21st TSC logistician plays key role in Turbo CADS 2010

Story by Sgt. Frank Sanchez III
21st TSC Public Affairs

Marlin Pierson knows all about what it takes to provide ammunition to the Army warfighters throughout all of Europe for the 21st Theater Sustainment Command. Pierson played a major role in the U.S. Transportation Command’s Turbo Containerized Ammunition Distribution System 2010 exercise that took place May 7 to June 10.

Mr. Pierson, an inventory management specialist for the 21st TSC since Feb. 2002, managed and tracked the movement of all of United States Army Europe’s assets that included 320 shipping containersof munitions from theEuropean theater during the massive exercise. 

The planning for an exercise of this magnitude began in August of last year for Mr. Pierson. 

“There are a lot of people involved in this exercise. My role was basically managing all of USAREUR’s assets for the Army.  I tracked every container down to what is inside of each container and [forwarded] the information up to United States Air Force in Europe,” said Mr. Pierson.

The exercise took place in Norway, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Italy.
Mr. Pierson has supported the warfighter with ammunition for over 24 years and will continue to do so as he leaves the 21st TSC. He and his family are heading to Rock Island, Ill. where he will continue to provide the same support on a larger scale for the Army.

Mr. Pierson has been recognized by the Army as a logistics hero in his time in the 21st TSC and feels that his job plays a critical role for the Army.  
“I think the major part is to make sure the bullets are where they need to be and being able to help someone everyday is just rewarding,” said Mr. Pierson.