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Reserves Flock with Birds of Active-Duty Feather

USMC

Story Identification Number: 2003311103041
Story by Cpl. Ryan J. Skaggs

NEW RIVER, N.C.(March 11, 2003) -- Marine Wing Support Squadron-471, Marine Wing Support Group-27, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing packed up and humped south to fill immediate positions emptied when MWSS-272, MWSG-27, 2nd MAW deployed. MWSS-471 activated here Jan. 31 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and other contingencies that may arise.

Reserve Marines with MWSS-471, MWSG-47 from its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minn., and supporting detachments A and B in Johnstown, Penn., and Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan, replaced their active-duty counterparts when MWSS-272 and personnel from MWSS-273 and -274 deployed overseas.

"We are a force multiplier for 2nd MAW and II Marine Expeditionary Force," said Lt. Col. Bill M. Black, commanding officer, MWSS-471. "When MWSS-272 rolled out, we sustained operations here."

The squadron's mission is to ensure the supply of all essential aviation ground support for designated fixed- and rotary-wing components within the Marine aircraft wing, which includes airfield support, motor transport, engineering, military police, food service and weather. In fulfilling their task, these Marines must also train for the possibility of deployment themselves.

"In conjunction with duties the Marines are already undertaking, a fairly ambitious training schedule has been instituted," remarked Sgt. Maj. David P. Tallant, sergeant major, MWSS-471.

According to Lt. Col. Joseph F. Gately, executive officer, MWSS-471, the Marines are consistent with their annual training requirements, but this window of opportunity here allows them to polish their abilities as well-rounded Marines. However, Gately has confidence in his Marines' capabilities.

"Because of the Marines' wide variety of civilian occupational skills," explained Gately, "their ability as Marines in their Military Occupational Specialties is well beyond the normal capacity in the Marine Corps, but continued training is always necessary."

According to Tallant, it takes a certain amount of self-discipline for reservists to balance and maintain the standards of the Corps while engrossed in full-time careers, education, families and other agendas. Although the transition from a reserve component to the active-duty element is taxing, the Reserve Marines' level of maturity makes it a beneficial conversion.

"The Marines look at this as an opportunity to improve on their skills," said Tallant. "We see this as a chance to leave here better than we came - physically, professionally and mentally. Their morale is high and they are up for the challenge." However, this is not the first time a supporting squadron from MWSG-47 has answered the challenge left by its active-duty comrades.

Beginning in August 1990, following Iraq?s invasion of Kuwait, members of MWSG-47 mobilized in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm, as well as assignments to Southwest Asia. Reserve Marines from every MWSG-47 subordinate unit activated to fill vacancies in the Fleet Marine Force and supporting establishment. By June 1991, all MWSG-47 Marines returned home.

Today, MWSG-47 is the largest group within 4th MAW, consisting of approximately 2,800 Marines located at 12 sites across the country. Of that, approximately 600 Marines and sailors hail from MWSS-471.

"They knew when they joined of the possibilities," explained Tallant. "They heard the call and responded."

"These Marines are here because they want to be," said Black. "They understand their purpose and are prepared to do any mission called upon."