In the Field
MCX in Afghanistan - OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM
The Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) has always been on the front lines supporting the needs of deployed Marines and Sailors and providing a boost in morale. Behind the scenes, of these successful operations is a dedicated group of Marines.
For Operation Enduring Freedom, the MCX has partnered with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) to provide product for the MCX operated tactical field exchanges in Marine Corps areas of operations. In accordance with a Memorandum of Agreement, joint MCX/AAFES activities are "owned by AAFES, but manned and operated by trained MCX military personnel along with AAFES employees. This is not a new arrangement as it was also how the MCX operated in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The partnership between MCX and AAFES has worked extremely well and is a team effort in providing an enhanced quality of life for our deployed Marines./p>
The MCX is the only Exchange Service that has active duty personnel with a primary Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of Marine Corps Community Services. MCCS Officers (4130) and Marines (4133) are continuously training to set up, operate and deploy Tactical Field Exchanges (TFE) in challenging, austere environments. Spread out over 16 different commands, these Marines are globally sourced for their highly desired skill sets to provide our war fighters with fresh US products from regional distribution centers. A touch of home goes a long way toward easing mission anxiety, from Monster energy drinks to Axe shower gel to iPODS, TFEs are sure to carry the right merchandise mix for deployed Marines.
Marine Corps operated exchanges in Afghanistan generated more than $18 million in sales in FY09 and are on track to surpass that for FY10. At the three main Marine Corps operational camps in Afghanistan, Direct Operational Exchange - Tactical (DOX-T) services are available seven days a week. These stores offer a diversified stock assortment and are co-located with a variety of services such as barber shops, AT&T phone centers and SPAWAR internet cafes.
WEST MISSION
"To support the Combat Commander's ability to enhance troop welfare by providing a mobile Tactical Field Exchange during combat operations."
The WES-Team concept originally was conceived during the Desert Storm conflict, where supporting service units were expected to be mobile in nature and keep up with the combat operating forces. Since that time, Marine Logistic Group (MLG) units have incorporated the WarFighter Express Service Teams (WEST) concept into their convoy operations in support of Marines operating in isolated, remote areas of southern Afghanistan. The WES Team setup consists of a MTVR truck, along with a well constructed mobile PX built inside of a 20 ft container. This mobile PX comes complete with power, lighting, shelving and a set of stairs to allow the customers to step up into the store. Steel cages, footlockers and bungee cords all help to keep the merchandise in place while the truck is riding through extremely bumpy terrain. The stock assortment carried is a small representation of merchandise that is offered at larger camp exchanges, covering basic hygiene products, consumables (snacks, beverages, tobacco products), personal electronics, uniform accessories, PT and tactical gear.
When not deployed to a combat zone, the MCCS Marines are part of the MCX management team at regional installations, augmented with regular business class attendance at regional universities. In addition to classroom instruction MCCS Marines are continuously honing their deployment skills in support of major military exercises "in every climb and place'. From the jungles of Cobra Gold to the deserts of Bright Star and arctic reaches of Norway, MCX deployment support is within our reach.
- 11/23/2011 - Marine awarded for logistics excellence during Operation Enduring Freedom
- 5/27/2011 - MCCS Marines inaugurate new MCX at FOB Edinburgh
- 5/26/2011 - WES Team travels the distance
- 11/20/10 - MCCS Brings Morale to Kajaki Marines
- 12/25/2010 - Bringing a bit of home to Marines on Christmas
