Army reservist begins one year tour of duty at U.S. Transportation Command

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (USTCNS) --- Two weeks after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Army Reservist Lt. Col. Margaret Murphy of Indianapolis, Ind. started a one year tour of duty at U.S. Transportation Command as a supply and transportation officer.

Murphy is one of nineteen Army reservists recalled to active duty to support USTRANSCOM in the wake of President Bush declaring war on terrorism. USTRANSCOM's mission is to provide global transportation for the Department of Defense.

Murphy is a member of the Joint Transportation Reserve Unit activated 10 years ago to support USTRANSCOM during the Gulf War. Members provide ongoing support such as watch standing.

"I was paired with a qualified watch stander to initially learn the job," said Murphy. "There was a rapid learning curve, and someone who thoroughly knew the job helped me. Watches must be stood by qualified watch standers, and you can't do it alone until fully qualified."

JTRU provides 30% of USTRANSCOM's watch standing personnel.
Watch standers are involved in the complicated process of moving military assets worldwide.

USTRANSCOM's various command centers operate fully staffed around the clock, monitoring developments and managing worldwide transportation resources.

Initially working 58 12-hour days on the Crisis Action Team at USTRANSCOM, Murphy has now been added to a team assisting with military support of the coming Winter Olympics.

The mother of three teen-age boys said her family has been very supportive of her activation. Husband Peter, an engineer, has modified his work schedule to take care of sons age 12, 14 and 17. The four traveled to Illinois over Thanksgiving to spend the holiday with her.