Connecting Afghanistan one road at time

Courtesy Photo | Task Force Pacemaker Soldiers do road construction in the midst of a sand storm in Afghanistan.  

ORGUN, AFGHANISTAN

08.16.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

By Army Sgt. David E. Roscoe
Task Force Pacemaker Public Affairs Office

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ORGUN-E, Afghanistan -- Task Force (TF) Pacemaker, 864th Engineer Combat Battalion, from Fort Lewis, Wash., has made positive contributions towards restoring the Afghan economy and security through the construction of roads, bridges and levees connecting the country's populace.

Afghanistan's rugged terrain and mountainous landscape has isolated most of the population from the country's major cities and industrial area.

Lack of funding, harsh seasonal weather and flash floods have made it almost impossible to maintain a lasting road system within the country. There are roughly only 35,000 kilometers of roads connecting the country's economic centers. This explains why one of the main goals for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Engineer units is to build and repair an efficient road system in Afghanistan.

Major concerns arise for Soldiers constructing roads in a combat environment. Improvised explosive devices (IED), vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and ambushes are a constant threat to Soldiers while working on the roads.

Army Capt. Nicholas O. Melin, commander of Bravo Company, 864th ECB, from Milwaukee, Wis., said, "Our company has been attacked by one IED and one (vehicle born improvised explosive device), found three IEDs, and been ambushed three times while conducting road construction missions in Afghanistan. The motivating thing about all this is that our Soldiers are not allowing these obstacles to stop them and they have maintained their good spirits in the face of danger."

Unpredictable rainfall in Afghanistan has also been a major threat for local homes and crops as the heavy rains tend to flood local rivers. This was the case in Sira Qala, a community outside of FOB Sharana where an aging levee suffered major flood damage threatening the economy of the village.

Army 1st Lt. Robert Green, Equipment Platoon leader with Headquarters and Support Company, 864th ECB, was tasked to repair the levee.

Green, from Troy, Mich., said, "I think it was an important construction mission with an immediate impact on the population. While it may not be a permanent solution to the problem, it will at least continue to protect the village for another couple seasons."

Connecting Afghan civilians to cities with medical facilities has also been a major road construction goal for TF Pacemaker. In June, Alpha Company, 864th ECB, completed a 15-kilometer road that connected the village of Khyur Khot to the town of Mest.

Army Capt. Mona A. Tanner, the TF Pacemaker plans officer and former Alpha Company commander, from Brookhaven, Miss., said, "The Alpha Company road construction mission was very important because it connected the locals in that area to the town of Mest, which has medical facilities. The road also provided coalition forces with freedom of movement between the two areas. The Alpha Company Soldiers were consistent, determined and didn't let delays weaken their spirits."

Army Lt. Col. Mark J. Deschenes, the TF Pacemaker commander, from Cornwall, N.Y., added, "The primary purpose of Task Force Pacemaker's road construction mission is to maximize mobility for coalition forces and the Afghan people. The roads that we are constructing support economic growth and an efficient security presence in the country. Locals are able to travel from point A to point B easier than they were able to in the past. They are able to reach medical services and job opportunities with less difficulty. The roads also allow for an increased security capability for coalition forces, the Afghan national army and the Afghan national police, providing a safer environment for everyone."

• Date Taken: 08.16.2007
• Date Posted: 08.16.2007 11:19
• Story ID: 11834
• Location: ORGUN, AF