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With the ongoing operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and other areas around the world, it is critical for units of different nations to work together to get the mission done.
“One of the most important things you need are friends and allies; you need help,” said Dr. William Stokes, host nation support officer, 21st Theater Sustainment Command. “If you don’t have them, it becomes enormously difficult to accomplish your mission.”
Dr. Stokes, along with other members of the 21st TSC, and one of its subordinate units, the 7th Army Reserve Command, fostered one of these relationships March 3 by hosting three logistics officers from the Botswana Defense Forces.
The purpose of the visit was to help the Botswanan officers gain knowledge of railhead operations and help foster positive relations with the U.S. Army.
The event – coordinated by Dr. Stokes – was made possible by the Military-to-Military program, in which a partner country travels to a U.S. installation to observe procedures that could be useful to its nation’s military. This also helps improve communications and camaraderie between the two armies.
“It is a good program because even though we have a lot of railway in our country, we don’t use it much. We don’t put it to maximum use,” said Maj. Ompatile Modisenyane, deputy chief of staff, logistics, ground forces command for the Botswana Defense Forces. “We will sit down and discuss the best way to use our railway system, to transport vehicles and personnel.”
“We can do a lot of international training along with the different countries; it broadens our views on how they live and how they train,” said Sgt. 1st Class David S. Reasoner, 1177th Movement Control Team, 7th ARCOM.
Sergeant Reasoner volunteered for this assignment as an escort. He ensured that the Botswanan officers were met at the airport, coordinated lodging, transported them to meetings and training locations, and made sure that their needs were met.
“I am happy he (Sergeant Reasoner) had the time and received permission to help me because he is a great help in every way possible,” said Dr. Stokes. “I can be nothing but thankful; he knows a lot of things and it is very valuable to have him here.”
The Botswanan officers, along with Dr. Stokes and Sergeant Reasoner, traveled to Baumholder during their trip to observe Soldiers conducting rail-loading procedures and deployment operations.
Major Modisenyane said he was impressed with the U.S. military in the way they coordinate with the host country officials to conduct deployment operations with their rail system.
“The lesson came as an eye opener to us,” he said. “We have learned procedures on loading goods to a train and to include security procedures. I think we have gained enough in both areas to take back.”
During their visit, the Botswanan officers received briefings from the Provost Marshall Office and the Distribution Management Center, took classes in the use of military jargon to help decipher acronyms and traveled to both Army and Air Force installations in the area.
