TROOP CONSTRUCTION: Bridging the Gap in Training

摘要

Troop construction activities can provide an undeniable opportunity for Soldiers and their leaders to learn aspects of engineering that might otherwise be lost. The 610th Engineer Support Company recently experienced a learning opportunity by building a 600-foot running trail and 65-foot-long bridge with a 65-foot-long access ramp on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, for the 1st Special Forces Group. Murray Creek Trail was to be composed of crushed asphalt, and the bridge was to consist of 65-foot beams. On 10 July 2017, one horizontal-construction and one vertical-construction platoon moved into the project site. Platoon mission-essential tasks (METs) such as "construct combat roads and trails" and "construct wooden and concrete frame structures" were accomplished during the project. Company METs were accomplished by performing construction operations and project management. In addi- tion to accomplishing the METs, the project provided evidence that certain lessons may only be learned by performing troop construction.