Marines and sailors with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group stage vehicles prior to departing for a convoy exercise as part of the Convoy Leaders Course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 11, 2012. The Battle Skills Training School offers this training exercise in order to prepare units for upcoming deployments. The class helps train Marines and sailors to be effective in convoy operations overseas where this knowledge can mean the difference between a successful and unsuccessful mission.

Photo by Cpl. Bruno J. Bego

Engineers learn convoy leadership

19 Jan 2012 | Cpl. Bruno J. Bego 2nd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Improvised explosive device laden terrain presents an imminent threat to mission accomplishment but more importantly to the lives of service members serving throughout Afghanistan.

Marines and sailors with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group participated in the Convoy Leaders Course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., from Jan. 10 to 14 to strengthen their awareness against these hidden dangers.

“Our experience really carries a lot of weight toward what these [Marines and sailors] are learning here in the classroom as well as in the field,” said Sgt. Marcus D. Jeansonne, an instructor at Battle Skills Training School. “We really try to instill situational awareness by providing real-life scenarios for everybody who completes the course.”

The course is one week long and incorporates classroom activities with field exercises, which helps the students gain experience. During the course, students learn the ins and outs of running a convoy.

“They can see how every single stage of a convoy works, from planning to execution and mission accomplishment,” Jeansonne added. Some of the practical application includes organization, how to employ every asset in the convoy, and mounted tactics.

As usual, in a training exercise experience plays an important role in the learning process, especially for those who haven’t deployed, Jeansonne explained. He also mentioned a lot of the participants in the course have deployment experience, and their knowledge enhanced the training evolution.

“I think it’s good for people with experience to participate and help others with less experience,” said Cpl. Dayron Gonzalez, from Miami, an engineer equipment operator with 8th ESB, 2nd MLG and a student in the course, who has deployed to Afghanistan already. “We can help make this training a little bit more realistic and make sure others with less experience are better prepared before they deploy.”

The course is offered at the BSTS in order to prepare units for upcoming deployments. The class helps Marines and sailors ready themselves to operate during convoy operations overseas where this knowledge can mean the difference between life and death.

MISSION

To provide intermediate supply support and intermediate motor transport and engineer ground equipment maintenance to 2d Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW); operate the Aerial Port of Embarkation/Debarkation (APOE/D) under the guidance of II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF); and provide personnel to the Fleet Assistance Program (FAP) in support of postal, exchange, personnel administration, freight/passenger transportation (TMO), and bulk fuel support for Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point.

Leaders

Captain Sophie A. Spencer

Company Commander, Combat Logistics Company 21

Captain Spencer is a native of New York. She graduated from Boston College in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2021, then served as the Officer Selection Assistant of Officer Selection Team Garden City, Recruiting Station New York until May of 2022.

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First Sergeant Edward G. Peifer

Senior Enlisted Leader, Combat Logistics Company 21

First Sergeant Peifer is a native of Lake Placid, Florida. He graduated from Lake Placid High School in 2005. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in September of 2009. He graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina in May of 2009 from 1st Battalion Alpha Company.

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CLC-21 Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program

The Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program (UPFRP) is a unit centric program, guided by the Family Readiness Command Team that reinforces the relationship between the unit and the services relevant to the unit, the unit members, and their families. The primary goal of UPFRP is to empower Marines and family members, providing them the opportunities to not just survive but to thrive while taking on the challenges of the military lifestyle. The program is supported by Deployment Readiness Coordinators (DRC) or Uniformed Readiness Coordinators (URC) who implement the Commander's family readiness vision, manage the tenets of the UPFRP, and assist unit Marines, Sailors and families maintain a constant state of family readiness.

Services

Marines, spouses, extended family members, and any other contacts authorized by the Marines are supported by the UPFRP.

Communication: Regular communication with the Marines and families is the cornerstone of UPFRP. The DRC/URC provides the link for two-way communication between the Commander and the families, using a variety of mediums, such as Marine Online, email, newsletters, toll-free numbers, and/or social media sites. Marine Online is the primary web-based tool for disseminating unit information.

Readiness and Resource Referral: The UPFRP provides assistance to address issues with the potential to impact the Marines, families, and the unit. The DRC/URC is a readiness, resource and referral expert, continuously researching and identifying trainings, resources and services to meet every need.

Deployment Support: The UPFRP supports a multitude of training opportunities to assist Marines and their family members with deployments, separations, and life skills. From pre-deployment briefs, to interpersonal communication, to transition assistance, each is designed to empower the participants with skill development and independence.

Volunteer Opportunities: The UPFRP provides opportunities for volunteer growth and development which creates stronger unit cohesion. UPFRP volunteers assist with mentoring others spouses/family members, identifying challenges to be addressed by the Command, and assisting with unit events. UPFRP volunteers also have the potential to grow and develop new skill sets through their volunteer services.

Increased socialization: Unit sponsored events and unit, installation and community connections are made through the UPFRP.

Marines and Sailors are required to check-in with the DRC/URC when they arrive at a new unit. Once a new unit member has provided accurate contact information and authorization to communicate, the family members will begin receiving communication from the command. Family members are encouraged to meet the DRC/URC to learn more about the unit and the services available.

Sgt Barnette
Office: (252) 466-5150

Unit Mailing Address

Combat Logistics Company 21
PSC Box 8025
Cherry Point, NC 28533-0025

Phone Numbers

Duty Phone: (910) 467-3780

Office Phone: (252) 466-6357

S-1: (252) 466-5150

S-2: (252) 466-3384

S-3: (252) 466-4474

S-4: (252) 466-3384

S-6: (252) 466-3384

APOE DUTY: (252) 466-7569