

If the cargo doesn’t get on base, everyone from the driver to the Soldiers suffer, so for the Louisiana reservists there is no time to waste.

The 540th Movement Control Detachment processes paperwork for Afghan drivers at Camp Marmal.

“Our unit is not only responsible for making

sure the drivers link up with the carrier, but we also have to make sure they get a memo to get paid,” said Sgt. Jamion J. Anderson, a national afghan trucking coordinator with the 540th MCT.

Spc. Ryan M. Sweeney, a transportation coordinator with the 540th Move-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 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)

See DRIVERS, next page


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DRIVERS, from previous

“We have usually dealt with over 100 cases a month where drivers are missing paperwork and can’t get paid.”

The Soldiers must act as the middleman, making sure both the driver and carriers communi-cate to ensure the readiness of future convoy opera-tions.

“Even a mistake in paperwork can delay a truck getting on base, which can affect everyone on base from the Post Exchange to the dining facilities,” Anderson said. “We don’t want any mistakes on our end causing a missed meal.”

Not only do Soldiers on the base rely on the cargo that is on the back of the truck, but the Afghan drivers depend on the cargo being delivered in order to get paid.

Staff Sgt. Anthony J. Hayner, an entry control point noncommissioned officer with the 540th MCT, said it’s funny how communication isn’t the problem between the Soldiers and Afghans, but it’s tracking down the carrier who has to pick up the load that’s the hard part.

“Our interpreters taught us phrases that help us do our job, but hunting down the carriers is the hardest part because most of the time we’ll have phone numbers that don’t work,” Hayner said. “Even

if we’re trying to provide the best customer service to the drivers, they know the universal sign language for ‘pay me.’”

The Soldiers understand the hardships driv-ers may have to endure, which is why the government compensates them. Hayner said drivers have shared stories of paying off Taliban fighters at make-shift check points in order to get to the base.

Once a driver arrives, they have to spend ad-ditional money on food while they wait for an escort, which can sometimes take more than three days.

“Doing this job has given me a new perspec-tive on the war because I’m starting to see that most of these drivers aren’t combatants,” Hayner said. “We try to make the drivers feel comfortable enough to come back and do more convoys for us, which is a part of the counter insurgency doctrine.”

As surrounding forward operating bases start to shut down due to U.S. Forces pulling out, there are still Soldiers out in the field who depend on convoys to get valuable supplies.

“Our mission is to help sustain the warfighter and cargo can’t make it from camp to camp if we don’t do our jobs,” Anderson said. “Anything we can do to make sure that the drivers don’t lose money and the government doesn’t spend more money, we’re going to do.”

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)


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Third Army commander visits Bagram Retrosort Yard2nd 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 National Guard and the 1462nd Transportation Company of the Michigan National Guard.

After a warm welcome, the 18th CSSB senior leadership led Brooks to the main processing tent to provide an overview of the Retrosort Yard, or RSY, and how it ties into the other CENTCOM Materiel Retrograde Elements.

The Retrosort Yard is a vital facility in the reduction of the amount of excess materiel in Afghanistan. Between the three main Retrosort Yards in the Af-ghan Theater, the Bagram Yard is the highest producing facility. In

Lt. Col. Michelle Letcher and Sgt. 1st Class Edward Dowd brief Lt. Gen. Vincent Brooks, Third Army 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 Battalion)

the month of August, the BAF RSY produced more than 400 TEUs (Twenty Foot Shipping Container Equivalent Units), far exceeding all historical productions.

With high spirits, the group proceeded to tour other areas of the RSY.

Sgt. 1st Class Edward Dowd led Brooks to view recently opened shipping containers full of used tires, vehicle parts and even the cab of a 5-ton military trans-port truck.

Staff Sgt. Barry Ruger and Spc. Brian King introduced the newly built “Virtual Warehouse” to the General. The Virtual Ware-house is a successful program devised by the Soldiers of the BAF RSY to re-distribute high demand items back to units with a higher level of customer service.

Office supplies, computer cables, “Chem-lights” (disposable chemical light sticks) or similar items collected from the process-ing area are gathered here for issue to local units with no charge to the unit.

As the visit drew to an end, Brooks recognized five Soldiers for their hard work and dedication in running the facility. Staff Sgt. Daniel Scroggins, Sgt. Kevin Root, Spc. Justin Fivecoat, Pvt. Anthony Klenk and Cpl. Jennifer Malone all received coins from the three-star-general.

“My first general [visiting our yard], my first coin,” Fivecoat said. “It was exciting and new. He left an impression.”

Malone was pleased to have the General visit the yard to see how operations were run.

“It was great to see the general and for him to see how the yard works,” she said.

Brooks ended his trip by speaking with all of the Soldiers at the RSY.

“We needed [the mission] to be done,” Brooks said. “We gave the mission to the 1st TSC (Theater Sustainment Command), and they gave the mission to you, because we knew that you’d get it done.”

Spc. Brian King (right) explains to Lt. Gen. Vincent Brooks, Third Army commander, how the Virtual Warehouse operates to re-circulate highly-demanded items to local units in the battlefield. This program effectively saves the U.S. taxpayer money in supplying Office sup-plies, computer cables, “Chem-lights” (disposable chemical light sticks) or similar surplus items to units in-need. (U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Henry Chan, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion)


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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.

The 276th Transportation Detachment (Auto-mated Cargo Documentation) uses a radio-frequency identification interrogator system to track cargo within the northern Afghanistan area.

The interrogator provides in-transit visibility of cargo and is used to formulate daily transportation reports to Joint Sustainment Command - Afghani-stan.

Sgt. Robert A. Hamilton, a movement non-commissioned officer with the 276th ACDD, said transportation Soldiers are usually confined to of-fices and he’s happy his unit was given this unique mission.

“One of the most rewarding parts of the mis-sion is to have the opportunity to get Soldiers out on the road and out of the office,” Hamilton said. “Most transportation coordinators work out of an office so it’s a good to give these Soldiers road experience.”

Soldiers with the 276th ACDD not only gain experience outside the wire, but have the opportunity to show there are more redeployment options besides the Pakistan Ground Lines of Communication, or GLOC.

“There is a lot of potential at Hairatan border that could help with the redeployment process and drawdown,” Hamilton said. “The interrogator by the border is mission critical, so it’s important for Sol-diers to make sure it’s always operational.”

Spc. Joseph D. Mannis, a transportation coordinator with the 276th ACDD, has worked with interrogators in the past and said the system is not only an important asset to transportation missions, but is also easy to set up.

“Setting up the system can take two to three Soldiers if they know what they’re doing, which is

good because a unit won’t have to waste unnecessary manpower,” Mannis said. “All the Soldiers need to do is set up a pole, boot up the system and plug it into a power source.”

Mannis said maintaining the interrogators’ operational readiness doesn’t take much effort and even if it did, the unit would do whatever it took to keep the system running because they know other units depend on the data it collects.

“It’s important that we keep track of contain-ers coming in the country through the Uzbekistan border because we help other units save time when they do inventory,” Mannis said. “Cargo is moving all the time so we can see if it came through this check-point or not.”

As the Afghan National Army guards the checkpoint and interrogator, Hamilton said the 276th ACDD expects to collect more data from the system as the drawdown continues.

“Once the larger elements start to drawdown we expect to track more cargo,” Hamilton said. “In the future we also hope to facilitate the movement of frustrated cargo as well so the busier we are, the bet-ter because it will make the Soldiers happier.”

The 276th ACDD is hoping to show the Army there is a golden opportunity to the north of Afghani-stan.

Hamilton said an opportunity that if it is re-vised could be more than tracking cargo, but moving it out at a faster rate, which would help everyone go home just a little bit quicker.

Soldiers with the 276th Transportation Detachment (Automated Cargo Documentation), provide security around the Afghanistan-Uzbekistan border, Sept. 21, 2012. The unit provides security for field representatives, VIP’s and other Soldiers who visit the border. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gregory Williams)


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2012 National Hispanic Heritage Month This year’s National Theme is “Diversity United, Building America’s Future Today”.

The Theme refers to the vital role Hispanics play in the moments that shape our country, and during Hispanic American Heritage Month, the U.S. Army recognizes the achievements and contributions of these individuals.

America’s diversity is a source of strength, and Hispanic Americans have not hesitated to defend and show their allegiance to this nation in many ways, but especially through military ser-vice.

Originally a week-long celebration approved by Presi-dent Johnson, National Hispanic Heritage Month (15 September – 15 October) was enacted into law in

JSC-A Equal Opportunity Office

1988.

The celebration heightens our attention to diversity and the many contributions Hispanics have made to enrich the United States.

The observance com-mences on 15 September to co-incide with the day several Latin American countries celebrate their Independence Day.

Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua

celebrate their Independence Day on 15 September.

Mexico on 16 September (not on 5 May/”Cinco de Mayo”).

Chile on 18 September. Columbus Day, “Día de la Raza”, is also celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month.

For years, the Army has forged relationships with Hispanic associations, and will continue to support and sponsor professional development forums.

Through these relation-ships, the Army further increases awareness among key Hispanic audiences of the educational and career opportunities available in the Army.

A word from the Provost Marshall The month of October marks seven months that we have been here.

Now is not the time to get complacent about securing not only government equipment but person-al possessions as well.

Theft is on the rise and many of the incidents are crimes of opportunity. Remember to lock your door when you leave your room.

Don‘t leave items lying around unsecured just inviting someone to walk off with your stuff.

Don‘t leave valuables inside of a vehicle, locked or not.

Take the time to secure government and per-sonal property; don‘t let your stuff become someone else‘s treat and a trick on you.


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Complacency Can Kill: Walk Aware & Walk Away

JSC-A Safety Office

A dictionary defines com-placency as “self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies”.

During combat deploy-ments the mid-tour and last 100 days service members can lose focus on the mission.

The results can lead to more injuries, equipment damage or worse - loss of life.

In order to protect our-selves from accidental losses we must perform to standard, be disciplined in our actions, avoid unnecessary risks, and stay situ-ationaly aware of our surround-ings.

Use the battle buddy sys-

tem to mitigate this hazard.

CSM Roberts (3rd ESC/JSC-A) states; It’s very important that we stay on course- Thing called complacency- if you allow complacency to set in, you have now slipped on your “A” game and become a victim. You must remain situational aware at all times.

Enhancing situational awareness allows troops to better plan and mitigates the risks of the mission. They are able to make de-cisions at any given moment that reflect the current environment, rather than making a decision based on a static picture taken prior to the start of the mission.

Keep situational awareness of your mission and don’t allow complacency to end the mission. Stay alert, Stay Alive! Sustainer

Safety!


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Surgeon Cell takes care of Soldiers health needsJSC-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 and medical staff.

In all of the actions, the JSC-A Surgeon Cell has assured the medical needs of all Sustain-ers across the CJOA-A have been met, which allows them to continue their important sustainment and retrograde missions. Additionally, the Surgeon Cell has successfully initiated plans to maintain the cur-rent levels of medical providers in the JSC-A in the

future, organize volunteer support for the Warrior Recovery Center, and exercise the first ever JSC-A MASCAL plan.

The Surgeon Cell serves as the senior medical advisors for the JSC-A. The cell oversees the Army Health Support (AHS) and Force Health Protection (FHP) of over 4,500 JSC-A Soldiers located through-out Afghanistan.

JSC-A EO and SHARP reinforce awarenessJSC-A EO and SHARP

The Joint Sustainment Command - Afghanistan’s Equal Opportunity and Sexual Harass-ment and Assault Response Pre-vention Offices has been tasked by the commander to ensure that all commands minimize discrimina-tory practices and sexual harass-ment/assault incidents.

All Soldiers within the JSC-A should be able to report in-cidents without the fear of reprisal in an effort to maximize human potention and ensure fair treat-ment for all.

During the month of Sep-tember, two SHARP Mobile Train-ing Teams (MTT) were conducted

at Bagram and Kandahar Airfield. Students attending the SHARP MTT received training that is designed to prepare Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians to serve as victim advocates and Sexual Assault Response Coordi-nators.

The SHARP program is a comprehensive integration and transformation of the Army’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program and Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) efforts.

The SHARP program re-inforces the Army’s commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault through awareness and preven-tion, training, victim advocacy, reporting and accountability.

During the training at Bagram and Kandahar Airfield, 35 Soldiers from JSC-A units gradu-ated and started their new duties to serve as victim advocates and Sexual Assault Response Coordi-nators.

The Joint Sustainment Command - Afghani-stan Sexual Harassment and Assault Response Prevention coordinator, Sgt. 1st Class Loretha Alexander, conducts training to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Soldiers. (U.S. Army photos by Master Sgt. Adam Eckstein)

The Sexual Harrassment and Assault Response Prevention program reinforces the Army’s commitment to eliminate inci-dents of sexual asault through a comprehensive policy that centers on awareness and prevention, training and education, victim advocacy, response, reporting and accountability.

Army policy promotes sen-sitive care and confidential report-ing for victims of sexual assault.


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MRB supports maintenance efforts JSC - A Materiel Readiness Branch

The Support Operation’s Materiel Readiness Branch pro-vides theater wide oversight of sys-tematic maintenance trends and analysis for the Joint Sustainment Command - Afghanistan.

The JSC-A MRB supports 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,

MRAP-Recovery Vehicle, and Heavy Equipment Transporter fielding.

The section has also pro-vided g uidance to internal and external units on maintainance procedures, resulting in an

average Operational Readiness rate of 93% for ground equipment and 83% for aviation fleets.

Religious support team provides spiritual guidanceJSC - 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 spiritual ministries.

The JSC-A RST’s are bringing God to Sol-diers, and Soldiers to God.

Chaplains and chaplain assistants are

The Joint Sustainment Command - Afghanistan Religious Support Team is comprised of Master Sgt. Wyman Loveless, Chaplain David Vanderjagt, Staff Sgt. Florence Thornton, Staff Sgt. Daniel Letters and Chaplain Collie Foster. (Courtesy Photo)

sustainer - october 2012

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