ARMY AL&T
BLSTs provide the AFSB Science Advisor the reach capability to gather requirements from all combat units on the battlefield through sustainment and maintenance channels. Here, CW4 Darren L. Cook (left), BLST Chief for the 172nd Infantry Brigade (Bde), works with SFC Earl B. Jones, 9th Engineer Bn, 172nd Infantry Bde S4 Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge, and SGT Julie R. Buchun, 9th Engineer Bn S4 Clerk, to ensure the 172nd’s equipment is ready for reset in preparation for future deployment. (U.S. Army photo by Summer Barkley, 402nd AFSB.)
How does a science coterie cover an entire theater to address technology issues? The answer is not as complicated as one may think. The AFSB Science Advisor, STACA, Corps Science Advisor, and STAT cover specific areas on the battlefield, and each has specific responsibilities. On special occasions, each officer has the ability to cover one another’s AOR when necessary.
The AFSB Science Advisor has the responsibility to gather requirements through Logistic Support Elements and the Brigade Logistic Support Teams (BLSTs). These logistic ele- ments provide the Science Advisor the reach capability to gather requirements from all combat units on the battlefield through sustainment and maintenance channels. The STAT is embedded in the division HQ, which gives it direct access to divisional units. Its reach goes further than just division; on the STAT, there is a medical advisor who is able to gather requirements from all medical facili- ties in theater. Lastly, the Corps Science Advisor and STACA work closely together to field requirements and direct those requirements through corps leadership for approval with command emphasis. Although they both reside in corps HQs, they have differing roles.
66 JULY –SEPTEMBER 2010
The AFSB also supports the team with its mission to assist the
warfighter in articulating its requirements to HQDA, RDECOM’s labs/centers, and the ASAALT community.
Since the Corps Science Advisor (typi- cally residing in the C-3/J-3 Force Management Directorate) can inter- face directly with the corps commander and corps staff sections, he/she has the “horsepower” to influence the efforts of external supporting agencies, such as the Rapid Equipping Force, U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, and S&T agencies (RDECOM HQ and research and development centers). The Corps Science Advisor is also the focal point for all divisional requirements, as the STAT has access to only one division. With all these moving pieces, there needs to be an element to unify the efforts.
The STACA is the unifying agent that provides synergy to all S&T efforts in theater. Since he/she is on the corps staff, the STACA organizes require- ments from the STAT, Corps Science Advisor, and the AFSB Science Advisor. This allows for synchronization of effort and reduces redundancy in submitting
Operational Needs Statements, formal RFIs, and other requirements documents.
The coordination, level of commitment to Soldiers, and consistent dialogue between key RDECOM agencies and organizations, STAT, STACA, Science Advisors, PMs, AFSBs, and ASAALT demonstrate how the Materiel Enterprise is leveraged to support the warfighter in the field. From the AFSBs to RDECOM to PMs, these entities have forged an alliance that converts Soldiers’ require- ments into materiel solutions, thus increasing their survivability, lethality, and mobility on the battlefield.
MAJ O’NEAL A. WILLIAMS is the 402nd AFSB S&T Officer. He holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from Howard University. Williams is Level II certified in systems planning, research, development, and engineering and is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
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