IRAQ, Dec. 9, 2019 —
The 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command (ESC), the Syrian Logistics Cell (SLC), located in Erbil, Iraq, is composed of a small team of Soldiers who pack a big punch when it comes to supporting the warfighters in Syria.
The 103rd ESC SLC team was directly involved in the recent withdrawal from Syria.
“The SLC was heavily involved in the materiel retrograde from Syria,” Sergeant Maj. Jason Palsma, SLC noncommissioned officer in charge, 103rd ESC, said. “Our team assisted in the deliberate withdrawal of U.S. forces from several bases in Syria while simultaneously continuing the defeat of ISIS.”
The SLC doesn’t work alone when it comes to supporting combat operations in Syria.
“The SLC partners with and synchronizes efforts of multiple elements from 1st Theater Sustainment Command, Special Operations Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, and Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve,” Palsma said. “These critical partnerships are critical to ensure the warfighters in Syria receive the vital support necessary to accomplish their mission to defeat ISIS.”
Although a small team, the Soldiers at the SLC have a wealth of responsibility.
“Our team works in close cooperation with Forward Logistics Elements in providing mission command with tactical control of sustainment Soldiers to direct movement of all classes of supply, maintenance, and contracting support for remote and austere combat outstations,” Palsma said. “The SLC is responsible for the ground movements of required commodities and cargo into Syria.”
The Syrian Logistics Cell may be small in numbers but their support will continue making a huge difference in the fight against ISIS.
