Warehouse chief continue to meet needs of Corps

Photo By Master Sgt. Dorian Gardner | Sgt. Robert A. Smith, Regimental Combat Team 2 warehouse chief, assists another Marine while he removes his gear from a storage container, March 22. As RCT- 2's warehouse chief, part of Smith's job is to ensure that the unit's gear is accounted for and to supply those in need.  

CAMP DELARAM II, AFGHANISTAN

03.22.2010

Story by Sgt. Dorian Gardner 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP DELARAM II, Afghanistan — After 10 years in the Marine Corps, he has seen much of the world and deployed to two different combat zones. Currently serving in Afghanistan, Regimental Combat Team 2's warehouse chief is ready for more.

Now on his third deployment, Sgt. Robert A. Smith, RCT-2's warehouse chief, has seen many diverse places during his time in the Corps. From Okinawa to Atlanta, Kuwait to Afghanistan, his need to escape life in Birmingham, Ala., was soon answered.

"I joined to travel," said Smith. "I was running the streets, going from job to job. I felt like that wasn't a good way to live life."

His father, a Vietnam veteran, spoke about his time in the military. Aware of what the military had to offer, Smith made the decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. Transitioning from a civilian life in Birmingham, to an environment filled with early mornings, loud authority-figures and maddening situations, Smith took the ball and ran with it.

"It was different," said Smith, when asked about his boot camp experience. "It was fast-paced, more challenging ... you can't really prepare for that."

Finally out on his own, Smith was ready to embrace the Corps and all it had to offer.
"I didn't really start living until I joined the Corps," said Smith

Because he enlisted with an open contract, Smith did not know he would be a warehouse clerk until he was at Marine Combat Training. Though he did not choose his military occupational specialty, he has no regrets, according to Smith.

"I like the supporting factor, getting people gear and seeing it used," said Smith. "It's a pain counting canteens all day but when you see a Marine using the gear I issued him, it makes me feel like I contributed."

On his first tour, Smith received orders to 3rd Force Service Support Group, now known as 3rd Marine Logistics Group. As a warehouse clerk, Smith supported the unit, supplying them with equipment needed to continue the mission, whether it was training on foreign islands or readying a ship for embarkation.

In September of 2001, an event occurred that would jump-start Smith's role from a warehouse clerk to a rifleman on post.

"I was sleeping in the rack," said Smith. "[The duty NCO] woke everybody up and told us to go to the lounge. We watched footage of the World-Trade Center going down."

After the attack in New York, military installations throughout the world increased security. Smith picked up a rifle and stood his post. In February of 2003, he was deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. One month later, the American military would invade Iraq.

Seven years later, Smith finds himself in a similar situation.

Standing alongside Marines in a place foreign to most, he is helping to build up Camp Delaram II, preparing for the events to come.

Since his arrival to 2nd Marine Regiment more than a year ago, Smith was not afraid to elevate his performance and meet higher expectations, according to 2nd Lt. William Dodson, RCT-2 Supply officer.

"I was impressed," said Dodson. "He came in and took charge. He identified what needed to be done and went to work."

Now deployed to Afghanistan for a scheduled 13 months, Smith is a one-man team, running the warehouse.

"[His job] is critical," said Dodson. "It's easy to gain a lot of supplies and just let them go. His job is to make sure the right supplies get to the right people."

While many of the units falling under RCT-2 look for support in every aspect, supply is no different. Ensuring that all units are supported and that the people within this unit are taken care of is a day to day task for Smith. Putting the right gear into the right hands is always a concern, but sometimes, acquiring the gear is another task, according to Smith.

"They don't see what we do to get their gear," said Smith. "We went through a lot to make sure everyone got the right sizes during CTEP issue. I deal with all that simply because it is a part of my job."

Since his time in the Marine Corps, Smith has seen many places, and found the love of his life.
During Inspector and Instructor duty in Atlanta, Smith met his wife. Now, with triplets on the way, he is looking forward to the challenges of fatherhood.

"I was happy," Smith said smiling. "I was more surprised when I found out it was triplets. Every day there was another one. First she told me she was pregnant, then there were twins, and then triplets."

About to be a father, Smith is anticipating his return.

"I am going to hug my kids and kiss my wife," said Smith. "I want to spend as much time as I can with them because I don't know when I will have to leave again. I need to make the most of it."

While Marines throughout the province continue to work and improve the situation in Delaram and neighboring provinces, Smith continues to support his unit however he can.

• Date Taken: 03.22.2010
• Date Posted: 04.16.2010 06:11
• Story ID: 48215
• Location: CAMP DELARAM II, AF