Battalion Embarkation Staff

The battalion embarkation officer and embarkation chief, when not actually engaged in the embarking process, are responsible for the following:

- Knowing the location and the general condition of all supplies, equipment, and vehicles assigned to the battalion.

- Keeping current the MOCC files relative to all embarkation data.

- Training sufficient personnel outside of the embarkation staff to perform embarkation functions during an actual mount-out.

- Ensuring that adequate files are maintained in the event of incapacitation or absence during an embarkation. Thus allowing the assistant to assume all duties with a minimum of lost effort.

- Conducting training for the embarkation staff to increase their proficiency in embarkation.

- Preparing and maintaining a template file of all current deployment site Tab A equipment attached to the battalion.

- Coordinating through the operations officer (S-3) all requirements associated with battalion movement.

- Validating DD Form 2327, Unit Aircraft Utilization Plan, with supporting airlift control element (ALCE) affiliate within 14 days of the arrival of the main body.

- Validate/update preliminary load plans (PLP) for deployment of air detachments and air echelons on C-130, C-141B, and C-5B type of aircraft within 30 days of the arrival of the main body. Criterion for PLP will be current Tab A, equipment list, and TOA materials and supplies.

- Validate the CALM system database as changes are received to the Tab A from the equipment officer (A6).

The battalion embarkation staff consists of a nucleus of trained, experienced personnel assigned to embarkation as a primary duty. This staff is augmented by company and departmental representatives serving on a collateral-duty basis. During an exercise or actual contingency mount-out, the full embarkation staff reports to the battalion embarkation officer. Then they assume full-time responsibility for embarkation within their assigned area of responsibility. In the case of an actual mount-out, the embarkation staff members continue to function on a full-time basis until landing of the troops, supplies, and equipment has been completed.

Each company/department having material that requires shipment should designate one responsible officer/petty officer to act as the embarkation representative for that company/department.

Details are expected to be able to rejoin and integrate into the main body on short notice. Detail OICs should maintain current military and commercial transportation schedules as part of their detail embarkation plan. Companies/departments at the main body should maintain contingency rosters integrating detail personnel back into their military organization. Plans for the details to join the main body en route to or at the new deployment site should also be considered.

All details should include in their embarkation plan the possibility of being tasked to respond as an advance party component of the battalion or to redeploy independently. The location and semi-independent nature of details provide ready capability. These small well-trained units are capable of responding quickly to a situation not requiring full battalion participation.

All detail sites are required to have rollback plans as stated in the NCF OPLAN. These plans are routinely reviewed as part of the training management assistance visit (MAV).

EMBARKATION TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Embarkation aboard amphibious ships or cargo aircraft cannot be accomplished smoothly and efficiently without prior training and actual experience. Personnel must know their specific assignments, and they must know the proper way in which to carry them out. All personnel training must be geared to the level of skill required to embark the unit efficiently. For unit efficiency the accent must be on maximum training for the embarkation staff and loadmaster. When the embarkation staff is used in routine embarkation of supplies and equipment by air or sea to details and detachments, additional qualified personnel are required.