Out in the field where Marines may lack showers, laundry mats or even mess halls, Marine Corps Community Services’ Tactical Field Exchange comes through, bringing happiness like a glass of cold water in the summer.
Combat Logistics Company 36, stationed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, requested support from MCCS while participating in Exercise Dragon Fire 2015, July 10-Aug. 7, at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan.
There are approximately 100 MCCS Marines in the Marine Corps and their mission is to support service members in garrison or combat.
MCCS selected Sgt. Jesse Conner, an MCCS Marine aboard MCAS Iwakuni, to support CLC-36 during the exercise.
“This is my first time doing my job in the field, I (lateral moved) into this (military occupational specialty) about a year ago,” said Conner. “In garrison, we generally work at the exchange; however, the real purpose of this MOS is to support service members where they need it most, out in the field.”
CLC-36 requested support from MCCS not only to benefit themselves, but also to provide MCCS Marines the opportunity to increase their MOS proficiency in a different environment.
“We’re a support unit, so we rarely deploy,” said Staff Sgt. Anthony M. Phaire, the operations chief for CLC-36. “So, any chance that we get to go to the field, we offer other Marines who rarely deploy the opportunity to come train to their training and readiness standards. Participating in exercises gives the MCCS Marines a chance to get out of their daily routines. It is their only opportunity to experience running the trailer in the field.”
Conner said he sees the mobile exchange to be a great convenience to the Marines in the field, and the feedback they get about their services is always positive.
The Tactical Field Exchange markets food products, cold drinks, portable video cameras, hygiene gear and other miscellaneous items. The truck makes those items easily available in the field where there may not be any other place nearby to get them.
“I think that the MCCS truck is extremely helpful to anyone who forgot to pack something going out to the field,” said Lance Cpl. Andy Tran, a supply administration and operations clerk with CLC-36. “It’s also a breath of fresh air from all of the (Meals Ready to Eat) that we have to eat when we’re out here.”
The MCCS Marines aboard MCAS Iwakuni are available to support operations or exercises when requested.
“We always make ourselves available. We’re more than willing to go on any field operations if any units want our support,” said Conner. “This is what we do; we support service members in garrison and in the field.”