In this November 2009 interview, MAJ Nathan Alvarez relates his challenges with handling the red tape in procuring new equipment for his organization. MAJ Alvarez describes his ongoing challenges in terrain management for his task force. MAJ Alvarez relates his particular frustration with an ongoing project to procure and install trailers adjacent to the flight line to improve work conditions for his flight and maintenance crews. In closing the story, he relates that even after eighteen months, he was unable to completely complete the project. In relating his experiences as the S4, MAJ Alvarez relates his steep learning curve in assuming the S4 duties, since his previous jobs had consisted of operational positions. Alvarez describes getting assistance from his parent brigade S4, and the mobilization station Directorate of Logistics (DOL) in order to accomplish critical logistics tasks during the deployment phase. He also notes the critical importance of having a skilled S4 NCO to help overcome the knowledge gap. Alvarez describes his challenges in overseeing supply operations at the company level, especially the absence of a supply NCO position within the company organizational structure.

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