Stryker Brigade News

The Gators were faced with the challenge of providing logistical support to the election polling process through the construction of preconfigured support packages, fuel and water re-supply, and the transportation and distribution of both.

The entire company put forth an incredible effort to execute this mission, and succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations.

Although the elections are over, the work has just begun.

Since day one, the Gators have been put to the test of supporting the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

It is hard to appreciate a day’s work here in “Gator Land” unless you spend a day in the life of one of our Soldiers.

One of the most time consuming and demanding missions is the support of the 4th Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, located several hours from forward operating base Marez at a combat outpost near Syria called COP Rawah.

The mission to Task Force 4-14 Cavalry starts with the reception and distribution of materials at the supply warehouse. The mission at the warehouse never ends since it is the forward-most distribution point for supplies and repair parts for the entire brigade.

The Soldiers of the warehouse, also known as the Forward Distribution Point, receive resupply requests from TF 4-14 and the multiple other units the BSB supports to begin preparation for the loading of containers.

They consolidate all available items through the use of their forklifts and manpower. They carefully plan each load to maximize transportation assets from DC since the smaller the space required, the smaller the demand for transportation becomes.

Over time, this careful planning reduces the number of Soldiers on the road. This saves time and work for the members of the transportation platoon responsible for the shipment of materials to TF 4-14 Cavalry once they are loaded.

Meanwhile, the transportation platoon is hard at work preparing their vehicles for the long and hazardous haul to the Syrian border.

They have several requirements to meet before movement begins.

First, they move the large metal containers to the Forward Distribution Point warehouse in order for the loading process to begin. They have recently returned from a previous mission and now have to balance the never-ending task of maintaining their trucks and trailers with movement requests not previously forecasted.

The route traveled takes its toll on every vehicle that makes the trip, and detailed vehicular maintenance is the only way to keep them running. They spend hours at the Forward Maintenance Company’s Base Shop, also part of the 172nd BSB, and replace parts that have been worn due to the rough desert terrain.

After three long days, the machine gunners start the final checks on their weapons systems. The platoon rehearses for the mission, picks up their loads, and makes one final stop at the fuel point, also operated by DC.

The Gators’ fuel section supplies fuel to the entire Stryker Brigade and it is common practice for all vehicles to top off their tanks prior to movement outside the Forward Operating Base.

After refueling, the Soldiers rest before the six-hour drive ahead.

Early in the morning prior to departure, you can find DC Soldiers, as well as other Soldiers from the BSB, standing ready in the motorpool for pre-mission checks for the combat logistics patrol.

The drivers go over their trucks one last time, and the gunners take their time reinspecting every last component of their weapons.

This is not the time for problems to surface, but if they do, they are promptly fixed.

Finally it is time for the mission, the moment they have all been preparing for; everyone is ready to execute the combat logistics patrol. They suit up in all of their protective gear, and jump in the trucks; it is time for the mission.

Driving is only part of the many hours spent on the road. Constant vigilance is required by all Soldiers to keep everyone safe.

There are many threats to Soldier safety while off of the FOB. The enemy is out there; they are watching and waiting for any sign of weakness.

Every set of eyes is scanning the roads and surrounding area for any sign of enemy presence, and the Soldiers are prepared to eliminate all threats before they affect the Combat Logistics Patrol (CLP).

After six or more hours of driving a route that includes terrain ranging from fairly smooth blacktop to an open rocky desert, the Gators arrive at their destination.

They have been bounced and beaten from floor to ceiling in their trucks and their eyes and minds are tired from concentrating on the mission.

They roll into TF 4-14’s gate and know it is now time to download all of the supplies they have brought to the waiting Soldiers.

The mission is crucial to the success of the cavalry, but is one that receives few accolades.

Mission accomplishment motivates these quiet professionals, and they only stop for a sigh of relief and a few hours rest.

The Gators have been running these CLPs to COP Rawah since their arrival to northern Iraq. It is an adventure through a hostile environment.