MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. -- "Stand up, buckle up and shuffle to the door," appeared to be on the Reserve Marines minds here Friday and Saturday as they conducted their Mobilization Operations Readiness Deployment Test.
The MORDT is an operation performed by the Reserve Marines of 4th Fleet Service Support Group, 4th Supply Battalion every three years. It is comparable to an Inspector General inspection to active duty Marine forces.
The main mission of the 4th Supply Battalion is to provide salvage operations in coordination with equipment extraction to reinduct all classes of supply into the supply system for further distribution. The 4th Supply Battalion is the only unit in the Marine Corps that serves in this capacity.
Ninety-three Marines belonging to 4th Supply Battalion, plus staff noncommissioned officers and officers from all over the United States, participated in this year's MORDT, giving Detachment Bravo a personnel efficiency rate of 98.9 percent.
"We were very pleased with this year's results," said Maj. Thomas Fisher, special projects officer for battalion.
"As far as personnel, administrative, medical and dental readiness, my staff and I received a mission capable status which means if we had to leave tomorrow, we could É quickly and efficiently," Fisher continued.
The battalion overall received a mission capable status from the inspecting officer, Maj. Paul Mengle, 4th FSSG operations officer.
Beginning Saturday morning, the Marines went through various check-in stations, just as they would if they were deploying.
The inspecting staff and unit personnel covered everything from a Battle Skills Test to health and dental care for deploying Marines and their family members, to Service Record Book audits and gear issue.
"I am very impressed with the utilization of space and personnel," Mengle said.
"The unit even implemented a career planner station, identification card and dog-tag check, which is not required by the MORDT training order," he said.
Following the necessary administrative work, 4th Supply Battalion loaded their necessary gear and personnel into vehicles, and under military police escort, proceeded to Albany Regional Airport.
The group followed all required precautions and letters of instruction necessary if this training exercise were a real-world deployment.
"That [the convoy to the airport] was also something that we don't usually see with other units," Mengle said.
"All they're required to do is ensure their personnel and gear are ready for transport. They don't have to go anywhere," Mengle added.
According to Inspector-Instructor staff, they wanted to make the exercise as real-life as possible so the Marines could get a feel for what it would be like if they were really deploying.
All the Marines had was what they would actually leave with, and they left the rest behind they added.
"We really need to give some credit to the Family Service Center and the MPs," Fisher said.
"The FSC is an invaluable resource that will enable us to better handle a deployment when it arises," Fisher said.
"The MPs also were helpful in making sure the convoy to the airport was not interrupted and remained together," he continued. "Getting there is a large part of the battle. Making sure we all get there together also plays into that."
Once the Marines arrived at the airport, they received a lesson in history about World Wars I and II. They were also taught the invaluable lesson of learning from mistakes and repeating them.
On Sunday, an after action report was given to the battalion. The overall inspection results read, "Personnel readiness and attendance results significantly exceeded requirements and the unit demonstrated satisfactory operational readiness. The most significant issue at this time is the change in the unit's mission, which is receiving significant attention at the unit and the Battalion."
"We're always ready for change," said Maj. Phillip Millerd, Bravo Company Detachment's commander. "That's what the Marine Corps is all about -- adapt and overcome."