Military Unit Specializes In Paperwork

By Emory Bryan, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A Tulsa-based military unit was mobilized on Monday to support the war in Iraq. They were called up to handle paperwork for returning soldiers.

For every soldier on the front lines, more than 20 other soldiers stand behind them in supporting roles and that is where this group of soldiers fits into the war effort.

The Tulsa based Army Reserve unit is a mobile human resources department for all branches of the military. They're deploying to a base in Georgia, where they'll meet troops returning from Iraq.

"On this mission, we're going to be doing redeployment from overseas to the U.S., we'll be there when they get off the plane," said 2nd Lt. Mario Johnson of the 800th AG Replacement Company.

It's the job of the 800th Adjutant General Replacement Company to handle all kinds of military paperwork. Most of them are from Tulsa and most are on their first deployment.

After two years of training, Private Shane Dixon says he's ready to go.

"It happens, that's what we signed up, for that's what I put my name on the paper for, so it's not anything to be sad over," said Private Dixon.

This is the second deployment for the 800th. The last time was in 2003. The unit spent a year at Fort Sill. They're far from combat, but just as essential for the war.

"Our mission will be mainly to process troops coming back from theater.  We'll make sure all their finance, all needs before they go home to their families are taken care of," said Staff Sergeant Justin Temple.

With a handshake from their commanders, approximately two dozen soldiers mobilized to what's likely to be a one year assignment, helping other soldiers come home.

The unit will deal with all branches of the military from all over, but mainly soldiers coming back from Iraq and they also handle some paperwork for civilians, the contractors who now do a lot of work to support the military overseas.