DLA Distribution Red River, Texas hosts unique track dipping mission

Did you know that Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, Red River, Texas, holds the only track dipping system in the entire Defense Department?

Established in 1990 and fully automated in 2000, the system takes used, refurbished tracks for platforms including the Abram Tank, Bradley Fighting Vehicle and Paladin Tank, from Red River Army Depot and preserves them for reuse. On average, each year the team dips more than 104,000 track shoes, enabling a cost-savings of $37 million dollars.
From the time to tracks are received, prepped, dipped and turned over for storage, the dripping process takes between two to five days.

"When we receive the track, it is curved and in sections, so we straighten it out using a pipe pole," said Michael Cutsinger, stock readiness branch chief, DLA Distribution, Red River, Texas. Dunnage is placed between four sections of track which are then bound together with metal strapping for loading onto the dipper's conveyor belt. The bundled tracks are then dipped into a vat containing 3,500 gallons of preservation chemicals that provide a necessary protective coat. After allowing for time to excess chemicals to drain, the bundles are dried by a natural gas oven and placed into storage until requested by a unit or authorized purchaser. Due to the nature of the work, employees receive specialized environmental and operational training.

On average, the dipper system can process 320 shoes a day. The team runs five cycles per day, shutting down every 23 cycles for system cleaning and maintenance. In the event of higher demand, the team can run additional shifts.

"We're proud to be able to provide this service to our customers," said Cutsinger.

The track dipping operations are just one aspect of DLA Distribution, Red River, Texas' distribution services and tailored logistics solutions for the warfighter and other customers. The distribution center provides distribution support for repair parts including kits and assemblies and secondary items for tracked and wheeled vehicles, aircraft and major weapon systems.

DLA Distribution, Red River, Texas, also has a large major end item distribution mission. The Army has designated DLA Distribution, Red River, Texas, as the storage site for its Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems, Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles. In support of these systems, the distribution center builds and maintains a supply of basic issue items and components that accompany wheeled and tracked vehicles shipped to units in the field.

The distribution center is also the primary distribution point for the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System. This system links communications in a network between wheeled vehicles, tracked vehicles, helicopters, and soldiers on foot.

When weapon systems, vehicles, or aircraft are delivered to units, those units also get support packages assembled by distribution center employees. Tailored logistics support for these weapon systems involves spare parts, tools, technical publications, manuals and diagnostic equipment needed to keep a particular item up and running until full operational support systems are in place. The distribution center tailors this support to specific customer requirements. In addition, the distribution center provides rebuilt roadwheels and track and complete wheel assemblies for many of the vehicles used by the military services.

"Every piece of track that passes through our facility is destined to support warfighters in the field," said Army Lt. Col. Joseph Lee, commander, DLA Distribution, Red River, Texas. "The preservative applied here directly impacts their ability to maintain operational readiness and achieve mission success. Knowing that our hard work plays a vital role in generating and maintaining combat power is a source of immense pride for our entire team here."