3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs
By Capt. Alan Fowler
By Capt. Alan Fowler
Since arriving in Iraq, the “Distro” Platoon has been working to provide all manner of logistical support, enabling Company A, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, to advise and assist the Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement at Joint Security Station Al Tib.
“The Forward Support Company truly is a life line for us. Whether it’s generator parts or water, their dedication keeps us focused on the mission,” said Capt. Neil Johnson, commander, Company A, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg.
Prior to each mission, Distro Platoon conducts all necessary planning and coordination. The Soldiers then load the supplies at COS Garry Owen before they transport them 90 miles to JSS Al Tib.
The reoccurring trip begins with assisting the mechanics with maintaining the variety of vehicles and utility trucks necessary for the mission. With trucks constantly operating in temperatures of over 100 degrees and in abrasive, sandy conditions, mechanical failure can quickly halt a mission, said Sgt. Danny Woods, Distro Platoon driver, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.
The day of the mission, Soldiers are responsible for loading and securing all the supplies onto their trucks. The supplies must be packed, loaded, secured, and protected from the elements. Once the supplies are loaded, the Soldiers have only a few hours to deliver them before products begin spoil, said Woods.
“The preparation time and the experience of running supplies in the vast openness of this province, feels like the ultimate road trip,” he said.
DBE, Iraqi police, and the Iraqi army have assisted FSC Soldiers with their mission by providing route clearance, security, and local police escort. Sharing the road is part of the overall goal of returning the responsibility of security and control to the Iraqis, said Johnson.
“So far in this deployment, Distro Soldiers have done an outstanding job keeping motivated, flexible, and determined. Keeping each JSS equipped to support the Iraqi security forces, provides security to all of the Maysan province and southeastern Iraq,” said Johnson.
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