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Key leaders with U.S. Marine Force Storage Command, Marine Corps Logistics Command, conducted a Class II Sustainment Advisory Group at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Ga., Nov, 16-18. Group members include Marine and civilian-Marine logisticians from Headquarters Marine Corps Installations & Logistics Command, Marine Corps Systems Command, and more.

Photo by Michael Ugarte

Logisticians From Across the Corps Gather, Develop Sustainment Solutions, Present, and Future

22 Nov 2021 | Michael Ugarte The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

Key leaders with U.S. Marine Force Storage Command, Marine Corps Logistics Command, conducted a Class II Sustainment Advisory Group at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Ga., November 16-18. Group members include Marine and civilian-Marine logisticians from Headquarters Marine Corps Installations & Logistics Command, Marine Corps Systems Command, and more.

The three-day event focused on future Class II sustainment strategies and inventory gaps directly affecting the Fleet Marine Force.
Class II supplies encompass articles such as clothing, equipment, tools, and administrative supplies.

“When we think of class II, we think…what does the individual Marine need to serve at an advantage in an austere environment based off of the Commandant’s planning guidance Force Design 2030?” Marine Corps Col. Donald W. Harlow, MFSC commander

Some of the concepts and priorities discussed by the teams included; on-hand materiel, acquisition objectives, and life cycle sustainment. “How do we improve support to the individual Marine? Making sure that every Marine, moving forward - has everything they need from a class II perspective?” asked Harlow.

Attendees gathered in teams to focus on improving materiel accountability and readiness across the Corps, ensuring that Marines across the globe receive the right equipment at the right time and in proper condition. "The opportunity to meet together [in person] in this environment helps us address the situations our Marines are facing day-to-day. The subject matter experts in this room are the best of the best. You want to know who to call when something doesn't go as expected," states Master Sergeant Melvin Silva, supply chief, Marine Corps Special Operations Command.

Ensuring inventory deficiencies across the enterprise are identified and addressed - remains a top priority. No matter if Marines are out supporting training exercises or facing littorals in contested environments. "…always trying to look at things from the scope of the warfighter," says Master Gunnery Sergeant John L. Fugate, Marine Corps Forces Pacific.

Finding Solutions Photo by Michael Ugarte
Key leaders with U.S. Marine Force Storage Command, Marine Corps Logistics Command, conducted a Class II Sustainment Advisory Group at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Ga., Nov. 16-18. Group members include Marine and civilian-Marine logisticians from Headquarters Marine Corps Installations & Logistics Command, Marine Corps Systems Command, and more.

At the forefront of each logistician’s mind are present and future priorities and the associated ripple effects. How the changes they want to make, they need to make - and have to be made - all impact Marines, the MEF, and the Marine Corps; aligning to the Commandant's Marine Corps of the future guidance - Force Design 2030. “Marines will get back to their naval logistics integration, back to naval roots. In 2030 our Marines will have the equipment to protect them in those environments where they will be fighting alongside the U.S. Navy in the littorals – on sea and shore,” commented Brian Spooner, operations director, MFSC

Reflecting on the meeting’s success across the teams, Daniel Corte-Real, East coast project officer, consolidated storage program, MFSC, states, “This meeting fosters collaboration; bringing people together to understand the support our Marines require. We support the Marines today, supporting their future. The future will not happen unless Marines have the equipment today!"

Wrapping up the three-day event, Colonel Harlow concluded by stating, “We owe it to the service and the American people; to be the very best value to the government that we can be. With all the smart people and the leadership we had in the room this week, we came up with a lot of efficiencies that we can realize in the class II program across the service."