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Formulating fuel for fire

  • Published
  • By Sgt. Marco Gutierrez
  • 350th Public Affairs Detachment
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Before fuel can be used to help ignite the fires that keep aircraft, ground vehicles, and generators running, petroleum lab specialists first approve the product for the Quartermaster Liquid Logistics Exercise, a part of the ongoing Combat Support Training Exercise Global Lightning held here.

Army Reserve petroleum lab specialists with the 308th Quartermaster Detachment from Scottsburg, Indiana work in a lab, ensuring that the fuel that keeps the Army going is up to standard.

Working out of a Petroleum Quality Analysis System - Enhanced laboratory that contains all the fuel testing and data analysis equipment needed, petroleum lab specialists test the quality and guarantee all fuel that the Army uses during CSTX Global Lightning 2015 is suitable for use in Army equipment. Although assisted by the PQASE, the petroleum lab specialists must never accept complacency.

"To a certain degree it can be like riding a bike, however it is also very specific and particular," said Army Reserve Pvt. Derek Taylor, 308th Quartermaster Detachment petroleum lab specialist.  "You have to be familiar with each test in order to be more fluent and productive, and accomplish multiple tests at one given time." Testing the fuel before use ensures that its host will function properly and at full potential. Just as the body collapses without proper nutrients, a vehicle can break down if the fuel is polluted with contaminants, according 308th Quartermaster Detachment officials.

"The military is not allowed to use any fuel unless it gets passed by a lab," said, Spc. Kane Lewis, 308th Quartermaster Detachment petroleum lab specialist. "They couldn't use the fuel if we didn't say they could use it."

Should there be something wrong with the fuel, the detachment still works to make sure none goes to waste.

"If the fuel has been contaminated, we can downgrade it," said Taylor. "For example, if Jet-A (fuel) were to become contaminated but still suitable for use, we might be able to put in additives and use it for other engines, such as Humvees."

The 308th worked alongside the 380th Quartermaster Battalion, Headquarters Company, out of Evansville, Indiana, and participated in QLLEX last year. Working together and promoting the Army's philosophy of "one team one fight," the 308th Quartermaster Detachment and 380th Quartermaster Battalion Soldiers have grasped the true meaning of comradery.

"While working with the 380th, they've mentored me a lot. We've worked with each other before, and any time we're around, we help each other out," said Lewis.

With more experience and a chance to continue to practice in a large exercise that deals with several thousand gallons of fuels, soldiers from the 308th Quartermaster Detachment feel more confident about their job.

"After this exercise, with the help and instruction of the NCOs, being out here and becoming more familiar with the tests in general, and just doing the exercise, I feel more confident," said Taylor. "I have definitely learned a lot just within the last two weeks."