U.S. Army Engineers Receive Heavy Construction Equipment Familiarization Training in South Korea

Engineers from the 2nd Infantry Division have received critical training on heavy construction equipment, expanding their capabilities and improving survivability on the battlefield. The training, provided by U.S. Army Garrison Red Cloud's Directorate of Public Works Roads and Grounds Division, aimed to enhance the engineers' readiness for operating heavy equipment, which will also benefit the installation during emergencies. The training consisted of hands-on familiarization with a backhoe/trackhoe, Bobcat, bulldozer, and front-end loader, with Soldiers learning basic field preventative maintenance and operator controls. The training has been deemed valuable, with some Soldiers expressing appreciation for the opportunity to gain practical experience.

Key Takeaways:

• 22 Company C, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion engineers received heavy construction equipment familiarization training at a dig site on Casey Garrison.
• The training provided hands-on experience with a backhoe/trackhoe, Bobcat, bulldozer, and front-end loader, increasing the engineers' capabilities and survivability on the battlefield.
• Only two of the 22 engineers had previous experience operating heavy equipment, while only one, Pvt. Demoncee Storey, was certified to operate the equipment at the beginning of the training.
• Sgt. Peter Kerr, the overseeing officer, stated that the training enhances the readiness of the heavy equipment operators, making them more proficient in their tasks.
• Robert Smith, supervisory engineer, praised the division engineers for their positive attitude and noted that having them trained may also benefit the installation during emergencies.
• Additional training will be provided quarterly to engineering elements of the division in the coming year.

Statistics:

• 22 Company C, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion engineers received the training.
• The training was conducted on Casey Garrison, with hands-on experience with a backhoe/trackhoe, Bobcat, bulldozer, and front-end loader.
• Only 2/22 engineers had previous experience operating heavy equipment.
• 1/22 engineers was certified to operate the equipment at the beginning of the training.
• The training will be provided quarterly to engineering elements of the division in the coming year.

Sources:

• U.S. Army-Asia Pacific, "U.S. Army Engineers Receive Heavy Construction Equipment Familiarization Training in South Korea"
• USAG Red Cloud, "Engineers from 2nd Infantry Division Receive Heavy Construction Equipment Training at Casey Garrison"