The 178th Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard recently acquired excess equipment and supplies originally worth millions from the Defense Logistics Agency at no cost, significantly boosting its operational capabilities.

"The variety and volume of equipment we receive daily from all military services is impressive," said Cory Bobo, area manager at the DLA Disposition Services site in Columbus, Ohio. "It is even more gratifying to facilitate its return to the field through our reutilization program."

Master Sgt. David Jenkins, a member of the 178th Operations Group, helps screen DLA's excess property offerings so the wing can acquire equipment it otherwise could not afford. Jenkins and other screeners first gained access to the DLA property reuse portal known as RTD Web. Their first requisition secured them three Polaris Ranger utility vehicles to supplement the two they already had on base.

Jenkins said reutilization got them vehicles that cost $15,000 new, and the unit only simply had to spend a few hundred dollars on parts and oil changes. The extra Rangers have proven valuable during field exercises, allowing instructors to move quickly throughout training areas. Jenkins said they also get usage for general transportation needs within the base.

Encouraged by the cost savings, Jenkins said his team expanded their search and acquired 28 small unmanned aerial vehicles. Jenkins estimated the original value of the UAVs at more than $2 million. He said the Wing's intent is to build capability for humanitarian and domestic operations within the state, including search and rescue missions following tornadoes or other natural disasters, where small drones can provide commanders on the ground with comprehensive aerial perspective.

Jenkins said his unit is continuing to train with the UAVs while its members work to obtain the required authorizations to operate the drones during real-world emergencies.

During a recent visit to the Columbus facility, unit members examined four pallets of excess Tactical Combat Casualty Care kits originating from Fort Bragg, labeled with a combined value of $180,000. The pallets contained unopened tourniquets, gauze and other medical supplies. The wing secured the kits and distributed them to local units.

"We were able to give every unit on base [Individual First Aid Kits]," Jenkins said. Remaining supplies were provided to the Springfield, Ohio, installation medical group to support training programs.

"You don't stumble on $100,000-plus of equipment very often," Jenkins said. "The Guard's always looking for ways to do a lot more with a lot less, and to get all that medical gear - that's a win-win for everybody."

Bobo said DLA Disposition Services is committed to building strong partnerships with customers by assisting with property turn-ins and empowering units to leverage available inventory for mission needs. He said the process creates recurring partnerships and significant cost savings for participating units, and extends the value of property to taxpayers.

Jenkins said he thought several Air National Guard units could have limited understanding of the breadth of DLA's excess property and the supply potential it offers. For the 178th Wing, he said, property reuse has been "a game-changer."