Photo By Sgt. Lauren Hawkins | Staff Sgt. Peacock cuts a fallen tree during the Master Chainsaw course on Camp...... read more read more
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One of the things that sets the National Guard apart from other military components is the fact that units can become activated at a moment’s notice for disaster relief and response.
During their annual training, the 105th Engineer Battalion trained on several different tasks to get prepared for any situation. Something as trivial as preparing sandbags can go a long way in helping communities stand the best chance against Mother Nature. Soldiers were given a class on the Interim High Mobility Engineer Excavator, a vehicle that can keep up with a convoy at a speed of 60 mph and does not need to be transported separately.
“Instead of having a soldier out here filling one sandbag at a time, we can fill 12 sandbags, tie them, and be ready to go [in a matter of minutes],” said Spc. Tely Devon of the 881st Engineer Company.
Many people across North Carolina have dealt with fallen trees, or broken tree limbs after a natural disaster.
Clearing through this path of destruction can seem quite daunting at times. Chainsaw training was administered at different skill levels to give Soldiers the opportunity to become experienced in safe and proper cutting techniques.
A select few went through a four-day Master Chainsaw course that involved cutting down unhealthy trees on Camp Butner.
Staff Sgt. Jason Gillis, a certified Arborist with the Texas National Guard, explained that the training on Butner was beneficial.
“When we have storms, weak trees are going to be the first to fall. Those are the trees we will most likely be dealing with,” said Gillis.
One of the most challenging training events was the combat water survival training, where soldiers had to learn not only how to save themselves, but potentially how to save others.
Soldiers entered the water in their full uniform, boots, Kevlar, and vest. They had to perform different tasks such as treading water, towing a buddy, and creating an improvised flotation device. The final skill of the day was to successfully toss a throw bag to a soldier acting as a near drowning victim and pull them to safety.
“If there was a real life emergency the National Guard could tie right in with EMS, fire, or any emergency response team. There wouldn’t have to be any cross training [with the throw bags] because we already know how to use them,” said Sgt. Nathan Fiola of the 171st Engineer Sapper Company.
The skills and knowledge gained during their annual training has helped the Soldiers of the 105th Engineer Battalion become more confident and prepared for any natural disaster North Carolina may face in the future.
| Date Taken: | 03.08.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.16.2015 10:27 |
| Story ID: | 160156 |
| Location: | DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 236 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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