3rd BCT 'Rakkasan' engineers improve Fort Campbell ranges

By Staff Sgt. Joel Salgado, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Public AffairsApril 27, 2015

3rd BCT 'Rakkasan' engineers improve Fort Campbell ranges
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – An engineer from the 21st Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), guides a 924G Wheel Loader as it moves earth from a culvert bed at Range 36 on Fort Campbell April 6, 2015. Soldiers from the 21st B... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
3rd BCT 'Rakkasan' engineers improve Fort Campbell ranges
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – An Interim High-Mobility Engineer Excavator from the 21st Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), removes earth from a culvert bed at Range 36 on Fort Campbell April 6, 2015. Soldiers from the 21st ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Engineers from the 21st Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, recently broke ground on a project to repair and improve the culverts on multiple ranges at Fort Campbell.

The mission began in late March with the light equipment platoon from Company B, 21st BEB, breaking ground at Range 12 and is slated to run through late April as the engineers improve six range complexes on here.

"This project is great because it helps our Soldiers get training on their engineer equipment and the satisfaction knowing that the work they are doing will have a lasting effect on the Fort Campbell installation," said Capt. Ashton Herbert, Co. B, 21st BEB commander. The project will also save the Army money, utilizing the Soldier work force.

To improve the facilities, the engineers follow a series of five steps at each of the ranges, beginning with the removal of the existing corrugated metal pipe. Following the removal of the old drainage system, they then widen the existing trench and emplace and compact gravel to stabilize the newly formed culvert bed. After the area is stabilized, they emplace a set of concrete culverts that will allow the passage of heavier vehicles into the ranges. The engineers finish the site construction by improving and grading the drainage ditches to better facilitate water flow.

In addition to improving the quality of ranges for Fort Campbell units, the construction allows 21st BEB Soldiers to sharpen their skills by providing mobility and counter mobility operations, enabling them to be prepared for any situation they may find themselves in while supporting the brigade's maneuver forces, said 1st Lt. Emmanuel Bagho, the project officer in charge.

"Although each unit's deployment is determined by specific mission requirements and the current situation on the ground, this project helps Soldiers understand and prepare for a deployment where they will face a variety of missions and challenges," said Bagho. "In addition to equipment operation, Soldiers learn how to operate in combat environment while their battle buddies provide jobsite security. Soldiers are also taught how the project relates to conducting base construction, rapid crater and road repair, and providing general engineer support to maneuver units."

After completing their mission at the ranges, the engineers will improve other areas on Fort Campbell such as additional culvert projects, the deconstruction of a pedestrian bridge and the clearing of vegetation around Campbell Army Airfield.

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