In the engineering office at Erbil AB, Iraq, a whiteboard displays an ever-changing list of improvement projects. Tasks can include constructing stairways, helping rewire buildings, leveling and grading fields, digging retention ponds, and more. 1st Lt. LaTerrence Wilson, USA, 859th Engineer Company vertical construction officer-in-charge, said the variety of work means his troops have to develop skills outside their original training. For instance, electricians can find themselves working carpentry and plumbers might learn wiring. Maj. Ron Arnold, USA, with the 207th Regional Support Group, and who serves as Base Support Operations Integrator project management officer-in-charge for Erbil AB, said that the engineering work helps coalition forces throughout the area, including Kurdish Security Forces, in the ongoing fight against Daesh. Soldiers are spread across the region to support Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. The flexibility and expertise of troop labor is cost effective and provides quick turnaround for construction projects.
展开▼
