Engineers improve joint base training sites

News: Engineers improve joint base training sites

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Spc. Amber Hoy

Pfc. David W. Sorrells, 390th Engineer Company from Chattanooga, Tenn., saws a board for the climbing wall obstacle during Castle IRC at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst July 23, 2011.

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - Engineers across the U.S. gather at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., for exercise Castle Installation Related Construction July 16–30, 2011.

Engineers from the 412th and 416th Theater Engineer Commands unify during Castle IRC to improve training areas on post and give the engineers the opportunity to use their construction skills during their two-week annual training.

The units participating in Castle IRC worked on multiple projects, such as: pouring concrete for tent pads, improving a simulated Afghan village and building a climbing wall for an obstacle course.

For some soldiers, Castle IRC was their first AT and their first time at a work site with their unit.

“Most of my soldiers are at an advanced individual training skill level,“ said Sgt. 1st Class Richard C. Blair, non-commissioned officer-in-charge of the climbing wall and engineer for the 390th En. Company from Chattanooga, Tenn. “I can take the time to teach my junior enlisted what they need to know. Normally, during a battle assembly weekend we are stressed for time on projects.”

Castle IRC focuses on the technical skills and operator level training.

“The engineers have an opportunity to work on their construction skills without being in a tactical environment,” said Maj. Greg Bernhardt, executive officer of the 478th Engineer Battalion. “They do not have to be in full battle rattle and do not have to worry about being attacked unlike training at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif.”

In addition, soldiers are exposed to equipment they may not have back at their home units and also new work orders.

“There is no need for a cargo net obstacle back at the unit, so this gives us the tools and experience we need to do our job,” said Pvt. Austin H. Cowart, engineer with the 390th En. Company.

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst benefits from the improved training sites and so do other services.

This is a joint base so not only does the Army gain from the projects, but the Air Force and Marines do as well, said Bernhardt.