ZUTENDAAL, Belgium – Michael Drutti, a local resident of Maasmechelen, has climbed the ranks at the Zutendaal Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 (APS-2) worksite since joining the U.S. Army in 2018 as a mechanic.
After three years of dedicated service, he applied for a team leader position and achieved a promotion.
Now, he has leveraged another three years of experience to become the automotive supervisor, overseeing a team of around two dozen employees.
Drutti’s team is pivotal to the maintenance program for all light-wheeled vehicles at the Zutendaal site, which includes an array of equipment such as Humvees, trailers, forklifts, and container handlers along with electronic communications and armament systems.
“The U.S. Army has provided me numerous opportunities for professional growth during my time here,” Drutti remarked.
Starting his journey as a mechanic, he feels a deep sense of gratitude for the guidance and support he has received from his superiors.
“They believed in me, and having that support fosters personal and professional development,” said Drutti, who is a proud father of three daughters and has been with his partner for over 15 years.
Drutti emphasizes his belief in his own team’s capabilities, echoing the faith his supervisors have placed in him.
His leadership includes two team leaders and 15 mechanics who handle the maintenance of light-wheeled vehicles.
In addition, a dedicated team leader and a team of four electronics specialists ensure that the maintenance of all communication equipment is met, along with one armament systems expert.
The team is tasked with comprehensive maintenance duties, which encompass both scheduled and unscheduled services.
“We conduct all scheduled maintenance for these vehicles and equipment, addressing any immediate repairs needed, even during exercises or missions,” Drutti described.
This proactive approach is key to maintaining operational efficiency at the worksite.
Drutti and his team operate under the Army Field Support Battalion-Benelux (AFSBn-Benelux).
As the automotive supervisor, Drutti manages scheduling effectively, working closely with production control to formulate maintenance plans at least 30 days in advance.
His goal is to remain ahead of schedule, ensuring everything is in order.
“I have one of the best teams I could possibly wish for; they are always helpful and produce great work,” Drutti stated proudly.
He expressed his appreciation for the management and leadership at Zutendaal and AFSBn-Benelux.
“I’m truly fortunate to be part of such an incredible team,” he added.
The Zutendaal APS-2 worksite plays a crucial role in maintaining equipment for a sustainment brigade and various reporting units.
It also manages three operational projects within a sprawling 80,000 square meters of warehouse space across 28 warehouses, complemented by 500,000 square meters of outdoor storage.
The mission command of this site, along with the Eygelshoven APS-2 worksite in the Netherlands, falls under the jurisdiction of AFSBn-Benelux.
Their responsibilities encompass the receipt, transfer, storage, and maintenance of APS-2 equipment, ensuring readiness and security in the region.
The Zutendaal and Eygelshoven worksites are among six APS-2 locations across Europe, managed by the 405th Army Field Support Brigade.
The program serves to enhance U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s operational readiness while promoting stability and security in the broader region.
image source from：army
