 GOLDEN CARGO 2008
Greetings from
McAlester, Oklahoma ! That’s where I’ve been ladies and gentlemen…in combat boots and sleepin' on a cot.
Not fun the first couple of days, but I’m used to it now. Sleeping bag, pillows, blankets...not home but it will do.
As an Army Reservist I work for the Army one to two weekends out of the month and three or more consecutive weeks out of the year (annual training). This years’ annual training is being held at McAlester Army Ammunition depot…where bombs are built. I could go into further detail but it’s classified information...I will share as much as I can with you all.
There are 15 different reserve units from all over the country here, California, Florida, Texas, Connecticut, Michigan and of course Topeka, Kansas totaling to more than 600 soldiers.
The goal of all the missions is to safely transport ammunition, the training is called Golden Cargo....slang for ammunition moves.
Golden Cargo 2008 is the latest in a series of annual training operations sponsored by the Joint Munitions Command. Military Personnel that participate in Golden Cargo receive hands-on logistics training while providing the military with ammunition for training and contingencies.
Last year we had more than 2100 soldiers supporting the Golden Cargo mission and it continues to grow as the opportunity for real time training draws in more units interested in participating. More than 2300 troops from the Army Reserve, National Guard and Marine Reserves are supporting more than 250 convoy missions for Golden Cargo 2008. The 15 units mentioned earlier are with me here in McAlester..there are many other units participating on Fort Leonard Wood and other Army installations.
There’s a real-world mission here. We get to work alongside civil service employees who have been working here for 30 years in many cases. It’s a great opportunity for us. And it helps the installation achieve its mission.
Working with ammunition is inherently dangerous; however, this exercise provides realistic training alongside seasoned professionals which helps prevent accidents by strengthening our Soldiers’ job proficiency. There are set safety measures in place to ensure everything that can be done, has been done to ensure the safety of our Soldier’s and communities.
That’s all for now...I miss all of you at 13 news! See ya soon!
~Stephanie
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