CPT Toomer gives a detailed discussion of the operations of his Forward Support Company in providing support to Task Force Pegasus. Toomer notes because of the Forward Operating Base (FOB)-centric nature of his deployment, his unit’s largest mission was providing aircraft refuel support. His unit eventually supported two separate Forward Arming and Refuel Points (FARP) to support Army aircraft on Joint Base Balad as well as within the Baghdad area. Toomer relates his need to cross train underused personnel within his company to work FARP operations in order to sustain his mission. CPT Toomer also describes his challenges in keeping adequate stocks of fuel hoses and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for his fuel handlers. CPT Toomer relates his techniques used to practice anticipatory logistics. He relates how he gathered data, analyzed usage trends for fuel and repair parts, and looked closely at his commander’s mission guidance in order to always stay ahead of mission requirements. Toomer further relates his technique of reading Corps Fragmentary Orders (FRAGOs) in order to anticipate support requirements for outside units using his FARP locations. CPT Toomer discusses his experiences and observations with the Army’s revised two level maintenance process. Toomer gives his opinion that the two level concept works, but only when units effectively conduct operator and crew level maintenance to standard. Toomer notes that he embedded mechanics within the other sections of the company, especially within his fuel section, in order to train and oversee operator level maintenance on the ground support equipment. CPT Toomer discusses his challenges with being the senior Logistics officer in a unit dominated by Aviators. He relates how he assisted the battalion S4, an Aviation officer with no formal logistics training, with battalion logistics planning. Toomer also notes the importance of actively reaching out to peer Logistics officers in other units, as well as reaching back to the Army Logistics Management Center, for problem solving assistance.
