JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – Eight Army Reserve Soldiers of the 603rd Engineer Detachment are constructing concrete pads for bivouac shelters as part of the Castle Installation Related Construction exercise here.
The 603rd is attached to 412th Engineer Company for the exercise, but are based in Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico.
“It’s a great experience to come here and pour the pads,” said Staff Sgt. Juan Carreras, the detachment non-commissioned officer in charge. “We only get this opportunity to train about once a year.”
The 603rd is here for 17 days to complete their annual training. The project includes digging out the location, setting up frames, laying a gravel foundation, and pouring the concrete pads.
“We normally only get to check the equipment during our monthly drill,” said Sgt. Carlos Torres, a squad leader in the 603rd. “It’s exciting for my guys to get this hands on experience.”
The 603rd is constructing five pads, and is expected to complete the project June 22.