Drone offers revolutionary capability for logistics community

Story by Sgt. Michele Watson HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Marine Corps infantry units serve at a multitude of bases, posts and camps throughout Helmand Province, Afghanistan, and logistical support is needed for each and every location. Until recently, combat logistics patrols were the primary method of delivering supplies such as food, water and gear to some of those remote areas. Marines would pile into dozens of trucks loaded down with cargo and spend hours maneuvering through rough terrain with the threat of enemy contact to reach their destination. The Cargo Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System is a revolutionary capability that can help to save lives, redirect efforts and more efficiently support the war fighter. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly referred to as a drone, is a platform that could significantly impact how logistics support is provided throughout the battlespace. The Kaman K1200 UAV officially replaced all convoys that provide water to Combat Outpost Rankel, June 2. Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) is responsible for all combat logistics patrols in southern Helmand Province. “That convoy is extremely difficult; the terrain is the roughest out of all our routes,” said Capt. Robert Hillery, operations officer, CLB-5, 1st MLG (Fwd). […]
Drone offers revolutionary capability for logistics community