Training Center holds Logistician Workshop

Staff Report

GREENVILLE, Ky. – Supply Soldiers from across the state gathered together for a Logistics Workshop conducted at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center Sept. 17-19.

Over 100 logisticians were in attendance at the workshop representing all MSCs and units in Kentucky.

The workshop is an annual event where all logisticians are able to share ideas and processes to improve the efficiency of logistics across the state.  This is the culminating event of the year for the logistics community and is an opportunity to address new initiatives prior to the start of the new fiscal year. 

 “This serves as a rare opportunity for all supply sergeants, Property Book Officers, and S4s to interact in a learning environment where the most current and relative topics are addressed,” said Lt. Col. Steven Engels, Deputy Logistics Management Officer and commander of the 149th Brigade Support Battalion. “On the agenda for this year were several topics that impact readiness." 

A Global Combat Support System (GCSS) -Army Mobile Training Team was present to discuss recent updates with GCSS-Army operations, something that was very much appreciated by those in attendance.

Col. Frederick Bates, Lt. Col. Steven Engels, and Maj. Justin Watts shared new practices that are being worked by the G4 for implementation in Fiscal Year (FY) 20.  Some of those practices are how Operation Tempo will be allocated to units based upon Sustainable Readiness Model (SRM) cycles, deployments, Combat Training Cycle (CTC) rotations, and early entry type units. 

Additionally, the Command Supply Discipline Program, Command Maintenance Discipline Program, and Command Deployment Discipline Program were discussed.  Going into FY20, it was identified that more discussion needs to be had for  implementation of the Army Combat Fitness Test, Mobility, and Logistics Automation systems. 

Maintenance leadership shared opportunities to improve the organization in terms of man-hour accounting and ensuring that military man-hours are being appropriately input into GCSS-Army.

The Log Workshop kicked off with several recognition of Soldiers who recently have been awarded with the State Multi-functional Logistics Excellence Award.  Those individuals include: Staff Sgt. Ralph E. Maness, Capt. Jason A. Rolfingsmeier, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Stephen E. Plouvier and Warrant Officer 1 Steven D. Gibson.

Sgt. 1st Class Gerald "Chip" Johnson was recognized for over 30 years of service to the United States Army, having served in various capacities and organizations focusing mostly on Food Service Excellence throughout his career. 

Johnson recently retired having positively impacted nearly every unit in the Kentucky Guard.

Also, Master Sgt. Michael W. Burdine and Staff Sgt. Mark A. Carrier were both recognized for their service, as both will be retiring over the course of the next year after long successful careers with the Kentucky Army National Guard.