Photo By Pfc. Rayonne Bissant | U.S. Soldiers, assigned to Alpha Company, 23rd Brigade Engineer Battalion "Spearhead",...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Like many people, Spc. Changhee Eim, a New Jersey native enjoys gaming as a stress reliever.
Eim’s game of choice is the cultural titan, Call of Duty, a game that requires the skill of tactical movement which also enhances his own skills as a U.S. Army Combat Engineer assigned to the 23rd Brigade Engineer Battalion “Spearhead”, 7th Infantry Division.
“As for what I enjoy, mostly I’m honestly a gamer, and the Army…allows me to do [things] that I do in video games but in real life.”
In the world of combat engineering, soldiers can pursue their hobbies. Passions that soldiers have like gaming transform into opportunities to approach their occupation with a unique outlook.
Teamwork in multiplayer games reinforces communication, interdependent roles, and clear goals into its foundation equipping players with qualitative skills that can be applied to their real-life occupations.
“I'm mostly into shooter games like Call of Duty. I understand the dangers of it but it is different compared to real life,” said Eim. “How you could go up to an object and press a button, it takes planning and knowing the correct calculations.”
The ability to link a culture of professionalism and discipline to the digital world is a feat that many do not believe is achievable. Eim has shown that it is feasible for those who are not only enthusiastic gamers but also those who find value in the camaraderie in gaming.
“Expectations are a lot different but its a nice experience,” said Eim when talking about the professionalism that is expected of him in the military.
Both Sergeant Jefferson Bacardo, a fellow combat engineer, and Sergeant Hector Soto, a team lead and sapper, an elite combat engineer, can attest to the sentiments of Eim on teambuilding and camaraderie.
“This is probably the most fun job I've ever had,” said Soto.
“It allows me to complete my duties with my squad and I provide them the expertise they need to support other units.”
Sgt. Bacardo agrees with his colleague about the camaraderie that is inherent in the daily tasks of a combat engineer and how it builds cohesion within the ranks of their squad and with infantry members.
“Cohesion just makes everything flow and it's pretty cool, especially when you get to do a mission with them,” said Bacardo. “You get to see their side of what they do and incorporate it with what you do.”
This type of teamwork does more than just build a good foundation of communication and respect, it also gives soldiers a chance to become well-rounded combat engineers who are trusted to handle various operations.
The role of a combat engineer is multifaceted, entailing making battle positions, constructing obstacles, building charges, doing demo calculations with your squad, and establishing command and support relationships by being tasked and integrated into nonengineer headquarters.
In the end, the three soldiers agreed that no matter what activity they are doing, video games, or training in the field, it involves fostering an environment that trains soldiers to execute their missions as a team.
| Date Taken: | 02.02.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 03.05.2024 14:03 |
| Story ID: | 465333 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 20 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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