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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Two engineer battalions separated by more than 1,000 miles joined together for a common cause -- to train.
In early July, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group welcomed two platoons that were augmented from 6th Engineer Support Battalion, based in Portland, Ore. The two battalions combined and started training for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
They continued strengthening their technical skills while conducting bridge building training, Aug. 20.
"The Marines are all motivated and hard workers without a doubt," said Gunnery Sgt. Robert M. Mathes, company gunnery sergeant with Company C, 7th ESB. "They hit the ground running and worked as part of the company the day they showed up."
"The Marines are receiving hands-on training," added 1st Lt. Sarah E. Scroggins, platoon commander with 6th ESB, 29, from Manchester, Mo. "We're doing a variety of training to prepare them for Afghanistan."
The engineers focus their attention on bridge building because of the high demand for them in Afghanistan due to severe road damage. They constructed a variety of bridges of different strengths and purposes. Some were assembled for heavy vehicle travel and others for troop crossing.
The bridge building process was new for several Marines and a refresher to others. None-the-less, they worked as a team to overcome the obstacle.
"The training here is a good refresher because it's been awhile since we've assembled a bridge," said Lance Cpl. Stephen J. Barr, combat engineer with 6th ESB, 27, from Indianapolis. "I'm excited to be able to do some different types of work other than construction."
The engineer battalions will continue working as a team when they participate in the month-long Mojave Viper combat training at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. throughout September. There they'll conduct a variety of infantry and job specific training that requires teamwork and leadership from every Marine.
"The training we're receiving here is enabling junior Marines to take a more proactive approach on small unit leadership," said Sgt. Nick M. Guilfoyle, combat engineer with 6th ESB, 25, from Peoria, Ill. "It is a great privilege to train and lead Marines on the upcoming deployment."
With the combat engineers' continued hard work and dedication, they'll be able to deploy to Afghanistan and carryout the mission as a team.
"With their help, we'll have more manpower to build FOBs," said Mathes, 38, from Memphis. "We don't consider them reservist; they're Charlie Company now."
| Date Taken: | 08.20.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 08.25.2009 18:42 |
| Story ID: | 37953 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 327 |
| Downloads: | 290 |
This work, Building Bridges: 7th ESB trains with 6th ESB reservists, by Cpl Jacob A. Singsank, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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