Ramstein Airmen supporting AEF 7/8 get proper equipment through WRE

Staff Sgt. Brian Hill
Kaiserslautern American


***image1***About 800 Ramstein Airmen are now in the process of departing in support of world-wide Air Expeditionary Force taskings, and the war readiness element here is charged with ensuring each Airman is outfitted with the right equipment.

The WRE – located on Ramstein and attached to the 435th Logistics Readiness Squadron – supports many of the Air Force units deploying from the KMC, as well as geographically separated units, in supplying mobility-type bags.

“The stop at WRE is critical to personal protection,” said Tech. Sgt. Steve Martin, 86th Maintenance Squadron unit deployment manager. “If they don’t get the right equipment, it could mean a rough deployment and nobody needs that extra burden in a combat situation.”

Individual protective and chemical warfare defense ensemble equipment is issued to each Airman and bags are custom built to meet each need.

“We have to assess the requirements of each customer,” said Airman 1st Class Lee Nguyen, WRE supply apprentice. “It’s not enough for them to come in and say they need this and that, we have to verify the requirement, build the bag and then inventory the contents with the customer.”

Items Airmen deploy with usually include:
-an A-bag, containing items such as a sleeping bag, mess kit, and a first aid kit.
-a B-bag, containing cold weather equipment like a parka, mittens, and a cold weather cap.
-a C-Bag, containing CWDE items to include protective suits, boots, and decontamination kits.

According to Airman Nguyen, members also deploy with a gas mask, web gear, and a helmet received during base in-processing.

Additionally, flak vests or body armor will be issued to individuals who are required to bring such equipment.

The WRE is located on the west side of Bldg. 2494. The hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to noon Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for appointments; noon to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for walk ins; Tuesday is reserved for Combat INTRO personnel. Call 480-5569 or 2283 for details.