37th Engineer Battalion (Combat)(Airborne) – Joint Task Force Eagle

Courtesy Story

AL BAKIR AIRFIELD, Iraq – For the 37th Engineer Battalion- Joint Task Force Eagle, based of out Fort Bragg, N.C., Improvised Explosive Devices are a way of life. Soldiers conduct daily route clearance missions to clear Iraqi roadways of these deadly hazards for not only U.S. Forces, but also the local populace. In response to the IED threat, the Army began training select personnel on Electronic Warfare Systems to protect Soldiers. For the 37th Eng. Bn., Sgt. Christine L. Hamel, a native of Cape Cod, Mass., performs the role as the Electronic Warfare Officer.

Although only a young Non Commissioned Officer, she was selected prior to deployment, to attend the Army Electronic Warfare Course at Fort Huachuca, Ariz. This extremely difficult, three week course was the short-term answer used to fill the immediate Electronic Warfare needs. For the three weeks Hamel was at the course she was introduced to and taught the various concepts of Communications theory, Antenna theory and Electronic Attack and Protection theories along with other difficult subjects.

"This course was extremely difficult. Learning concepts that were at times confusing, and learning to apply them to the battlefield, was at the times, extremely overwhelming," said Hamel.

Upon completion of the course, Hamel was awarded an Additional Skill Identifier, certifying her as Electronic Warfare Specialist.

With the deployment of the 37th Eng. Bn to Iraq, Hamel's newly acquired skills and knowledge are put to the test on a daily basis.

"One of SGT Hamel's responsibilities is to ensure that all of the soldiers are protected by a functioning Counter Remote Control Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare system in every vehicle they use," said Capt Rodriguez, the Bn. Counter-IED Officer and Hamel's supervisor.

Hamel plays an integral part of the success of the unit. She performs the EWO duties usually assigned to Naval Officers attached to Army units.

"I'm working in position formerly held by a Navy Lieutenant, and at times, it can get pretty hectic," said Hamel of her demanding position.

Despite the difficulties, Hamel continues to perform well. She often goes out on Route Clearance missions where she shares the same hazards as those experienced by the troops her CREW systems protect.

"Sgt Hamel doesn't always like to sit behind a desk, she likes to get out and see what the other soldiers do," said Sgt 1st Class Paul Griffith, Sgt Hamel's Platoon Sergeant and the Bn. Operations NCO in charge.

"This way, she knows how her CREW systems operate in a dangerous environment first hand, and she's there to help fix any problem they may have; she's very hands on."

The future seems bright for this highly motivated Soldier, a young professional who does more than her share for the 37th Eng. Bn. and for the Army.

To Sgt. Hamel, she says she's "just doing what I was trained to do and be the best I can."

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