FORT STEWART, Ga. - Ensuring that our Soldiers have the best possible training is priority number one for the commander of the 92nd Engineer Battalion.
The culminating event of nearly two weeks of combined classroom and hands-on training took place, Nov. 10, at one of the engineer's demolition ranges on Fort Stewart. As part of this event, Soldiers from 92th Eng. Bn. also constructed the concrete block building that would later be methodically destroyed.
"Today is the final day of our leadership demo range," Staff Sgt. Christopher Bodeau said. "It helps to train us on different demolition jobs so we can teach our Soldiers, other NCOs and Officers."
Also, on site for the event were Malayna Kerton and Tim Leary, On-Air personalities for the "New BOB 106.9 Morning Show" in Savannah. It's not often that civilians are able to come and experience an Army range and even less so when it comes to one dealing with explosives.
Holding true the mantra of safety first, Kerton and Leary were outfitted with an Advanced Combat Helmet, Improved Outer Tactical Vest, hearing protection, and eye protection. Major Mark J. Derocchi and 2nd Lieutenant Krysta Cass ensured that they both had all of their gear on correctly before any pins were pulled.
"It's incredibly exciting to be here today, you can see how much thought is going into you guys protecting and serving us," said Kerton. "The gratitude I'm feeling today, I am feeling completely overwhelmed and so appreciative for the opportunity to see the amazing work that you guys do every day."
After the engineers completed their tasks of building several oval charges, used to make a door in a wall, and a water charge, used for breeching doors, they strategically placed each charge and detonated them in sequence to show how a building could be forcibly entered before completely destroying the structure. Kerton and Leary had the honor of pulling the first pins creating two entrances at the rear of the block structure.
Now that these Soldiers have the hands on experience of this range, they can go back and train the rest of their company. This event was about more than just making holes in a structure. It is foundation training that can be used later in combination with how to safely enter and clear a building.
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