By 2nd Lt. Zachary Rozar
FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Anyone near Fort Bragg on Feb. 23, probably heard and felt several big booms throughout the day. Although they probably set off a few car alarms, these explosions were the result of a two-day training event at Fort Bragg’s Range 69 for the combat engineers of Company A, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. These Paratroopers were hard at work refining their skills with all forms of military explosives and demolitions, but it would be misleading if I said they were not having a great time doing it.
Army engineers represent the most diverse branch in the Army in terms of the different capabilities and assets. The engineer branch contains divers, electricians, plumbers, light and heavy equipment operators, carpenters, bridge crew members, mapmakers and even firefighters.
Serving as a platoon leader in “Alpha” Company since November 2010, I have been fortunate to facilitate and observe many different training events for the 25 or so combat engineers in my platoon. I have gained a great deal of appreciation for the wide array of skills these paratroopers bring to the fight.
As the only engineers in 1st Brigade, Alpha company’s two combat engineer platoons and one light equipment platoon provide a number of unique capabilities.
Since redeploying from Iraq in August of 2010, Alpha Company paratroopers have been conducting almost weekly training events, oriented on the tasks every engineer should know. Combat engineers are expected to be able to calculate materials for building a bridge, and the amount of explosives to clear an obstacle. They also must be physically fit, as most engineer equipment is heavy and cumbersome.
During a training event in January, we held squad competitions to see who could build an eleven-row wire obstacle the fastest, using only hand tools to drive long steel pickets into the ground and stretch sharp concertina wire between them. This can be a challenge, as teamwork and communication are vital to gain the maximum efficiency.
Our most recent training with explosives and demolitions was probably the most fun and rewarding. Every Army engineer loves to “blow stuff up”, and we certainly did that.
For two days Alpha Company paratroopers put into practice what they had learned in the classroom the previous two weeks. While at Range 69, we practiced with Bangalore torpedoes, explosives used to clear wire obstacles; and cratering charges, used to prevent vehicular traffic along a road or to disable a runway. Every Paratrooper engineer was able to put their training into practice and prove that they are proficient at their trade.
As we always have, combat engineers continue to stand ready and able to overcome any obstacle in our way, or if need to be, to create an obstacle for the enemy.
The next time your windows rattle and you feel the ground shake, just remember that it is likely the engineers training to support 1st Brigade Combat Team, the 82nd Airborne Division and the Army, whenever and wherever we are needed. Sappers lead the way!