By
CPL Damian Shovell
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LAC
Kristopher Johnson and members of the Force Level Logistic
Asset at Baghdad load cargo on to a C-130 at Baghdad International
Airport.
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Photo
by CPL Neil Ruskin
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ON
call 24/7, the Force Level Logistic Asset (FLLA) in the Middle
East provides more than just supplies to Australians in Iraq.
Thousands of people have passed through the FLLA either to deploy
to or return from Iraq, though many don’t realise the diversity
of the FLLA’s role.
OC FLLA Major Alistair Dickie said the tri-service organisation
had about 40 personnel, split between Baghdad and another support
base in the Middle East.
“We’re responsible for providing a range of services to all the
Australian force elements in Iraq and the Middle East,” MAJ Dickie
said.
It has two functions; first, running a large warehouse system
to support the stores and supply requirement for the entire Australian
force and second, conducting reception, staging, onward movement
and integration (RSO&I) training to all personnel transiting to
Iraq.
The FLLA also provides logistic information systems in each location,
and Air Force personnel assist within the communications infrastructure.
MAJ Dickie said the FLLA provided an average of about 75 personnel
a month with RSO&I training and issues, including weapons and
ammunition, before they entered Iraq.
These figures fluctuate in peak periods such as when the new
Australian Army Training Team - Iraq, the security detachment
rotation and the medical team all recently came through a few
days apart.
The FLLA also forwards almost all freight – anything from white
goods to spare parts for ASLAVs – into Iraq, averaging between
two and five aircraft pallets on two or three C-130 flights
a week.
It has air terminal sections in the Middle East and Iraq handling
freight, and moving personnel to and from the airports.
The FLLA element in Baghdad acts broadly as a distribution centre,
but its other major task is to provide trade support to Australian
personnel.
“They have a vehicle mechanic, carpenter, electrician, plumber
and fitter armourer who provide trade services to all Australians
throughout Iraq – although primarily for the Baghdad elements,”
MAJ Dickie said.
“Everybody in the FLLA, be they in Baghdad or elsewhere are working
very hard with a very solid focus on the customer, in ensuring
that our customers’ requirements are met ASAP,” he said.
