S.C. ARNG’s 125th MRBC bridges the gap during Saber Guardian 2016

CINCU, ROMANIA

08.03.2016

Story by Sgt. Tyler Meister 

115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

During Exercise Saber Guardian 2016, the South Carolina National Guard’s 125th Multi Role Bridge Company demonstrated just how crucial and useful their assets are at the Romanian Land Forces Combat Training Center in Cincu, Romania, July 27 to August 7.

Waterways have always proved to be the crux of ground movement for military forces throughout the ages. Adapting to overcome any obstacle, the 125th MRBC from Abbeville, S.C. contains enough resources to set up multiple ground and water bridges for friendly forces, which enables them to continue their mission.

Saber Guardian has allowed the 125th their first opportunity to set up a massive 13 bay bridge over a moving body of water in less than three hours, to allow a full convoy of heavy armored vehicles to cross.

“This exercise [Saber Guardian] has given the unit great training,” said 1st Sgt. Peter Heggie, the 1st Sgt. of 125th MRBC. “We cannot get this kind of training in South Carolina and my Soldiers’ motivation and morale is the highest I’ve seen since becoming the first sergeant.”

Established a little more than six years ago, the 125th MRBC was able to work closely with counterparts from the Romanian Land Forces to ensure their joint mission during Exercise Saber Guardian was a success.

“The Romanian Soldiers have been very beneficial as we share ideas and experiences,” said Capt. Heith Robinson, commander of 125th MRBC. “It is interesting and reassuring to realize many of our partners and NATO allies do things the same way we do.”

For many of the U.S. Soldiers participating in Exercise Saber Guardian this is the first time they have been outside of the country. Multinational exercises like this provide military personnel from participating nations the opportunity to develop strong working relationships.

Exercise Saber Guardian is a multinational military exercise involving approximately 2,800 military personnel from ten nations including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Canada, Georgia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Ukraine and the U.S. The objectives of this exercise are to build multinational, regional and joint partnership capacity by enhancing military relationships, exchanging professional experiences, and improving interoperability between the land forces from the participating countries.

Spc. Eric Eaton, a bridge operator with the 125th MRBC, expressed his excitement and enjoyment at the chance to participate in such a large-scale bridge setup within the context of a combat situation. He said he has been humbled by the opportunity to experience new cultures and train with other nations.

“Personally seeing the different layers of the Army and what the diversity of our military is capable of has been the best part of Saber Guardian to me,” said Eaton. “Being here as a part of this exercise has swayed me to re-enlist in the Army and I look forward to more experiences like this.”

• Date Taken: 08.03.2016
• Date Posted: 08.03.2016 13:09
• Story ID: 205957
• Location: CINCU, RO