US Army National Guard soldiers with the 1050th Transport Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, transported more than 590 all-terrain military vehicles (MATV) from the port of Charleston to a place of detention in North Charleston.
The battalion decided to use this as a learning opportunity for enlisted soldiers to receive hands-on training to work with new equipment and partnerships with the US Army Support Command (ASC).
US Army Master Sergeant David Phillips, non-commissioned operations officer for the 1050th Transport Battalion, said: “This mission was a two-phase mission. The first phase started in October and we moved 337 MATVs with 25 [storage containers]. During the second mission in December, we moved 254 MATVs, for a total of 591 on a 15-day mission. “
Phillips added: “We feel that having this type of mission would be a great opportunity and experience for our soldiers. Being one of the few in the state of South Carolina and the east coast to have MATV licensed drivers helps tremendously with morale and experience. Having this opportunity to gain driving experience not only helps with the mission, but increases the capacity and readiness of the South Carolina Army National Guard. ”
During the second phase of the mission, soldiers from the 1050th Transport Battalion were visited by Major General R. Van McCarty of the US Army, the Deputy General of South Carolina, and Major General Gordon L. Ellis of the US Army. , Indiana National Guard 38th Infantry Division as general commander, to show his appreciation for the job well done.
“I think this was a great opportunity for soldiers to work with Army contractors and civilians as they acquire skills in new equipment, skills they would not have the opportunity to do without the partnerships we have,” said McCarty. “These skills help to build and maintain combat readiness for the South Carolina National Guard and the United States Army.”