DVIDS – News – Through Operation Patriot Press, Soldiers gain real-world logistics experience

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. — Capping off another summer of readiness exercises, Operation Patriot Press 2025 officially concluded in mid-August.

OPP, which was established by the Army Materiel Command, is held annually and conducted by the Joint Munitions Command.

During OPP, Soldiers build logistical expertise and gain vital mission-ready experience through hands-on exercises. OPP helps units enhance their operational capabilities and support JMC’s strategic objectives by emphasizing sustainment and readiness.

Participating in the initiative allows Soldiers to meet Army requirements while ensuring unit commanders’ mission essential tasks are completed.

This year’s iteration of OPP saw participation from 14 company-level units executing 17 JMC missions, with a total of 651 Soldiers from Army active duty, Army Reserve, and National Guard components gaining valuable experience in real-world logistics operations.

In OPP-25, Soldiers improved storage conditions for 7,122 short tons of materiel and completed asset realignment missions involving 4,382 short tons, which is equivalent to 254 20-foot equivalent units. Optimized storage directly supports faster and more accurate distribution across the OIB. This leads to fewer disruptions, lower operational costs, and better synchronization.

“These efforts not only supported the Army’s munitions enterprise but also sharpened the operational capabilities of participating units,” said Seth Dismore, the chief of logistics planning for JMC. “The scale and complexity of OPP demonstrates how strategic logistics can directly empower tactical success. We are building a unified, agile force that is prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.

“OPP exercises not only enhance logistical readiness but also foster collaboration between different military components,” he added.

The 63rd Ordnance Company, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, Washington, spent time at the Crane Army Ammunition Activity in Indiana in late May. Sgt. 1st Class Omar Morell Rodriguez, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the contingent from the 63rd, who participated in OPP-25, emphasized the value of exposing Soldiers to operations beyond their home base.

“Having them go somewhere else is the biggest asset in showing the Soldiers how ammo works at the depot and retail level before it gets to their home base,” he said. “My Soldiers get the training they need while doing OPP. Everything is in place to help us grow as Soldiers and as a company.

“I hope other active-duty ordnance units in the Army have the same experience,” Morell Rodriguez added. “It’s a good experience to learn from.”

Units who took part in OPP-25 and supported JMC missions include:

• The 781st and 1670th Transportation Company, Army National Guard (Alabama)

• The 1177th Transportation Company, Army National Guard (Georgia)

• The 1644th Transportation Company, Army National Guard (Illinois)

• The 1229th Transportation Company, Army National Guard (Maryland)

• The 18th Field Artillery Brigade, Army (North Carolina)

• The 1484th and 1486th Transportation Company, Army National Guard (Ohio)

• The 740th Transportation Company, Army National Guard (South Dakota)

• The 415th Engineer Facility Detachment, Army Reserve (Tennessee)

• The 118th Transportation Company, Army National Guard (Utah)

• The 63rd Ordnance Company, Army (Washington)

• The 261st and 811th Ordnance Company, Army Reserve (West Virginia)