CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Charleston's 437th Aerial Port Squadron was visited by an Army general to learn about the cargo mission, see what his Soldiers are learning and the facility Aug. 10.
Army Brig. General Dan Schultz, Southeast regional commander for all reserve transportation battalions, and his reviewing team were escorted throughout the aerial port and were briefed by 1st Lt. Christopher Jacobson, 437 APS operations officer, on the workload 437 APS handles, the Global Air Transportation Execution System used and the processing of shipments.
During the briefing, General Schultz emphasized the importance of his Soldiers learning these tasks.
"They are now required to do similar roles in the deployed environment," said General Schultz.
The first training class was coordinated back in early July by Army Sgt. 1st Class Clark Welcher, 841st Battalion cargo operations NCO.
The Soldiers learned about cargo processing, pallet build up, load planning, special handling and passenger movement.
The second training class the 437 APS held was Monday. They are assigned to the 403rd Transportation Battalion located in Anastien, Ala.
"Allowing our Soldiers a chance to work hands-on does help them get a better understanding of what they will be doing while they're deployed," said Army Capt. Chris LeCron, 841st Battalion cargo movement officer. "We plan to get them trained on the GATES program as well in future classes."
The next training class is scheduled to be held for soldiers out of Chicago, Ill. from Dec. 10 through Dec. 21.
"The Soldiers are cargo specialists; they are trained to prep cargo for all methods of logistics," said Sergeant Welcher. "They are on their annual tour training at the Naval Weapons Station and I would suggest that all reserve cargo specialists should come to Charleston AFB for training."
This training allows Soldiers to learn the standards enforced by 437 APS Airmen and enables the Army to prep cargo better since they are often on the receiving end of this operation.
"Our squadron takes great pride in providing this training because it ensures that our joint counterparts understand our mission," said Lieutenant Jacobson. "It also helps us emphasize the importance of the total force integration."