RAPID CITY, S.D., - As quickly as the U.S. Forest Service felled trees here in the Custer National Forest of South Dakota, Soldiers of Oklahoma National Guard’s 1245th and 1345th Transportation Companies hauled the logs to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation for use in ceremonies, heating and cooking.
Both units recently participated in the annual Golden Coyote exercise, which brought together more than 2,000 members of the Army, Air Force and Navy from engineer, transportation, quartermaster, medical and logistical units to practice mobilizing, deploying and carrying out missions in the combat zone.
The felled trees are part of a forest management program to combat mountain pine beetles. The infestation reached epidemic proportions in the 1990s and thinning the trees in strategic locations will help keep the insect at bay, U.S. Forest Service officials said.
After the trees were cut, they were loaded and delivered to the reservation using a vehicle with a Palletized Loading System or PLS. This tactical truck is a five-axle, 10-wheeled vehicle designed to deliver supplies, ammunition and equipment over almost any type of terrain in any weather.
Sgt. Mark Bartel, a convoy commander for the 1245th, said the bed of these trucks utilize a flat track system which along with controls located inside the cab—enables the driver to unload the cargo quickly and safely without ever exiting the vehicle, making it safer in a combat situation.
The exercise provides much-needed training on the use and capabilities of the PLS, especially for Soldiers who are new to the unit, said Bartel.
“More training makes for a smoother mission,” he said, “and we get to help the local community.”
2nd Lt. Warren Queton, a platoon leader and Kiowa Indian from Oklahoma, said many of the Oglala Sioux, who call Pine Ridge home, exist in a very traditional manner. He said the wood, which is used in outdoor cooking fires for community meals, is much appreciated but also interaction with the Soldiers was very fulfilling.
“I felt like the tribal members were excited to have us helping,” he said. “Because the Native Americans there feel very strongly about fighting for their country.
"They are very proud of those that serve in the military. I felt there was a lot of excitement seeing the military vehicles and the Soldiers on the reservation.”