Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan –
With more than 70,000 Soldiers still deployed in Afghanistan, one unit consisting of only 20 Soldiers works to exceed the Army standard.
The 622nd Movement Control Detachment out of Ft. Eustis, Va., was forced to split its unit into two in order to meet the needs of the rotary and ground yard mission.
Each mission plays a part in moving both Soldiers and cargo throughout Afghanistan.
Halfway through their deployment, the unit helped with both the resupply and redeployment of troops in the field. The 622nd MCT has completed more than 3,700 ground and air missions during its deployment to Forward Operating Base Shank.
"We play a big part in almost all the units missions here," said Cpl. Kimberly Galindo, 622nd MCT unit transportation administrator. "We know our mission is important because we're the ones providing cargo to sustain the war fighters in the field."
To date, the 622nd MCT ground yard has in- and out-processed 2,300 host-nation truck drivers who deliver cargo to troops stationed throughout eastern Afghanistan.
Each driver counts as a ground mission with many of the drivers convoying to other FOBs in the area.
"During my first tour I was stuck in operations, but I prefer this mission because our unit gets to interact with Afghans, which helps us learn about their culture," Galindo said. "This mission is cool because we receive all the food for the chow hall. So in a way, it's up to us to make sure the chow hall is always full."
Sgt. 1st Class Nathaniel Moody, a first sergeant with the 622nd MCT, said even though the unit is split, each section works equally hard, and every Soldier exhibits the same determination to complete each mission.
"People rely on us to get their stuff because everything we're the ones that support everyone on this FOB," Moody said. "Our unit understands customer service, and whatever their needs are, we make it our business."
While undertaking the mission of resupplying the entire base, Moody said his Soldiers get the unique experience of helping troops from different military occupations, which will benefit them in the future.
"Our unit is good at making connections with everyone on base," Moody said. "Our Soldiers get to help infantry, artillery, Special Forces and even Navy SEALs on a weekly basis. This mission is great because they get to meet people they wouldn't normally meet."
As one section works with Afghan drivers delivering mission essential supplies, the rotary section moves hundreds of customers through the air terminal. In the past five months, the rotary section has processed more than 20,000 passengers through its terminal and pushed more than 14,000 pounds of mail to outlying FOBs.
"Our unit controls both air and ground operations, as far as logistics go," Galindo said.
As the 622nd MCT tackles its mission, the unit must also deal with frequent insurgent attacks on the base, which can sometimes halt operations. Moody said even though this is the first deployment for many of his Soldiers, the whole unit has shown the resolve of battle-hardened veterans.
"The Army talks about the resilience of Soldiers; well, from day one when our unit took indirect fire, I saw no fear in any of my Soldiers eyes," Moody said. "Most of my Soldiers are young, and I don't see them breaking down any time soon."
Galindo said the reason the unit is strong-willed is because of the strong relationship they share with one another.
"Yeah, stress comes up and you'll start seeing people becoming negative, but we're still a family," Galindo said. "We do share a love/hate relationship, but we also share a lot of camaraderie with one another."
Moody said even though the unit has completed thousands of missions, the Soldiers realize how important their roles are in this war.
"We play a huge part in the drawdown process, because everything that leaves this base goes through us, whether it's personnel or equipment," Moody said. "Our MCT will not be the last to leave, but our mission will continue until the last Soldier leaves."