U.S. Air Force Capt. Jeffrey Higgs, an airfield operations officer for the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, takes laser rangefinder measurements for a cargo yard at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 30, 2014. More than 70 Kentucky Air Guardsmen are operating an Aerial Port of Debarkation in Senegal to funnel humanitarian supplies and military support into West Africa as part of Operation United Assistance, the U.S. Agency for International Development-led, whole-of-government effort to contain the Ebola virus outbreak. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)

A contingency New Flyer seen staged just north of Rose Quarter Transit Center (on Wheeler, Soutbound next to the Moda Center). It was sent there to assist with the steel bridge closure MAX Shuttles, but they ended up not being needed on the day when this photo was taken.

This was also the last day that 2540 was ever used in a public setting. It is also one of the very few times that a 2500 was seen in public with replaced windows (some of the windows on this bus were swapped out with ones on LFRs).

There is also an older Gillig BRT to the right of the photo

Kentucky Army National Guard Capt. Forrest Holdsworth, UH-60 Blackhawk Pilot for the 63rd Aviation Brigade, speaks with Patrick Spoden, science and operations officer for the National Weather Station at Paducah, Ky., about the disaster-response capabilities of Kentucky National Guard during an exercise at Barkley Regional Airport in Paducah on June 18, 2014. The Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group is joining with the U.S. Army’s 688th Rapid Port Opening Element to operate a Joint Task Force-Port Opening during Capstone '14, a homeland earthquake-response exercise at Fort Campbell, Ky., from June 16 to 19, 2014. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)

Two U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs offloads passengers and cargo under blackout conditions at an intermediate staging base established at Mackall Army Airfield, N.C. during Joint Operational Access Exercise 12-02, June 5, 2012. JOAX is a two-week exercise to prepare Air Force and Army service members to respond to worldwide crises and contingencies.

44th Baltimore LGBTQ Pride Parade March down North Charles Street in Baltimore MD on Saturday afternoon, 15 June 2019 by Elvert Barnes Photography

BGE EXELON Contingency

www.facebook.com/myBGE/posts/2720519397959143

Elvert Barnes 44th Baltimore LGTBQ Pride 2019 docu-project at elvertbarnes.com/BmoreGayPride2019.html

Brandon Daugherty, a Space Medical Contingency Specialist with the 45th Operations Group, Human Spaceflight Support provides training on how to properly inflate the "Front Porch" floatation device from the Orion spacecraft. This piece of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) can be used to support astronauts who have made a water landing in the Orion spacecraft following a flight.

Members of the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing, including Pararescuemen, Combat Rescue Officers, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape specialists from the 103rd Rescue Squadron, as well as combat support team personnel conduct training with NASA personnel at Joint Base Pearl Horbor-Hickam, Hawaii during Exercise SENTRY ALOHA. A major element of this two week TDY is to participate in a joint NASA and Defense Department mission to evaluate recovery techniques and gear that will be used to recover NASA's Orion spacecraft, the next generation of American space vehicle.

US Air National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher S. Muncy

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Specialist Charles Porowski, a cannon crewmember assigned to Forward Support Company G, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, locates a target by plotting grid coordinates on a map during a “Spur Ride” at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, Aug. 3, 2011. In addition to a nighttime map reading skills test, Porowski, a native of Cincinnati, completed a combat lifesaver, automations, communications, and weapons skills test to earn the honor of being inducted into the Order of the Spur.

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

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – First Lieutenant Peter Curtin, an operations officer assigned to 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, sprints the last mile of an Army Physical Fitness Test at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, Aug. 2, 2011. Curtin, a native of Boston, Mass., completed the APFT as a prerequisite for the battalion’s “Spur Ride”. The Fort Hood trooper participated in the cavalry tradition to earn the privilege of wearing silver spurs and being inducted into the Order of the Spur.

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

Soldiers vibe to Hip-hop performance

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Soldiers assigned to 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, wave their hands in the air and enjoy a musical performance from hip-hop rapper Chingy during a concert at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, May 27, 2011. The American rapper performed popular hip-hop songs during a two-hour concert for the Soldiers, Department of Defense civilians, and contractors. After the show, Chingy thanked the deployed Fort Hood Soldiers for their services and sacrifices made while serving their country. The St. Louis musician also handed out autographed CDs and T-shirts to 4th AAB Soldiers.

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

Sgt. 1st Class Robert J. Absher from Dallas, Tex. an Operations Noncommissioned Officer for United States Army Africa Command Contingency Control Point helps set up the Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelter Aug. 7. (U.S. Army Africa photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class William Patterson)

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

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

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

Master Sgt. Jesse Spainhour, a crew chief from the Tennessee Air Guard, pulls a pallet of equipment from the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group onto a C-17 Globemaster III at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 29, 2017 in preparation for Hurricane Harvey rescue efforts in Texas. More than 40 Airmen from the Kentucky and Mississippi Air National Guard are deploying to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, where they will rapidly establish airfield, aeromedical evacuation and cargo operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Sergeant James Quatro, right, a military policeman assigned to 105th Military Police Company, Task Force Shield, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, instructs Iraqi Police assigned to the 2nd and 4th Emergency Response Battalions, how to stand properly when firing their AK47 rifles. Quatro, a native of Rochester, N.Y., also trained the policemen on how to assemble and disassemble the weapon, and basic rifle marksmanship.

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

Transportation Management Plan Contingency Engineers during an operation of One Life Walk to Los Angeles State Historic Park Special Event and Los Angeles Chinatown Golden Dragon Parade followed by Spring Street intersection traffic signal red lights and pedestrian crosswalk crossing don't walk orange hand lights, Main Street and Alameda Street located at La Villa de la Plaza Del Pueblo Village Apartment Buildings and El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, Placita Olvera, Olvera Street Plaza and Los Angeles Union Station in Chinatown Los Angeles and Downtown Los Angeles Civic Center, California 90012.

Note: The new current G.D.P. route travelled Southbound Broadway and made a left turn at Eastbound West Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and ENDS at a right turn into Southbound Spring Street Olvera Street for parade floats disbanding zone since February 2007 to February 2012 but now this Golden Dragon Parade route on Southbound Broadway turns right to Westbound Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and ENDS at North Hill Street overpass bridge and North Grand Avenue for parade floats disbanding zone since February 2013 to present. The former G.D.P. route was on Northbound Broadway (ended here until 2000) from Cesar E. Chavez Avenue to Bernard Street and Southbound Hill Street at Ord Street took place here until 2006.

The former G.D.P. route was on Northbound Broadway (ended here until 2000) from Cesar E. Chavez Avenue to Bernard Street and Southbound Hill Street at Ord Street took place here until 2006.

金龍大遊行巡遊會洛杉磯中國城華埠沙菲玆大道及和北百老滙街

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Paratroopers of the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, conduct live-fire, urban operations training on Fort Bragg, Sept. 9, 2013. The White Falcons, currently part of the Global Response Force, conducted a two-week intensive training cycle designed to reinforce combat skills for the nation’s airborne assault-capable, contingency unit.

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Hull)

Four members of the Bismarck-based 1919th Contingency Contracting Team were recognized for their overseas service during a Freedom Salute ceremony Dec. 7 at Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck. Soldiers of the highly specialized unit recently returned from a yearlong deploment to Afghanistan and other areas of Southwest Asia. The Freedom Salute campaign is one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history, designed to publicly acknowledge Army Guard Soldiers and those who supported them during missions in support of Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Zach Schuster/Released)

For more on the North Dakota National Guard, check out:

Website: www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NDNationalGuard

YouTube: www.youtube.com/NDNationalGuard

Twitter: www.twitter.com/NDNationalGuard

Copyright information: www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil/news/pressroom/Pages/Copyright.aspx

Master Sgt. Joaquim Chacon, 571st Contingency Response Group based out of Travis Air Force Base, Ca, pulls on a chain to secure a vehicle inside a C-17 Globemaster III in Rwanda, Africa 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)

A soldier from Troop A, 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry Regiment from the Virginia Army National Guard, carries personal gear and a box of meals-ready-to-eat to the mine resistant ambush protected vehicle on Contingency Operating Base Adder, in preparation for their final convoy out of Iraq, Dec. 2. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Zane, 362nd MPAD)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – An Iraqi policeman defeats attackers during a martial arts demonstration as part of a graduation ceremony at the Mosul Public Service Academy in Mosul, Iraq, June 12, 2011. Newly graduated policemen showed top Iraqi leaders their readiness to join the police force by demonstrating combative skills and crime scene investigation techniques.

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

Master Sgt. Michael Thornton, Personnel Contingency Operations team chief, takes a break and talks with members of the Royal Malaysian Air Force after a community service project at a retirement home for Cope Taufan, Tasek Gelugor, Malaysia, June 13, 2014. The community service event provides opportunities for Malaysian and U.S. forces to give back to the community that is hosting Cope Taufan 2014. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt Andrew Jackson / Released)

Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Contingency Response Group coordinate with higher headquarters to control the airflow of simulated disaster-relief supplies into MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Ill., on Aug. 7, 2013, as part of Exercise Gateway Relief, a U.S. Transportation Command-directed earthquake-response scenario. The coordination is conducted from a portable structure called a HELAMS, which is short for Hard-sided Expandable Lightweight Air Mobile Shelter. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer/Released)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Sergeant Kevin Chapman, an infantryman and squad leader assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, leaves the Emergency Services Unit headquarters after a mission in Kirkuk, Iraq, July 16, 2011.

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

Collecting the evidence.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq – Members of the Diyala Provincial Police Force Crime Scene Management Team mark, document and collect evidence at a simulated murder scene during a training exercise in Baquba, Iraq, May 15, 2011. CSM team members enter crime scenes already secured by first responders, such as the Emergency Response Force, and immediately begin preserving the integrity of the crime scene to collect and process evidence, take witness statements and begin an investigation leading to an arrest warrant.

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

Master Sgt. Daniel Graham, 621st Contingency Response Squadron air traffic controller, boards a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Oct. 6, 2016. Graham is one of more than 30 Airmen, consisting of command and control, airfield assessment, aerial port, aircraft maintenance, contracting, and security forces, from the 621st Contingency Response Wing deploying to Port Au Prince International Airport, Haiti, in response to Hurricane Matthew. (Photo by A1C Zachary Martyn)

Bump, set, Speicher.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Soldiers of U.S. Division-North came together on the first day of 2011 to compete in friendly sporting events hosted at the Contingency Operating Base Speicher Main Gymnasium Jan. 1, 2011. During the Volleyball games, Soldiers jockeyed for position, spiked for points and broke a sweat in the heat of competition but did not leave out the traditional post-game hand shake as a sign of good sportsmanship. Many U.S. Division-North Soldiers serving at COB Speicher in support of Operation New Dawn, took a break from the busy routine of work and operations to participate in volleyball, dodge ball and basketball games organized especially for New Year’s Day.

(U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO)

USF was named the "Most Fabulous Contingent" of 2015 by the SF Pride judges. Get involved: www.usfca.edu/clubsorgs/lgbtq_caucus/

Rare visitor at Orebro-Bofors Airport. A cargo charter flight to Baku with supplies from Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB).

These are screenshots from contingency, a mission in Call of Duty - Modern Warfare 2, click the link below to see a 3D slideshow.

www.flickr.com/photos/57605784@N06/sets/72157629307410737...

We arrived Quito a day earlier than suggested, even though an extra day was already built into the itinerary as a contingency for delays. Our first day was spent recovering from our flight (made more difficult by the altitude). While we were exploring Old Town, we wandered into a tourist information place where I immediately noted some beautiful hummingbird figurines. I remarked that too bad there weren't hummingbirds in the Galapagos! Knowing how much I love hummingbirds, my husband suggested that we go on a tour to the cloud forest the next day. "But we're supposed to meet up with our group tomorrow morning," I demurred. "Oh, Stephen and Ellie already know us, and we can get the details when we get back for dinner. We can leave them a message," he reassured me.

Hah! Can you imagine that I had to be convinced to see hummingbirds? My husband insisted that he'd rather see the cloud forest than do more street photography. So we went to Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve for the day and really enjoyed ourselves. We were informed that there weren't as many hummingbirds around because it was summer. In the winter, the rain dilutes the nectar content of the flowers, so many come visit the feeders at the Reserve. Still, there were enough hummingbirds visiting to make me happy.

This is a Gorgeted Sunangel. Not sure if he's angelic, as we know hum birds can be feisty. But he is certainly gorgeous.

Members of the Wisconsin National Guard’s 1967th Contingency Contracting Team is serving at Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, providing contracting support services to U.S. forces in the region, and is currently responsible for 74 contracts worth more than $10 million. Pictured are, left to right: Capt. James Hedman, Sgt. 1st Class Curtis Clements, Capt. Gary Brown, Sgt. Brookelyn Nelson and Master Sgt. Zachary Tevis. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dylan Murakami

Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, augmented by troops from the active-duty Air Force and Air National Guard units in multiple states, dowload relief supplies from aircraft around the clock at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the wake of Hurricane Maria Oct. 6, 2017. The unit’s Airmen established an aerial port of debarkation upon arrival here Sept. 23, and have processed more than 7.2 million pounds of cargo and humanitarian aid for distribution in the first three weeks of the operation. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer)

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)

Soldiers of U.S. Army Africa Contingency Command Post go over a battle task for a scenario with a South African National Defense Force soldier during a CCP exercise in preparation for Shared Accord 13, a joint peace keeping and humanitarian exercise. The intent for the CCP exercise was to familiarize the SANDF with the Combined Joint Task Force Headquarters capabilities so U.S. and South African soldiers will have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities as a CJTF during SA13. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Terysa M. King)

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

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

A paratrooper assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, conducts live fire training on Fort Bragg, Sept. 9, 2013. The White Falcons, currently part of the Global Response Force, conducted a two-week intensive training cycle designed to reinforce combat skills for the nation’s airborne assault-capable, contingency unit.

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Hull)

Spc. Richard Libby, an infantryman assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, conducts live fire training on Fort Bragg, Sept. 9, 2013. The White Falcons, currently part of the Global Response Force, conducted a two-week intensive training cycle designed to reinforce combat skills for the nation’s airborne assault-capable, contingency unit.

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Hull)

“Ops Town” serves as the command, control and communications headquarters for airfield operations at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Ill., on Aug. 7, 2013, in support of Exercise Gateway Relief, a U.S. Transportation Command-directed earthquake-relief scenario. The Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group is teaming up with the U.S. Army’s 689th Rapid Port Opening Element in Fort Eustis, Va., through Aug. 9, for the exercise, providing for the reception and distribution of disaster-relief supplies. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer/Released)

U.S. Navy Sailors with 3rd Medical Battalion (Med. Bn.), 3rd Marine Logistics Group (MLG), search for an exit wound on a simulated casualty’s back at the Medical Skills Training Center, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, October 29, 2020. Sailors with 3rd Med. Bn. participated in an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force training evolution to practice their combat lifesaving skills in an expeditionary environment. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Harvey)

The dive team waits just in case... Tacoma Freedom Fair's crew is just tops!

Thank You.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Major General David Perkins, commander, 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Division-North, speaks to “Thunderhorse,” 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, during its end-of-tour award ceremony at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2011. Perkins presented awards and coins to Soldiers, and thanked them for supporting Operation New Dawn.

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

Pallets of water are among the 7.2 million pounds of cargo processed through an aerial port of debarkation at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Oct. 6, 2017, following Hurricane Maria. The port is staffed by 39 members of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, augmented by Airmen from the active-duty Air Force and Air National Guard units in multiple states. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq – Captain Louis-Philippe Hammond, (left), commander of Company C, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division – North, speaks to Shawkat Kareem, Sheikh of Septia, Iraq, about the canal project outside of Contingency Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, Aug. 29, 2011. Soldiers from Company C, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, U.S. Division – North, provided security during the month-long project.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Quentin Johnson, 2nd AAB, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – U.S. Division-North and 4th Infantry Division deputy commanding general-support, Brig. Gen. James F. Pasquarette, shakes hands with Iraqi soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 9th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division after the soldiers completed their month-long training rotation at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, May 26, 2011. Iraqi soldiers showcased their enhanced fire and maneuver combat skills during a culminating battalion-level live fire exercise as part of Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclusive Training. Tadreeb al Shamil is an Iraqi Ground Forces Command training initiative to develop and strengthen IA units’ capabilities to secure and defend the people of Iraq from external threats.

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

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)

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

Master Sgt. Jermey Yates, a security forces team member with the Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Contingency Response Group, drives a disaster assessment vehicle near a C-130H aircraft assigned to the Texas Air National Guard's 136th Airlift Wing at NAS JRB Fort Worth, in advance of the Coastal Bend Regional Evacuation Exercise (CBREE) at Corpus Christi International Airport, in Corpus Christi, Texas, on May 15, 2012. (National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Phil Fountain / Released)

Dismantling at dusk.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION K1, Iraq – Specialist Richard Baggerly, left, and Pfc. Cody Saenz, both combat engineers with Company C, Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, work into dusk dismantling the Light-weight Counter Mortar Radar system at Contingency Operating Location K1, Kirkuk province, Iraq, July 24, 2011. Soldiers worked throughout the day and into the evening hours to disconnect all non-essential electrical systems at the U.S.-controlled portion of COL K1 in preparation for the official transfer of the facility to Iraqi control.

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

Pre-packing inspections.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION K1, Iraq – Electrical and security equipment lays ready for inspection before being packed and moved during the first stage of transition at Contingency Operating Location K1, Kirkuk province, Iraq, July 24, 2011. U.S. forces packed up gear and moved all personnel from COL K1 as Iraqi Security Forces assumed responsibility of the base.

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

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Major Colin J. Williams, primary advisor to the 1st Kurdish Regional Guard Brigade, is greeted by key RGB leaders during a visit to the RGB headquarters in Kirkuk province, Aug. 24, 2011. Williams, a Binghamton, N.Y., native, works to maintain a positive relationship between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the United States Division – North in support of Operation New Dawn.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Crystal Hudson, 29th MPAD, USD-N PAO)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – After rescuing simulated hostages, Iraqi Special Operation Forces assigned to 7th Regional Commando Battalion, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, bring out a suspected criminal during Operation Iron Lion at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, June 27, 2011. Iraqi Security Forces demonstrated their tactical capabilities and their ability to work together to protect Ninewa province and the civilian population. As part of their Operation New Dawn mission, U.S. Soldiers assigned to 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, assisted the ISF in developing a sustainable force.

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

Soldiers’ session.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Soldiers of Company G, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, read a psychological first aid slide during resiliency training class held at the Contingency Operating Site Marez Memorial Dining Facility, Jan. 7, 2011. The deployed 4th AAB Soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas, participated in the combat stress-related class during their lunch period. The training class was part of the “Rebooting Your Mind for the New Year” Program, intended to reach out to Soldiers who may need or are seeking behavioral help.

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