FT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA -- (May 7) Soldiers of the 228th Engineer Company, 213th Regional Support Group, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, conducted explosives training May 7 at Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pa., as part of their annual training.
Combat Engineers set up and exploded Bangalore torpedoes, C-4 explosives, shape charges, and a variety of other explosives designed for specific roles in combat and route clearing operations.
"We do this every AT, and I love it," said Spc. ThomasMcDonald, a combat engineer with the 228th Eng. Co. and a Doylestown, Pa. native.
While setting up and detonating Bangalore torpedoes, McDonald explained the Bangalores are used to clear obstacles for troop movements,
Pfc. Patrick Leahy, also a combat engineer with the 228th and a Collegeville, Pa. native, explained how during this training, the more experienced members educate the new Soldiers on different techniques and ways to improvise explosives when certain materials are lacking in a combat situation.
Soldiers were put to the test during a training exercise when the Noncommissioned officer in charge removed a piece of equipment, forcing the Soldiers to improvise the explosive.
"I absolutely trust my skills and trust the guys around me," said Leahy.
He added that his senior leaders have been very helpful during his first AT. Though he wasn't part of the unit's 2011 deployment to Iraq, Leahy said he hopes to gain the experience here at Ft. Indiantown Gap he will need to carry out missions in a deployed environment.
The training conducted by the 228th Eng. Co. on the ranges at Ft. Indiantown Gap will prepare them well to perform their mission when called to duty.
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