Ammo troops multitask mission, drawdown

Published July 22, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Rodolfo Mireles
332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- As the 300 men of Sparta valiantly stood their ground on the battlefield, they did so with the knowledge that they would be devoid of any reinforcements. Although the 52 men and women of the 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Munitions flight are not fighting the Persian army, they are fighting an equally tough battle - the battle against time.

The 332nd EMXS Munitions flight is tasked, not only with supporting the five aircraft missions with munitions but also ensuring the expedient and safe shipment of more than $56.3 million of munitions prior to Dec. 31.

The Stockpile Surveillance and Munitions Accountability team has already moved in the right direction to get this accomplished.

"They are doing well removing the excess," said Chief Master Sgt. Ralph Parson, 332nd EMXS Munitions flight chief, who is deployed from Misawa Air Base, Japan. "So far we have inspected about 50 percent of what we need to move. Surveillance is on an incredible pace [and] far ahead of any projections we had."

A situation that also makes these "Ammo Troops" unique is that different four elements have been integrated as one. Most Airmen arrive at a base from technical training and are often assigned to one shop for a majority of their upgrade training.

"It has definitely been rewarding learning new aspects of my career field here that most don't get to experience until they reach the NCO ranks, paired with being deployed to a combat zone definitely makes for an exciting experience," said Airman 1st Class Cody Nosek, who is deployed from Spangdahlem AB, Germany.

Nosek is a native of Mio, Mich.

Nosek and the others within the production section are not only responsible for areas such as the inspection, testing and assembly of munitions that the air tasking order calls for, but the equipment that is used for delivery and testing as well. Additionally, they are tasked with the function of preparing all of the equipment for shipment for the drawdown.
Once the ATO is completed, the mission continues for these Airmen with the shipment of all equipment along with the 400 tons of munitions and components.

While the mission for these men and women will be difficult, Parson has ensured that the warrior mentality coupled with good attitudes and work ethic start at the top and work their way down.

"For any type of drawdown, flexibility and fluidity are key points to remind your folks about," said Parson, who is a native of San Diego, Calif. "Keep them in the loop about all things dealing with the mission so the rumors don't affect them, keep the channels of communication open to flow both ways. Teamwork, teamwork, teamwork."