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***image1***The Human Resources Sustainment Center-Europe officially activated Oct. 16 in a ceremony at the Panzer Parade Field.
“We are the only forward based HRSC,” said Col. Donald Howell, director of HRSC-Europe. “We have a mission to do gateway reception at all European points and a responsibility to ensure postal operations are smooth throughout Europe.”
HRSC-Europe consists of five divisions. Two divisions are based in Heidelberg.
They are Personnel Accounting Strength Reporting/Personnel Readiness Management/Personnel Information Management and Casualty Operations.
Two divisions are in Kaisers-lautern. They are Plans and Operations and Postal.
The fifth division is called R5 and is the one that anyone who has moved to Europe would be most familiar with. R5 stands for Reception, Replacement, Return to Duty, Rest and Recuperation, and Redeployment. R5 is headquartered at Kaiserslautern with elements at Ramstein, Frankfurt International Airport and Marco Polo International Airport in Venice, Italy.
“We ensure that families are received properly and are able to make a smooth transition,” said Sgt. Maj. Richard Miller, HRSC-Europe sergeant major.
What was once called 1st PERSCOM has now been replaced by HRSC-Europe.
“First PERSCOM was non-modular, so it was difficult for them to deploy. We are modular so we can deploy as a whole team or separate,” said Lt. Col. Michael Kolb, director of plans and operations for HRSC-Europe.
When Soldiers deploy, elements from HRSC-Europe will already be on the ground to greet them and provide briefings and support.
In addition, a postal system will already be in place, Major Miller said.
“Human resources is provided to families and Soldiers. HRSC-Europe is the commander’s vehicle to ensure that it runs smoothly,” Colonel Howell said. “We are very proud and prepared to do this job.”
HRSC-Europe is one of three HRSCs in the Army and the only one considered to be forward deployed.
The other two HRSC units are HRSC Pacific in Hawaii and HRSC Bragg in Fort Bragg, N.C.
