In November, the 7th Mission Support Command made history completing the first intra-theater mobilization in 10 years. U.S. Army Europe – Africa identified the 446th Movement Control Battalion, 510th Regional Support Group for mobilization in the summer of 2021.

Historically, U.S. Army Reserve units complete their administrative, medical, and training requirements at the mobilization center at North Fort Hood, Texas, but Brig. Gen. Wanda Williams, commanding general of the 7th MSC, determined to move the unit without sending them stateside.

“As a Reserve element positioned forward, it is imperative that we be able to mobilize and integrate with our active component counterparts,” said Williams. “I charged my team to make it happen and they did.”

Lt. Col. Edward Park, the ceputy plans and operations officer for the 7th MSC and the lead planning officer for the mobilization, rallied support from local active-duty resources including the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, the 120th Infantry Brigade, First Army Division - West, as well as U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz.

“We identified and reached out to local active component resources,” said Park. "Keeping up consistent communication with them, including them in all our planning and training discussions, was essential to mission success.”

Through these partnerships, the 446th was properly resourced and equipped. Mr. Lamont Hall, a garrison analyst with USAG Rheinland-Pfalz, assisted in providing installation and base operations services, such as family and morale, welfare and recreation needs, individualized initial counseling, and produced the necessary orders for movement, things no unit can mobilize without.

“Working with multiple components of the Army during this mobilization was a unique opportunity,” said Hall. “It highlighted the Army’s ability to work seamlessly across components throughout the process.”

In addition to being administratively ready, the 446th completed a rigorous training cycle. Observer, Coach, Trainers from the 120th Infantry Brigade, First Army Division – West curated the unit’s culminating practical exercise.

“The 120th brought experiential knowledge of what movement control units do,” said Park. “They used the mission essential task list to develop a culminating event that would challenge the 446th and showcase their proficiency.”

Not only did the 446th successfully complete all administrative and training requirements, their mobilization facilitated the curating of a standard operating procedure for future mobilizations within Europe. “What we’ve proven is that, when needed, we can accomplish an intra-theater mobilization with the support of our active component partners,” said Park.

The 446th is mobilized for 10 months, providing movement control oversight and management in support of Fifth (V) Corps operations in Poland.

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