`Real-world' DoD missions creep into Reserve training.

The soldiers of the 1181st Transportation Battalion know what it is like to attend two weeks of active duty--and perform a critical Department of Defense mission at the same time.

In early July, the Meridian, Miss., based Army Reserve unit loaded the Army Prepositioned Stocks vessel, the USNS Sisler, in Charleston, S.C. Transporters loaded 1,600 pieces of combat service support cargo on the Large, Medium-Speed, Roll-on/Roll-off vessel.

In all, we loaded about 250,000 square feet of cargo," said Lt. Col. Vernon Greene, Jr., Commander. "The `footprint' we loaded was about 1,350 pieces. That means some 300 pieces were nested cargo--stored or loaded within other pieces."

The 1181st transporters were assisted by member of MTMC's 841st Transportation Battalion, Charleston, S.C.

The Sisler is the second prepositioned ship loaded by the Reservists in the past two years. In October 2001, the 1181st loaded the USNS Watson, a Fast Sealift Ship, with a similar cargo.

Three years ago, in April 2000, the 1181st loaded a Marine Corps combat team on the former Soviet assault vessel the Balakleya, in Morehead City, N.C., to a large media audience.

"MTMC is engaged in real-time, real-world missions and its units must be ready to deploy wherever and whenever they're called," said Greene.

"It's an honor for our unit to have such a vital, real-world role."

Greene and his wife, Col. Ellen Greene, are a unique couple who serve as key Army Reserve players in MTMC's operations.

Col Ellen Greene serves as Commander of the 1190th Deployment Support Brigade, Baton Rouge, La.

The 1181st has approximately 85 members. Some reservists commute to monthly weekend duty in Meridian from as far away as Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia and Tennessee.

By Capt. Wilmer Moore 1181st Transportation Terminal Battalion