Telephones to tanks: RPAT Airmen help fight two wars

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. R. Michael Longoria
  • 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force Public Affairs
TIKRIT, Iraq (AFNS) --  The 14 joint expeditionary tasking Airmen assigned to the redistribution property assistance team on Contingency Operation Base Speicher, Iraq, are working 24-hours-a-day to provide equipment for the Iraqi government and coalition forces in Afghanistan.

The members of COB Speicher RPAT, one of eight permanent teams in-country for the 2nd Battalion 402nd Army Field Support Brigade, interact with members of other units in the Iraq area of responsibility to account for more than $7.8 billion worth of U.S. property.

"That's the textbook 'mission' answer," said Capt. Tommy Rutherford, the COB Speicher RPAT officer in charge. "In simpler terms, we ensure (that) all the equipment that has accumulated in Iraq since the beginning of the war is properly accounted for, vetted and transported to its next destination."

The RPAT is a centralized location where customers can turn in any equipment listed on their property books. The RPAT is divided into two sections: rolling stock and non-rolling stock.

"We help customers out with everything from a telephone to a tank," Captain Rutherford said. "We make sure all paperwork is in order and all the pieces and parts are attached. If it has wheels, it goes one way. If it doesn't, it goes another."

The rolling stock team processes all vehicles and their related equipment. This includes itemizing every piece and part as well as documenting any shortages. This section also loads and unloads any convoys entering or leaving COB Speicher.

"It was a challenge becoming familiar with all the unique material that is used throughout Iraq," said Staff Sgt. Craig Harris, the rolling stock NCO in charge. "The best part of my job is getting a chance to operate all of the vehicles our guys are using outside-the-wire in the fight."

The non-rolling stock section members process all other equipment that isn't drivable, including radios and crew-served weapons. This section is also the collection point for equipment found on the installation.

"These guys tend to get all the odd items lying around the base," Captain Rutherford said. "Particularly for JET Airmen, the challenge is figuring out what an item is or where it belongs."

Both sections have received a total of more than 1,600 items combined since Oct. 1, 2010. With the amount of equipment transitioning through the COB Speicher RPAT yard, it requires a lot of paperwork and a dedicated Airman to track it.

"I'm responsible for requesting movement on all assets to the next destination and for compiling all the paperwork needed for the convoys," said Staff Sgt. Porsha M. Harris, an RPAT customer service and data management representative.

After the equipment is processed by the team, it is either sent to Afghanistan for use in Operation Enduring Freedom or back to the U.S. for refurbishment. However, some equipment will be transferred to the Iraqi government.

"Wars are won and lost based upon the resources available to the fighting force," Captain Rutherford said. "Our role in accepting equipment, determining disposition and sending the item on its way contributes in multiple ways, including providing critical equipment for use in OEF, recapture and refurbishment of equipment to save U.S. taxpayers money and providing Iraqi forces equipment to continue down the road toward self-sufficiency."