NR MTMC 202 contributes to America's newest challenge.(Naval Reserve Military Traffic Management)

Right before the holidays in December last year, two Naval Reserve Supply Officers from the Naval Reserve Military Traffic Management Command 202 were recalled to one year of active duty to augment the staff of the Military Traffic Management Command.

CDR Dolores Smith and LCDR Jim Flowers rapidly settled in to a challenging 12-on, 12-off watch rotation in key leadership roles within the fast-paced environment of MTMC's Operations Center at Fort Eustis, Va.

Smith quickly switched gears from her civilian duties as Department Chair and Professor of Business Contract Management at the Defense Acquisition University in Norfolk, Va., and hit the ground running in her initial assignment with MTMC. As the MTMC Operations Center's Future Operations Supervisor, she had initial responsibilities that included performing analysis of Time Phase Force Deployment Data (TPFDDs), the database portion of the Joint Operations Planning and Execution System (JOPES) containing movement data, personnel data, and nonunit-related cargo.

"When I received notification about being recalled, I was initially apprehensive," said Smith, a Chesapeake, Va., resident. "After a few weeks at MTMC's Operations Center, I found my new responsibilities challenging and rewarding."

Smith's responsibilities also included managing the review of combatant commander requests for forces (RFFs), Joint Chief of Staff Deployment Orders (DEPORDS) for MTMC requirements, and potential sealift requirements for Department of Defense cargo and assets.

"RFFs and DEPORDS authorize and direct the transfer of forces between combatant commands by reassignment or transfer," said Smith.

Flowers, an audit supervisor for the State of North Carolina's Medicaid Program, was initially assigned as the night shift battle captain, responsible for responding to U.S. Transportation Command taskers, screening message traffic, and coordinating the morning briefs given to MTMC's commanding and deputy commanding generals.