SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras –
The Army Support Activity was activated by the Army Installation Management Command in a ceremony here July 31.
The new unit is responsible for serving as the support function for Joint Task Force-Bravo, which can include morale, welfare and recreation; food; force protection; and fire and emergency services. While serving as a support function in a forward operating location, the unit will be a test model for Iraq and Afghanistan, said ASA Command Sgt. Major Jeffrey Miller.
The role of the ASA will be to free the mission commander's time and resources to focus on the mission. The support activity will take care of all the base functions ensuring the process is streamlined so all Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen get consistent service, said Davis Tindoll Jr., Installation Management Command Southeast Region director.
"The process started in 2006 when the Army chief of staff asked for a feasibility study for the Installation Management Command to take over base activities," Mr. Tindoll said. "The goal is to standardize Army activities and create a more efficient management system world wide. The end result is a more predictable product and support all (servicemembers) can count on."
One of the many benefits of the ASA is that units will no longer have to separate support activity and mission funds. The ASA will have its own money focused solely on the support services and quality of life for servicemembers, Sergeant Major Miller said.
All the current services will continue, so the only difference servicemembers will see is a more efficient way of running the business and a different management team, the sergeant major said.
"This is a new and historic command," said Lt. Col. William Huber, ASA commander. "It's a tremendous opportunity to be able to come in and support the mission by taking care of the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen stationed here. I truly am excited to be a part of this team."
Army Support Activity falls under Installation Management Command Southeast Region, which is headquartered at Ft. McPherson, GA. It has a $2.2 billion annual budget with more than 15,000 employees.