Train as we fight: 29th Engineer Battalion prepares for the battlefield

Photo By Staff Sgt. Tramel Garrett | Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Hernandez, second platoon sergeant of the Sapper Company, emplaces a Claymore mine during a training exercise Sept. 9 on East Range Training Complex. The Sappers worked on their infantry tactics to sharpen their combat skills  

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HI, UNITED STATES

09.17.2014

Story by Staff Sgt. Tramel Garrett 

25th Infantry Division   

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – A group of enemy combatants attack the 29th Engineer Battalion’s command post with every intention of breaching the perimeter. They make numerous attempts to gain an advantage, but the structure looks to be impenetrable.

This particular command post is a well-built position, which is designed to prevent the loss of Soldiers and equipment. This is because of the dedication to duty and attention to detail of the Soldiers assigned to Alpha Company, 29th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team.

“This is important primarily because this provides survivability for our equipment in the event of an attack,” said 1st Lt. Kenneth Ganneta, platoon leader for Alpha Company’s assault and obstacle platoon.

These Soldiers are tasked with building some of the most significant constructions on the battlefield, and continuous training is the catalyst for mission success.

“Without this training, we would not be able to protect and defend our position,” said Pvt. Jason Miller, a horizontal construction engineer.

During this particular training event, the platoon focused on building a command post with the intent to ward off enemies while commanders make assessments to win on the battlefield.

In addition, the second platoon of the Sapper Company coordinated with Assault and Obstacle platoon to sharpen their tactical skills. When engineer Soldiers were not training on new equipment, they were tasked as opposing force to increase the effectiveness of the training.

“We began a crawl-walk phase with dismounted movements and reconnaissance,” said 1st Lt. Jonathan Duran, second platoon leader of the Sapper Company. “This is important for light dismounted sappers.”

“We have to focus more on infantry tactics and involve the engineers in our maneuver role,” Duran said. “We continue to train and learn to become more proficient and operate smoothly in the future.”

“This training is incredibly important. Our Soldiers are becoming familiar with numerous pieces of equipment, which will keep their skills sharp,” said Ganneta. “I’m 100 percent confident in my Soldiers abilities on the front line.”

• Date Taken: 09.17.2014
• Date Posted: 09.17.2014 19:00
• Story ID: 142469
• Location: SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HI, US