Photo By Sebastian Saarloos | Data Collectors play a vital role in the test process. They are side by side with...... read more read more
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Data Collectors at all three of Yuma Proving Ground’s (YPG) Test Centers play a vital role in the test process. They are side by side with Soldiers and test engineers taking detailed notes regarding test outcomes, maintenance issues and any other details needed on record.
Data Collectors at Cold Regions Test Center (CRTC) at Fort Greely, Alaska, where YPG conducts arctic, natural environment testing, have an added layer of difficulty.
Data Acquisition/Ammunition Records Assistant Monica Gaschler has had the unique opportunity to collect data in the extreme hot weather in Yuma, the tropics of South America, and the extreme cold weather in Alaska. She can tell you the arctic is the most challenging.
"No environment on Earth subjects the human body to such rigorous mental and physical demands as the cold and Arctic regions. Data collection in these extreme temperatures and harsh conditions require a tremendous amount of mental fortitude and personal courage.”
Gaschler tells, “For some Soldier systems tests, we do foot marches that can be up to 20 kilometers long and in temps ranging to -45 degrees Fahrenheit. Data Collectors march along with the team and at times can have a hard time keeping up. These guys can be super-fast, even when wearing snowshoes on ungroomed surfaces! It’s our job to keep up in case there’s any anomalies along the way that need to be recorded.”
Even if no marches are involved, data collectors can find themselves hiking to the operational points that many times cannot be reached by wheeled vehicles because of the arctic terrain.
“The test teams will find themselves wading through thigh-high snow to get to the operational points. So, I always tell them, follow the team, let them break trail for you!”
She goes on to say, “You really have to mentally overcome the cold environment. At any given moment you could be out there thinking ‘I can’t do this, it’s too cold!’ Learning to properly layer your clothing, wearing good boots, gloves, a hat and occasionally needing a little bit of mind over matter to get through it. It can be tough and miserable at times, but I can’t imagine being anywhere else,” says Gaschler.
She tells the story of finding the perfect set of gloves.
“I have purchased so many gloves in the past just trying to find the right ones that have the warmth, but also allows for the dexterity to hold the pencil when we write,” recalls Gaschler.
Gaschler mentors and trains data collectors to prepare them for the winter test season and provides overall test database management to all test programs at CRTC and is well versed with the challenges of arctic testing and shares her tricks of the trade.
“I recommend that the data collectors tie arctic mittens with handwarmers inside them to their backpacks for additional warmth. This helps so much because when you’re out in the frigid temps, the hand that normally holds the Equipment Component Log (ECL) gets very cold from the lack of movement. When we finish documenting and secure the ECL back inside our backpacks, putting your hands back inside those mitts…it’s instant relief!”
The CRTC team does have a break from the frigid conditions during the summer months when they take the time to prepare for the winter test season. They have a reliable, resourceful, and helpful team to count on.
Rachel Saatkamp says, “You just see something that needs to be done and we do it. Like it’s second nature.”
So, when the thermostat starts to drop the team of rugged professionals can handle it.
“Is it challenging, yes, definitely! Doable, absolutely,” remarks Gaschler.
| Date Taken: | 11.08.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 11.08.2023 08:54 |
| Story ID: | 457262 |
| Location: | FORT GREELY, ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 109 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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