Marines and soldiers train inside a field-expedient post office aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., during a training exercise to prepare for postal service in austere environments, Sept. 11, 2012. Fourteen Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group joined with soldiers from the 82nd Sustainment Brigade to practice processing mail without the aid of modern technologies.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Paul Peterson

Training prepares Marines, soldiers to process mail in isolated areas

13 Sep 2012 | Lance Cpl. Paul Peterson 2nd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- A Marine stood in front of the base’s main post office and directed visitors toward the small, inconspicuous tent off to the side.

The field-expedient post office served as the new place of work for 14 postal Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group and three soldiers with the 82nd Sustainment Brigade from Fort Bragg, N.C., as they took rotating shifts manning the facility during a training operation here, from Sept. 10 to 14.

Their task was deceptively simple: handle mail the old fashioned way.

It isn’t much to look at. It doesn’t have the technological amenities or the quantity of personnel found in the large base facility, but the consolidated field post office represents one of the only ways to take care of service members’ postal needs in isolated areas.

“We’re trying to give them the training needed to succeed in servicing personnel in Afghanistan,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher Heltebran, a postal officer with the regiment. “They are going from having everything they need at their disposal into an environment where they don’t have those resources. Most of the time, they don’t even have electricity.”

This training will help the Marines perform missions as part of a Warrior Express Service Team, which provides amenities such as postal service to troops in remote forward operating bases. The traveling postal teams normally operate in groups of 3 or 4 and must have the ability to function independently. Experience is key to their self sufficiency, added Heltebran.

The WEST model and training held at Camp Lejeune drew the attention of the Army, which sent three soldiers to join the Marines at the field post office in order to expand their current postal capabilities.

“We value the Marines as being the subject matter experts,” said Army 1st Lt. Ephriam Bethel, the operations officer for the human resources operations branch of the brigade. “We are always going to go out there and search for something better. Because this is something [they] do regularly, it has been great for us. My soldiers are very excited.”

Bethel hopes to take the lessons learned here back to Fort Bragg, where he and his soldiers are working to build upon their own operations.

Performing postal operations without the aid of modern technology poses distinct challenges, but the small connection postal Marines provide to the outside world can be a vital link for Marines in the field. The humble tent sitting outside the main Camp Lejeune post office is the first step in ensuring troops receive postal service in forward deployed locations.

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