FORT STEWART, Ga. — Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division (2ABCT, 3rd ID) participated in the Rapid Removal of Excess (R2E) program for the first time over the past month. The R2E program helps to remove units’ excess equipment that they won’t use to make more space for the equipment they need.
As the 2ABCT was deployed for the pilot iteration of the R2E program, this is their first time participating. Since its implementation, the initiative has proven itself to be effective in rapidly turning in a unit’s excess equipment, allowing them to make room for more pertinent, advanced or modernized resources.
“It affects our efficiency by making new space for modern equipment and then reducing the manpower and excess motorpool space,” said 1st Lt. Patrick Weber, assigned to the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2ABCT. “That allows us to have additional space in order to conduct daily operations.”
The R2E process is not just about decluttering storage areas; it's a fundamental step in the Army's effort to maintain agility and preparedness.
“There's a lot of equipment that we simply do not use due to the new nature of our mission," said Weber. “A lot of these items are either outdated or have been replaced with more modern items, and so we're just preparing to receive those new items or get rid of items that are just not utilized anymore in a rapid time frame.”
Excess equipment can occupy valuable space and divert resources that could otherwise be used for maintaining and deploying the most effective systems and platforms available. For the 2ABCT, the R2E program is about ensuring that they have the right tools and technologies at their disposal to meet modern warfare's challenges.
“This program is only a benefit to the unit. All we do is inspect the excess items and get rid of the unneeded equipment for the unit,” said Felles Grant, a DOD civilian from Glennville, Georgia facilitating this R2E iteration. “Because of the R2E program, they can get rid of old stuff that has come off of the property book. That makes life a whole lot simpler.”
“It cuts out a lot of the bloat in our system and allows us to rapidly turn equipment in to reduce time in an already constricted timeframe of other conflicting requirements,” said Weber.
The R2E turn-in process also aids in reducing logistical burden. Units are able to better manage their inventories, which leads to more efficient maintenance schedules, better use of personnel, and cost savings in storage and upkeep.
For both the 3rd ID and the 2ABCT, the ongoing R2E turn-in is a vital part of preparing for future conflicts. By making room for modernization and advanced technologies, the brigade positions itself to remain at the forefront of military readiness and effectiveness. As the Army continues to modernize, initiatives like R2E will be essential for maintaining an agile, responsive, and well-equipped force, ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.
Date Taken: | 09.06.2024 |
Date Posted: | 09.10.2024 13:52 |
Story ID: | 480309 |
Location: | FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, US |
Web Views: | 86 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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