Photo By Spc. Josephine Malloy | (From left) U.S. Army Spc. Nathan Banuelos a plumber, and Spc. Garret Wells an...... read more read more
HOHENFELS, Germany – The sharp buzz of saws and the rhythmic whirl of drills filled the air at the 7th Army Training Command’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany, breaking the quiet as Soldiers from the 500th Engineer Support Company (ESC) worked to bring new infrastructure to life.
During exercise Saber Junction 2025, the 500th ESC provides the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (CR) with critical mobility, counter-mobility, survivability, and general engineering support in a dynamic, multinational training environment.
One key mission included restoring a water treatment facility, bringing not only clean water to the area, but also showcasing the unit’s comprehensive capabilities in real-time, high-pressure conditions. For many ESC Soldiers, this exercise offers a rare, hands-on, eye-opening opportunity to operate in a tactical setting that tests their engineering skills under combat-simulated stress.
“The environment completely changes how they have to think about what they’re doing,” said 2nd Lt. Matthew Mine, a platoon leader with the 500th ESC. “I think Saber Junction has really helped them understand all the other factors that go into what we actually do, in a tactical sense.”
Within the unit, a diverse range of specialties – plumbers, electricians, and carpenters – enables them to build and maintain structures vital to operational readiness across Europe. Their ability to move, adapt, and construct in support of maneuver units makes them a force multiplier in any scenario.
“They all have a unique skill set they bring to the table,” Mine said. “We have the opportunity to integrate, maneuver and provide support for active battle space.”
This rotation introduced the 500th ESC to newer dimensions of training, including the integration of drone operations. The technology, used both for surveillance and security, required unit members to adapt quickly to evolving threats and new ways of thinking about force protection.
“The use of drones has been a game changer because of the way we look at security and how to react,” Mine said. “It’s an entirely new challenge that we’re having to overcome as a team.”
As security challenges grow more complex, exercises like Saber Junction help prepare U.S. forces, Allies, and Partner nations, to respond decisively to any threat. These events test capabilities, while fostering stronger interoperability across militaries through shared processes, teamwork, and advancing technologies.
“We have survivability missions going on,” said Mine. “As well as support to critical infrastructure within the exercise.”
The facilities constructed by the 500th ESC during Saber Junction aren’t just temporary fixtures, they’ll remain part of JMRC’s training infrastructure, supporting countless future rotations and multinational training events. Their work represents lasting contributions to the readiness of U.S. and Partner forces in Europe.
“Our support for 2CR is shown through what we are constructing today,” said Spc. Nathan Banuelos, a plumber with the 500th ESC. “This enhances mission readiness for future troops and that’s just part of what we do.”
Whether braving harsh weather, working long hours, or adapting to new challenges, the Soldiers of the 500th ESC continue to lay the foundation – not only for training environments, but for enduring partnerships and mission success across the theater.
| Date Taken: | 09.10.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.10.2025 02:43 |
| Story ID: | 547604 |
| Location: | HOHENFELS, BAYERN, DE |
| Web Views: | 44 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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