This paper outlines observations and describes best practices of Brigade Support Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company’s Field Feeding Section and Mortuary Affairs (MA) Soldiers while deployed during large-scale combat operations (LSCO). Successful field feeding teams deploy prepared and proficient in several key areas, which include but are not limited to utilization of the commodity shops, synchronization with BN staff, and maintenance management. The Field Feeding Section provides field-feeding support with the use of all available equipment and personnel within the specified time constraints in the mission OPORD and in accordance with (IAW) the approved Army standards identified in commanders guidance, applicable internal and external TASOP, and approved Army regulation.
Observations
a. Field Feeding teams are not equipped with all applicable regulations, internal and external tactical standard operating procedures (TASOP). Technical manuals (TMs) and field manuals (FMs) are not on-hand as reference material. Many field feeding teams train without authorized modification table of organization and equipment (MTOE), associated Basic initial issue (BII), and fully mission capable equipment.
b. Gray water pits areas are not established or established to standard. Field Feeding Section/Team personal hygiene is not to standard exposing other Soldiers to disease and non-battle injury.
c. Command Teams are often not prepared to conduct mortuary affairs operations. Companies often do not establish Company Level Evacuation and Recovery (CLEAR) teams leaving them unprepared to recover the remains of fallen Soldiers.
d. Battalions often fail to conduct semi-annual search and recovery/CLEAR team training IAW JP 4-06, Chapter 4. MA personnel are not equipped with all applicable regulations, internal and external tactical TASOPs. Technical manuals (TMs) and field manuals (FMs) are not on-hand as reference material.
Best Practices
a. The Field Feeding Section may lack access to main supply routes, external logistical support, and may not be not accessible to all supported and supporting customers/units. By using ATP 4-41, figure 6-1 and establishing a Battalion TASOP, a field kitchen layout with the proper distances can be established. Reviewing planned layouts prior to site selection can give units an understanding of where to establish a field feeding kitchen site, including a gray water pit.
b. Monitor field feeding equipment, operations, maintenance, and safety procedures for compliance with appropriate TMs and TASOP. Report field feeding equipment shortages to the unit supply section. Perform before, during, and after operations preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS) on assigned equipment.
c. Field Feeding Section/Team manages the waste management and disposal by ensuring proper waste disposal procedures comply with environment, federal, state, local, laws. Burn, bury, backhaul, or use dumpsters to dispose of waste from field feeding site(s) as approved or directed by appropriate environmental agency and/or higher headquarters. Remove waste from the field feeding area at least once a day or as frequent as necessary to minimize rodents, wild animals, or present an unsanitary field-feeding site. Clean and sanitize field feeding equipment IAW applicable equipment TM.
d. The Field Feeding team must realize that they are Soldiers first. No matter their responsibilities, when the unit is in contact they are part of the brigade support area (BSA) defense.
e. Focus on utilizing the assigned 92M to conduct their roles and responsibilities in MA operations as well in training. Include the 92M in planning to ensure that mortuary affairs is incorporated into the concept of support. Command teams must communicate MA operations to adjacent units and higher headquarters.
f. Conduct semi-annual training for MA operations to include search and recovery, and clear team training to achieve understanding of the roles and responsibilities of these elements at echelon.
g. When units do not have a 92M, request additional training from the supporting home station Sustainment Brigade or the Mobile Training Team (MTT) from MAC located in Ft. Lee, VA. MA units or MACP teams may be requested through command channels for integration into scheduled Combined Training Center rotations.
h. MA Soldiers must create and implement a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) based on Mortuary Operations from the unit level to their higher echelon.
POC: SFC Kimberly Holmes, Goldminer 10A, BSB Headquarters Company Senior NCO Trainer at kimberly.r.holmes.mil@mail.mil
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