LOA and 311th ESC exchange tours

Published Jan. 14, 2009
By 1st Lt. Tom Durkin and 1st Lt. Janine King
386th Air Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Logistics Officer Association and the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command exchanged visits in early January to help better understand one another's mission.

The exchange kicked off Jan. 2 when members of the LOA toured the Army's 311th ESC. The purpose was to expose Air Force logistics officers to the 311th's convoy processes for ground transportation. The 311th is the epicenter of convoy movement of supplies and equipment into Iraq.

The LOA members were greeted with a mission brief provided by the 311th's chief of staff, Army Col. Joel Mjolsness. He covered the various agencies and their impact to the overall mission. After the mission brief, the group toured the vehicle maintenance and inspection area and observed a vehicle post-mission inspection conducted by the 70th Medium Truck Detachment. The 70th and 424th MTD are comprised of Air Force personnel deployed on Joint Expeditionary Taskings and embedded within the Army's operation. Each MTD has embedded vehicle maintainers that keep the trucks running strong on the roads of Iraq.

The day wrapped up with a Battle Update Assessment briefing to the commanding general, providing him the most current status of missions and equipment within the command. The briefing demonstrated just how big a logistical puzzle the convoy business was.

Four days later, the LOA returned the favor by hosting 24 Army officers from the 311th. The officers were given a wing mission brief by the 386th AEW vice and group commanders. Each group commander provided insight into how their organizations contribute to the wing's mission.

After the briefing, the Soldiers were guided through the process a passenger goes through enroute to their respective forward operating bases. In addition, the Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center was highlighted; the ETDC provides transitioning Airmen with Individual Body Armor and chemical warfare defense equipment in-theater rather than bringing the gear from home station. The ETDC also reduces redeployment time and cost by allowing JET Airmen to go straight home from their deployed location rather than having to turn in IBA to various Army locations.

"The ETDC is a drastic improvement in the way the Air Force does business," one LOA member said. "It has streamlined the deployment process, making life easier for our Airmen which is always a plus."

The tour then continued to the Aerial Port for a demonstration of load planning and cargo loading, including a K-loader and forklift demonstration. It showcased the skills required to operate the vehicles and load cargo in an efficient manner.

The last stop was a flight-line tour showcasing the 386th's aircraft, including the C-130H and EC-130 static display. Crew chiefs, loadmasters and mission personnel explained the aircraft generation process and capabilities. The static display exemplified the uniting of air hub operations and aircraft maintenance to accomplish the wartime mission.

Col. Herb Phillips, 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group commander and LOA Chapter mentor said such exchanges were important.

"The professional relationships built between the ground convoy and air convoy experts is one that has paid huge dividends," he said. "It just goes to show that even while at war, logisticians continue to broaden their knowledge to further improve their capabilities and their support to the warfighter."