Contingency photos on Flickr

Removing camera. by United States Forces Iraq

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Private 1st Class James Key, an infantryman assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, removes a surveillance system at Joint Security Station India, Iraq, Aug. 2, 2011. Key, a native of Cleveland, helped his fellow Soldiers transfer JSS India to the 2nd Iraqi Army Division after six years of U.S. presence at the base.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD – N)

GOES-R Consolidated Backup (CBU) Facility by NOAA Satellites

The Consolidated Backup (CBU) facility in Fairmont, West Virginia, will support contingency operations and perform all of the critical functions of the primary ground stations, NOAA Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF) and Wallops Command and Data Acquisition Station (WCDAS), through the production and distribution of life and property products. The CBU will provide product generation for all Key Performance Parameters (KPPs). The CBU will also serve as a backup during system/equipment testing or maintenance. Three new 16.4-meter antennas will be constructed at the CBU. They are designed to withstand sustained winds of 110 mph (Category 2 hurricane) and survive (in a stowed position) gusts of up to 150 mph (Category 4 hurricane). These antennas will be compatible with existing GOES satellites and will operate continuously for the life of the GOES-R series.

Credit: Harris Corporation

For more information: www.goes-r.gov/ground/overview.html

Original image source: www.goes-r.gov/multimedia/ground.html

‘Tropic Lightning’ deputy commander pins awards for combat action by The 4th Infantry Division

CIB.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq – Brig. Gen. Paul LaCamera, the deputy division commander of Task Force Lightning, pins a Combat Infantry Badge on Pfc. John Hernandez, infantryman, Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, during an award ceremony at the Salie Gym, Mar. 26, 2011, at Contingency Operating Base Warhorse, Diyala province, Iraq. Hernandez, who hails from Christoval, Texas, received the CIB for his actions during security operations. LaCamera presented one Purple Heart Medal, one Combat Medic Badge, two Combat Action Badges and seven Combat Infantryman Badges to Soldiers from 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div., for their actions deployed in support of Operation New Dawn.

(U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Robert England, 2nd AAB PAO, 25th Inf. Div., USD-N)

Helping Hand by United States Forces Iraq

CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION K1, Iraq – Staff Sgt. Thomas Harrelson, a communications specialist from Brigham, Utah, assigned to Company B, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kan., helps Iraqi Army soldiers dissemble a radio operations system during a communications class, March 10, 2011, at Contingency Operating Location K1 in Iraq. Harrelson said the class, part of a nine-week communications training course led by U.S. Soldiers, developed the Iraqi signal soldiers’ technical proficiency and understanding using the telecommunications systems, signal communications and electronic equipment. U.S. Soldiers are training Iraqi signal soldiers to lead the next iteration of classes.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N)

131213-F-RU893-624 by Travis AFB

Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing (CRW) based at Travis Air Force Base, CA, deploy to Central African Republic (CAR) for humanitarian support, on December 13, 2013. AFRICOM is beginning to transport African troops from Burundi to CAR using US Air Force C-17 aircraft operating out of Entebbe as part of a larger effort of African nations supporting the African crisis in CAR. C-17s will to fly about a dozen missions from Entebbe over a week time frame, transporting a Burundian light infantry battalion of about 850 men and equipment from Bujumbura to Bangui in CAR. The C-17’s are staged at Entebbe airport as a convenient mid-way point with the proper facilities to service the aircraft and support aircrews. (Released - U.S. Air Force Photograph/Heide Couch)

130917-Z-BB320-007 by South Dakota National Guard

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Sgt. 1st Class Jack Hahne is embraced by Staff Sgt. Amanda Galdo at Rapid City Regional Airport on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 after spending 9 months deployed to Afghanistan. Symonds is a part of the 1978th Contingency Contracting Team, which is responsible for assisting with the development and administration of contracting support plans, policy and appendices in support of operational, contingency and deliberate plans. He retunred with Maj. Matthew Symonds, which concludes the 1978th's deployment. Galdo, also a member of the 1978th returned from Afghanistan last month.

Four fundamentals of marksmanship by United States Forces Iraq

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – U.S. Army Cpl. Brandon Lamb, an infantryman assigned to Company C, 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, coaches Iraqi Army Soldiers while Pvt. Amar Abdul Hussein, Commando Company, 15th Brigade, 12th Iraqi Army Division, demonstrates the techniques during marksmanship training at the 15th Bde. headquarters in Kirkuk province, Iraq, April 4, 2011.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO)

Competition breeds excellence by United States Forces Iraq

Simulated MEDEVAC.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION COBRA, Iraq – A radio telephone operator from Troop A, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, simulates calling for an air MEDEVAC as part of the squadron’s “Best Squad” competition, Feb. 18, 2011, at Contingency Operating Location Cobra in the Diyala province of Iraq.

(U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Kyle Miller, 2nd Bn., 14th Cav. Regt., 2nd AAB PAO, 25th Inf. Div., USD-N)

Officer brings service, experience to ‘Devil’ Brigade Soldiers and Operation New Dawn by The 4th Infantry Division

Operations planning.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Capt. Kim Walter, operations officer, 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kan., works on her daily reports at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, March 7, 2011. Walter has served in Iraq during three separate deployments during Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and currently in support of Operation New Dawn.

(U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N)

Final inspection by United States Forces Iraq

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Sergeant 1st Class Mario Giron, contracting noncommissioned officer in charge for Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, leaves the troop command post to inspect buildings at Joint Security Station Whiskey 4 before transferring the base to the 3rd Iraqi Army Division, July 30, 2011. Giron, a native of Del Rio, Texas, and Troop B’s mortar section sergeant, managed contractors who supported troops at the base, to include security, laundry and barbers.

(U.S. Army photo by Capt. Philip Crabtree, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD – N)

1945th Contingency Contracting Team leaves for Afghanistan deployment by Virginia Guard Public Affairs

Family members, friends, fellow Soldiers and Virginia Guard senior leaders bid a formal farewell to the Soldiers of the Virginia Beach-based 1945th Contingency Contracting Team, 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group Feb. 8, 2014, at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach. Virginia Sen. Jeffrey L. McWaters of the 8th District, Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis A. Green, the Virginia National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader, Col. Michelle Rose, commander of the 329th RSG, Lt. Col. Michael Waterman, commander of the 529th CSSB, Lt. Col. Brent Carey, team leader of the 1944th CCT, and Capt. Bert Hankins, commander of the 1945th CCT, were among the speakers at the ceremony. The four-Soldier team will now head to Camp Shelby, Miss., for premobilization training before they head to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)

140116-F-RW714-017 by US Military

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Douglas Prewitt, 621st Contingency Response Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., marshals in a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft to Geronimo landing zone during a field exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), Fort Polk, La., Jan. 16, 2014. Service members at JRTC 14-03 are educated in combat patient care and aeromedical evacuation in a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Smith/Released)

Loving Hand by United States Forces Iraq

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CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Specialist Rodolfo Moreno, a finance specialist with the 4th Financial Management Company, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, repaints the name of his brother-in-law, Sgt. Israel Devora-Garcia, on the Warrior Memorial Wall at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2011. Moreno volunteered to refurbish the memorial site, which bears names of U.S. Soldiers lost during Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. “I am grateful for the opportunity to give a little back,” Moreno said.

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert DeDeaux, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N)

Hoobastank rocks COB Speicher by Fort Carson

Service members and civilians enjoy show.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Rock band Hoobastank entertains service members and civilians deployed to U.S. Division – North during a concert at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, June 25, 2011. After the show, the band members held a meet and greet, signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO)

131213-F-RU893-534 by Travis AFB

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Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing (CRW) based at Travis Air Force Base, CA, deploy to Central African Republic (CAR) for humanitarian support, on December 13, 2013. AFRICOM is beginning to transport African troops from Burundi to CAR using US Air Force C-17 aircraft operating out of Entebbe as part of a larger effort of African nations supporting the African crisis in CAR. C-17s will to fly about a dozen missions from Entebbe over a week time frame, transporting a Burundian light infantry battalion of about 850 men and equipment from Bujumbura to Bangui in CAR. The C-17’s are staged at Entebbe airport as a convenient mid-way point with the proper facilities to service the aircraft and support aircrews. (Released - U.S. Air Force Photograph/Heide Couch)

140618-Z-JU667-389 by Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office

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Sgt. Claribel Lopez Feliciano, yard boss for the U.S. Army’s 688th Rapid Port Opening Element, signs a manifest for cargo from Staff Sgt. Kevin Freese, an aerial porter for the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, before the cargo is shipped to a staging area called the forward node during Capstone '14, a homeland earthquake-response exercise at Fort Campbell, Ky., on June 18, 2014. The 123rd CRG is joining with the 688th RPOE to operate a Joint Task Force-Port Opening here from June 16 to 19, 2014. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)

1945th Contingency Contracting Team leaves for Afghanistan deployment by Virginia Guard Public Affairs

Family members, friends, fellow Soldiers and Virginia Guard senior leaders bid a formal farewell to the Soldiers of the Virginia Beach-based 1945th Contingency Contracting Team, 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group Feb. 8, 2014, at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach. Virginia Sen. Jeffrey L. McWaters of the 8th District, Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis A. Green, the Virginia National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader, Col. Michelle Rose, commander of the 329th RSG, Lt. Col. Michael Waterman, commander of the 529th CSSB, Lt. Col. Brent Carey, team leader of the 1944th CCT, and Capt. Bert Hankins, commander of the 1945th CCT, were among the speakers at the ceremony. The four-Soldier team will now head to Camp Shelby, Miss., for premobilization training before they head to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)

1945th Contingency Contracting Team leaves for Afghanistan deployment by Virginia Guard Public Affairs

Family members, friends, fellow Soldiers and Virginia Guard senior leaders bid a formal farewell to the Soldiers of the Virginia Beach-based 1945th Contingency Contracting Team, 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group Feb. 8, 2014, at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach. Virginia Sen. Jeffrey L. McWaters of the 8th District, Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis A. Green, the Virginia National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader, Col. Michelle Rose, commander of the 329th RSG, Lt. Col. Michael Waterman, commander of the 529th CSSB, Lt. Col. Brent Carey, team leader of the 1944th CCT, and Capt. Bert Hankins, commander of the 1945th CCT, were among the speakers at the ceremony. The four-Soldier team will now head to Camp Shelby, Miss., for premobilization training before they head to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)

Safety manager combats complacency through diligence and dedication by United States Forces Iraq

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq – David Longa, Safety officer of 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, inspects the electrical grounding for a generator Mar. 2, 2011, at Contingency Operating Base Warhorse, in the Diyala province of Iraq. Longa, a veteran with 21 years of service in the U.S. Army, and eight-years of experience as a safety officer, makes routine safety inspections around COB Warhorse to minimize the potential for accidents.

(U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Robert England, 2nd AAB PAO, 25th Inf. Div., USD-N)

U.S. Army Africa Contingency Command Post conducts deployment exercise by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

Spc. Yasuvick Santos, network system administrator for the U.S. Army Africa Contingency Command Post, helps form a network connection point for a recent deployment exercise. (U.S. Army Africa photo by Sgt. 1st Class Will Patterson)

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica

Official Vimeo video channel: www.vimeo.com/usarmyafrica

Join the U.S. Army Africa conversation on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArmyAfrica

140119-F-RN211-777 by US Military

Staff Sgt. Joseph Rivera, 571st Contingency Response Group based out of Travis Air Force Base, Ca. fist bumps a Rwandan soldier as they trade vehicles in the Central African Republic Jan. 19, 2014. U.S. forces will transport a total number of 850 Rwandan soldiers and more than 1000 tons of equipment into the Central African Republic to aid French and African Union operations against militants during this three week-long operation. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane)

U.S. Soldiers and Kirkuk Police partner for justice by The 4th Infantry Division

Iraqi Police in the lead.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE, Iraq – Kirkuk Provincial Director of Police Maj. Gen. Jamal accompanies Iraqi Police Emergency Services Unit during a cordon and knock operation through a neighborhood in Kirkuk City, Jan. 25, 2011. U.S. Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, assisted Kirkuk ESU during the operation. The ESU cordoned areas of the city, going from house to house to speak with the occupants, distribute humanitarian assistance packages and search for warranted individuals. The operation, conducted with assistance of “Thunderhorse” Soldiers of 2nd Bn., 12th Cav. Regt. resulted in the detention of several suspects.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO)

Sierra Leone ACOTA, July 2011 by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

As part of the ongoing Africa Contingency Operations Training & Assistance (ACOTA) program, Sgt. 1st Class Grady Hyatt, USARAF ACOTA military mentor, train members of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces on a variety of infantry skills such as improvised explosive device awareness, rifle marksmanship, movement techniques.

Photo by U.S. Army Africa

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica

Official Vimeo video channel: www.vimeo.com/usarmyafrica

Join the U.S. Army Africa conversation on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArmyAfrica

Westbound Venice Blvd. approaches and crosses at Harvard Blvd. intersection traffic signal flashing red lights powered and switched off modification controlled by Los Angeles Department of Transportation, Special Traffic Operations, by Raymond Yu

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Transportation Management Program Contingency Engineers during the operation of the Ciclavia Pico-Union meets Mid-City Open Streets Bike Route followed by Venice Blvd. and Western Avenue crossing point intersection traffic signal red, green lights and pedestrian crosswalk crossing don't walk orange hand lights - white walking lights, Wilton Place and Arlington Avenue located at Pico Union Area and Arlington Heights Area in Los Angeles, California 90006 and 90019.

Paint as Material Contingency - Opening Reception by Western Visual Arts

Paint as Material Contingency

Exhibition in the Artlab by the Third Year Advanced Painting class (VAS 3310).

October 31 - November 14, 2014

Opening Reception: Thursday, November 6, 2014,

Participating student artists from VAS 3310

Sophie Bisnaire

Danielle Brideau

Michelle Bunton

Tabitha Chan

Christie Constantine

Cayley Cowan

Emilie Currie

Yara El Safi

Corry Faulkner

Angela Ferreira

Jacob Freeman

Brenda Fuhrman

Ella Gonzales

Karissa Hill

Alexandra Kalifer

Sophia Lloyd-Jones

Rowan McCormick

Jasmine Park

Faith Patrick

Andrea Polzer

Robin Scott

Abby Vincent

Daniel Welsh

Carina Wharton

By installing your artwork in the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre, you agree to have it photographed and release all rights in and consent to the use of this photo for all legal purposes. Would you like to see your work properly captioned? vrlibrary@uwo.ca

Paint as Material Contingency - Opening Reception by Western Visual Arts

Paint as Material Contingency

Exhibition in the Artlab by the Third Year Advanced Painting class (VAS 3310).

October 31 - November 14, 2014

Opening Reception: Thursday, November 6, 2014,

Participating student artists from VAS 3310

Sophie Bisnaire

Danielle Brideau

Michelle Bunton

Tabitha Chan

Christie Constantine

Cayley Cowan

Emilie Currie

Yara El Safi

Corry Faulkner

Angela Ferreira

Jacob Freeman

Brenda Fuhrman

Ella Gonzales

Karissa Hill

Alexandra Kalifer

Sophia Lloyd-Jones

Rowan McCormick

Jasmine Park

Faith Patrick

Andrea Polzer

Robin Scott

Abby Vincent

Daniel Welsh

Carina Wharton

By installing your artwork in the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre, you agree to have it photographed and release all rights in and consent to the use of this photo for all legal purposes. Would you like to see your work properly captioned? vrlibrary@uwo.ca

U.S. Army Africa ACOTA team trains Sierra Leone troops by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

U.S. Army Africa Sgt. 1st Class Grady Hyatt, Africa Contingency Operations Training & Assistance (ACOTA) program military mentor, offers advice to a Sierra Leone Armed Forces Soldier on reconnaissance patrolling. Photo by U.S. Army Africa.

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica

Official Vimeo video channel: www.vimeo.com/usarmyafrica

Join the U.S. Army Africa conversation on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArmyAfrica

130806-Z-VT419-235 by Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office

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Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group arrive at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Ill., on Aug. 6, 2013, after deploying from Louisville, Ky., aboard a Mississippi Air National Guard C-17 from the 172nd Airlift Wing. The Airmen are joining with Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army’s active-duty 689th Rapid Port Opening Element from Fort Eustis, Va., to stand up and operate a Joint Task Force-Port Opening through Aug. 9 as part of a U.S. Transportation Command-directed earthquake-response scenario. A JTF-PO, which combines an Air Force Aerial Port of Debarkation with an Army trucking and distribution unit, ensures the smooth flow of relief supplies into affected areas by airlift, and coordinates their final distribution over land. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer/Released)

'Black Dragon' Soldiers earn cavalry spurs in Iraq by The 4th Infantry Division

Congratulations!

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Lieutenant Colonel Robert Magee, commander of the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, shakes hands and presents Spc. Sharee Taylor, a food specialist assigned to Forward Support Company G, 5th Bn., 82nd FA, with a Order of the Spur certificate during an induction ceremony at Contingency Operating Site Marez’s Main Gym, August 4, 2011. Magee, a native of Corsicana, Texas, welcomed Taylor, a native of Jersey City, N.J., and other Fort Hood Soldiers into the cavalry organization, which promotes esprit de corps, after completing a three-day “Spur Ride”.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

7D-IMG_0876-2 Pete Parker, Jim Savell, Mike Fisher, Mark Carlisle, Mike Tyson, Mike Cantrell by Peter Stephen Parker

The Company A / 75th Rangers invited me out to the backwoods of Tennesse and Kentucky for a week.

We camped out at "The Hilltop", a few miles from Mark Carlisle's place, and spent a week without Electricity, Cell Phones, Internet, Email, Running water, Showers, Baths, and bathrooms! The nearest town to go shopping at was about 25 miles north in Tompkinsville, Kentucky.

Temperatures ran a little below freezing at night, and maybe up to the high 60's during the day. This California boy had to relearn how to dress in layers. Fortunately, it didn't rain, but we did get some wind.

No girls were allowed, and so I was very careful to keep myself a safe distance from any banjo players in the area! And well armed just in case! (for the uninitiated, this is a reference to the 70's movie "Deliverance" starring Burt Reynolds).

We demolished a few cases of ammo, cooked our meals on propane stoves, 4-wheeled all over the countryside, got a tour of Mark's lumber mill, learned whats bears do in the woods. The boys needled each other mercilessly, argued politics, religion, and told war stories from long ago. Some hadn't seen each other for over 30 years, and had only recently found each other via the internet.

Fisher defended the stove all week, and did a lot of the cooking. Cantrell told war stories that all had a common theme - his mouth getting him in trouble! Gosh - who'da ever thought that Rangers could be so opinionated?

It was Deer Season, and hunters were everywhere. Some foolishly set up some deer hides DOWNRANGE on our range about 4:30 am one morning. When the sun came up, we kinda wondered what were they thinking? I guess they couldn't see all our targets behind them in the dark. They didn't see any deer that day, and moved about 200 yards (meters) behind us after that.

One thing about Rangers, everybody there had at least two of everything. The boys still know how to plan for contingencies!

The A/75th boys are a trip. No wonder they need their own listserver, and forest retreat. They're Nukkin Futs!

Thanks to Mark for the hospitality, firewood, and good weather.

'Be ready now' 143d ESC hosts Mission Training Brief by 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

ORLANDO, Fla. - In today’s complex and high tempo operational environment, America’s Army Reserve to rapidly deploy highly trained units to any corner of the world with the personnel and equipment they have on hand. With multiple contingencies and numerous potential threats capable of employing cutting-edge tactics with modern military equipment, the Army Reserve looks to its premiere sustainers such the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) to lead, train and equip its 10,000-Soldier command.

In taking the first, major step toward achieving this vital mission, the 143d ESC conducted a Mission Training Brief Feb. 2-3, 2018, at the command’s headquarters in Orlando, Fla.

“An MTB promotes cohesion through collaboration,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Walter L. Flinn, commander, 332nd Transportation Terminal Battalion. “It offers a forum for commanders to share their successes and shortcomings while seeking and offering guidance among their fellow leaders.”

Led by U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Deborah L. Kotulich, commanding general, 143d ESC, the MTB featured dozens of senior leaders from the company to the ESC level whose wealth of knowledge and experience offered solutions to a myriad of logistical challenges.

“The expectation of having several months to bring your Soldiers up to speed at a pre-mobilization station is coming to an end,” Kotulich announced to dozens of battalion and brigade commanders and command sergeants majors huddled in the conference room. “We must assume that we will mobilize at a moment’s notice, and it’s our responsibility that we physically and mentally prepare every Soldier for the rigors of combat through realistic training.”

Kotulich expects every downtrace unit to spend less time in classrooms and more time in the field. This focus on individual and collective readiness stems from the U.S. Army Reserve Command’s Ready Force X initiative.

“Ready Force X is the Army Reserve’s answer to the [U.S.] Army’s demand for properly equipped and highly trained Soldiers who can rapidly deploy into combat,” said U.S. Army Col. Wanda Williams, commander, 641st Regional Sustainment Group. “Almost half of the 143d ESC’s downtrace units must meet the strict criteria established by Ready Force X’s “Fight Fast” mentality. This MTB offers precious time for commanders to obtain timely information needed to properly execute the numerous requirements to maintain a constantly high state of readiness.”

While Kotulich entrusts her fellow officers to formulate plans and carry out the Army Reserve’s “Fight Fast” initiative, she relies on her command sergeants major to refine the tasks required to carry out their commanding general’s intent.

“There are 43 individual training requirements that every unit must complete before reporting to a pre-mobilization site,” said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos O. Lopes, command sergeant major, 143d ESC. “As NCOs, we are responsible for providing effective training that ensures every Soldier has mastered these fundamental skills that directly determine one’s survivability on the battlefield.”

“NCOs can only do this if they understand their commanders’ intent,” added Command Sgt. Maj. Kenyatta S. Stamps, command sergeant major, 787th Combat Support and Sustainment Battalion. “The MTB allows us to hear those intentions firsthand and develop effective techniques and tactics to achieve them.”

These techniques and tactics encompass a variety of tasks that enhance speed, agility and sustained readiness at the individual, team and unit level. From warrior drills to medical readiness, commanders must meticulously manage finite time and resources to crystallize the Army Reserve’s strategic vision and implement the 143d ESC’s operational mission.

“Ready Force X is about leadership, energy and execution,” said Flinn. “Commanders must own the responsibility for readiness. Establishing an open dialog among senior leaders remains paramount to understanding not only what we do but how we do it.”

With more than half of the 143d ESC falls under the Ready Force X umbrella, every unit and Soldier must face the challenges if they are to reap the awards of transforming America’s Army Reserve into the most lethal and capable federal reserve force in U.S. history.

“America demands highly trained and proficient Soldiers, and the Army Reserve is blessed to have motivated men and women ready to endure the hardships inherent in armed conflict,” said Williams. “That’s why I tell my Soldiers, ‘Don’t worry about the names. Just be ready. Be ready now!”

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC

130807-Z-VT419-451 by Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office

Soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 689th Rapid Port Opening Element in Fort Eustis, Va., load simulated disaster-relief supplies onto a Load Handling System truck on the flight line of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Ill., on Aug. 7, 2013 as part of Exercise Gateway Relief, a U.S. Transportation Command-directed earthquake-relief scenario. The cargo will be hauled to a forward node, where it will be staged for further movement over land by trucks. The 689th is teaming up with the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group through Aug. 9 for the exercise. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer/Released)

1945th Contingency Contracting Team leaves for Afghanistan deployment by Virginia Guard Public Affairs

Family members, friends, fellow Soldiers and Virginia Guard senior leaders bid a formal farewell to the Soldiers of the Virginia Beach-based 1945th Contingency Contracting Team, 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group Feb. 8, 2014, at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach. Virginia Sen. Jeffrey L. McWaters of the 8th District, Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis A. Green, the Virginia National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader, Col. Michelle Rose, commander of the 329th RSG, Lt. Col. Michael Waterman, commander of the 529th CSSB, Lt. Col. Brent Carey, team leader of the 1944th CCT, and Capt. Bert Hankins, commander of the 1945th CCT, were among the speakers at the ceremony. The four-Soldier team will now head to Camp Shelby, Miss., for premobilization training before they head to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)

Swift Response 16 by 7th Army Training Command

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Airmen from the 821st Contingency Response Group load a pallet onto a C-130J Super Hercules during Exercise Swift Response 16 at the Bydgoszcz Airport, Poland, June 8, 2016. Exercise SR16 is one of the premier military crisis response training events for multinational airborne forces in the world, the exercise has more than 5,000 participants from 10 NATO nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Joseph Swafford/Released)

U.S. forces vacate COL K1, ISF assumes responsibility by United States Forces Iraq

Roll 'em up, throw 'em down.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION K1, Iraq – Private 1st Class Michael Groves, a combat engineer with Company C, Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, tosses a roll of electrical cable from one rooftop to another as he and other Company C Soldiers dismantle and pack non-essential electrical systems at Contingency Operating Location K1, Kirkuk province, Iraq, July 24, 2011. U.S. Forces at COL K1 removed the systems before vacating and transferring the base to Iraqi control.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD – N)

U.S. Army Africa ACOTA team trains Sierra Leone troops by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

U.S. Army Africa 1st Lt. Salvatore Buzzurro, Africa Contingency Operations Training & Assistance program military mentor, works with members of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces in anticipation of upcoming peacekeeping operations in Darfur, Sudan. Photo by U.S. Army Africa.

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1945th Contingency Contracting Team leaves for Afghanistan deployment by Virginia Guard Public Affairs

Family members, friends, fellow Soldiers and Virginia Guard senior leaders bid a formal farewell to the Soldiers of the Virginia Beach-based 1945th Contingency Contracting Team, 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group Feb. 8, 2014, at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach. Virginia Sen. Jeffrey L. McWaters of the 8th District, Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis A. Green, the Virginia National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader, Col. Michelle Rose, commander of the 329th RSG, Lt. Col. Michael Waterman, commander of the 529th CSSB, Lt. Col. Brent Carey, team leader of the 1944th CCT, and Capt. Bert Hankins, commander of the 1945th CCT, were among the speakers at the ceremony. The four-Soldier team will now head to Camp Shelby, Miss., for premobilization training before they head to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)

Spartan paratroopers jump in arctic gear by U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK)

Paratroopers with the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, leap from the tailgate of a C-130 Hercules Alaska Air National Guard aircraft Dec. 12, 2013 at the Malemute Drop Zone at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The paratroopers exited the aircraft with a full arctic combat load, demonstrating their unique ability to rapidly deploy troops into arctic environments in response to a variety of contingencies. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jason Epperson/Released)

Practice makes perfect by The 4th Infantry Division

Terrain Model

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Second Lt. Amer of the Emergency Security Unit of the Kirkuk Iraqi Police uses a terrain model to explain his platoon’s mission during an emergency readiness rehearsal at a technical college in the Adallah district of Kirkuk Dec. 29. The ESU is responsible for the cordon around the building, the breach of the building, the capture of criminals and the release of hostages. The Iraqi Police, Iraqi Army, Major Crimes Unit, and the Criminal Investigation Unit also participated in the exercise to prepare for an emergency situation in Kirkuk.