CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea — Training to fight is an important part in the success of any mission. In modern times, having advanced technology is also a contributing factor; however, one key ingredient can jeopardize it all. Fuel, and without it, equipment such as generators will cease to function and drastically impact the mission.
Supply specialists Sgt. Shaun Green, a native of Dallas and Pvt. Marquise Chestnut, from Columbia, S.C., understand the importance of maintaining effective fuel support readiness during any type of field training or combat This is where two Soldiers from Company A, 602nd Aviation Support Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division came into play.
Supply specialists Sgt. Shaun Green, a native of Dallas and Pvt. Marquise Chestnut, from Columbia, S.C., understand the importance of maintaining effective fuel support readiness during any type of field training or combat environment. As part of their role in a command post exercise that ensures the Republic of Korea and United States forces are ready to deter aggression on the Korean Peninsula and maintain stability in the Asia-Pacific region, both Soldiers ensured their unit was provided with fuel in a timely and safe manner.
"Our job here is supporting the brigade, and we've been providing fuel for everything from generators to vehicles to the dining facility," Green said. "We also support the TOC (tactical operations center), which is one of our top priorities."
The generators provide general electricity for the TOC, the DFAC, satellites and everything else that runs on electricity.
The exercise also gave Green the opportunity to mentor Chestnut, who has never participated in a field training exercise.
"I want him to learn everything, so he can be successful in this career," Green said. "The main thing I want him to do is to pay attention to detail; since, it's all the little things like making sure the chock blocks and drip pans are placed, and also to make sure he has his proper PPE (personal protective equipment.)"
All the lessons learned throughout the exercise have been a benefit to Chestnut.
"I'm actually learning my own job: what I'm supposed to when it comes to tactical environment, when I'm downrange, and anything that as a fueler I need to do," Chestnut said. "Green is helping me out by explaining everything to me in detail and breaking it down on how exactly our job would be if we were actually deployed and in a combat environment."
As the exercise continues, the fuelers work hard and diligently to distribute the much needed fuel to help bolster the 2nd CAB mission.
"Bottom line, everything pretty much runs on fuel, so it's very essential that you have a fuel support to ensure the success of your mission," Green said. "Fuel is what keeps everything operational and moving forward."