From “beans, bullets, and band-aids,” one of BTS’ operational teams has been providing critical logistical support abroad and doing such an incredible job that we wanted to give them a quick spotlight to recognize all they do. From logistics to comms and keeping things on track when the track itself keeps moving, here’s a Q/A with one of the BTS ops teams who is doing outstanding work every day in some of the most challenging circumstances.

---

What’s a typical day for this team? Is there ever an off switch?!

A typical day begins with a calendar/tasker review, catching up on emails, and preparing for meetings. Once accomplished, we focus on the various logistics computer systems used to validate DoD passengers and equipment moving into, out of, and within our Area of Responsibility. Our team validates exercises and Component Campaign Events (CCE); providing subject matter expertise to Service Validators to ensure a flawless operation. Our team approves DoD travelers’ theater entry requests in the system, validates system access requests for CAMPS, analyzes & briefs aircraft movement efficiency & effectiveness, and validates & builds Special Assignment Airlift Mission (SAAM) requests supporting our customer’s mission. We also frequently liaison with the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) to validate & coordinate Congressional Delegate (CODEL) intra-theater military airlift travel. It might seem like a lot for one day, but that truly is a typical day for our staff.

We would like to believe that the “off switch” happens when we walk out of the office for the evening. However, between social media and television news outlets covering the world’s action, we know there is no such thing as an “off-switch.”

What are the hurdles or challenges with your unique downrange support that you just can’t know until you’re in it?

Some of the major challenges are military airlift constraints & availability, Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) entry requirements for certain countries, multiple time zones, service-specific jargon & acronyms, working with rotational military forces, the number of priority movement upgrade requests staffed for General Officer/Flag Officer signature to expedite aircraft parts, ship parts, and counter-unmanned aircraft systems from CONUS, and educating service validators on the TFPDD Letter of Instruction!

What’s the most satisfying aspect of running this near 24/7 operation? What keeps you going each day?

As a team, what keeps us going is knowing that what we do daily promotes peace and stability in the region; also, it is a great feeling to know that our subject matter expertise is vital to the mission. Another satisfying aspect of running this 24/7 operation is our ability to aid in military operations, support our coalition partners/allies, and provide the right assets to deter regional threats. Knowing we play a critical role in a key ever-changing Area of Responsibility is very satisfying.

Let’s talk about flexibility. Apparently, your team needs a lot of it! Is that this team’s superpower?

Our team’s consensus is not flexibility, but integration is our superpower! Certainly, flexibility plays a big part in our ability to perform our daily mission…flexibility is the key to airpower. However, each member of the team carries a broad range of skills, diverse backgrounds, and decades of military experience that personifies the whole team concept, facilitating a flawless integration into the prestigious customer family. Over the last ten months, we have honed the ability to back up the other members of the team (including our deployed military counterparts and civil service employees) while ensuring we enforce very stringent DoD requirements. 

One of our BTS core pillars is “solving modern defense challenges through highly skilled teams.” How do you see this concept brought to life through your team’s structure and experience?

This concept was brought to life the day our team was formed. The reason? Our team provides over 100 years of combined military logistics experience which is beneficial to the Department of Defense customers. We believe that hiring prior service, guard, and reserve military members greatly solidifies this pillar as a prime example of providing a highly skilled team to the customer on day one.

Are there any stats, wins, or achievements you’re able to share about how your team has been able to support this aspect of the mission?

• Validated humanitarian aid cargo airlift missions to key overseas countries, along with sealift missions to austere coastal environments. 
• Secured military airlift to support several repatriation missions of displaced persons departing from middle eastern countries to safe destinations.
• Since the end of last year, our team has validated over 3,500 intra-theater military airlift requests for passenger and equipment movement, over 2,000 inter-theater unit passenger and cargo movements, and supported over 11,000 passengers and 2,775 tons of equipment in support of our customer’s sustainment mission. 
• This team validated requirements supporting multinational operations, campaign events and exercises aimed at demonstrating interoperability and improving response capabilities, furthering customer initiatives throughout the region.

Does your team have a go-to snack that you always have to have on hand? Beverage?

Everybody has their go-to snacks, but there is one constant beverage…coffee! Lots of coffee!! Mr. Gomez prefers different types of fruit, Mr. Bituin is all about Starbucks, Mr. Moore can be found snacking on M&M’s and drinking diet Sam’s cola, Mr. Peters enjoys flavored almonds and energy drinks, and Ms. Cox likes a 3-course breakfast to start the day! There is never a shortage of food trucks stationed around campus offering breakfast and lunch options, so we do not have to travel far to find our go-to snacks.

---

Tags: features, operations, team