FOB SHANK, Afghanistan - Upcoming deployments in Afghanistan can produce a variety of responses, from fear of the unknown to excitement of the possible missions that a soldier could participate in. For the 87th Sapper Company, 365th Engineer Battalion, the initial reactions they had in finding out they were deploying was secondary to the excitement they showed upon returning home to their loved ones in the states.
Before they could make the trip back to the states, they first had to train their replacements, the Soldiers of the 388th CENTCOM Material Recovery Element during a Relief in Place, or RIP, at Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan; however, due to the 388th’s delayed entry into Afghanistan, the RIP process was cut down to only six days.
“The RIP process went extremely smoothly, especially since the 87th Sappers were so diligent in their preparation,” said West Palm Beach, Fla. native 1st Lt. Jason Harmon, 388th CMRE’s executive officer. “We had some issues with the weather, but we were still able to hit all the major RIP tasks. Thanks to the wonderful work of the Soldiers of the 87th, I feel that my platoons and staff are much more prepared for our deployment.”
The 87th Sapper Company conducted route clearance missions along the Afghan highways for nine months. “Considering we only had about a week to conduct the RIP with the 388th CMRE, I would say it was a success. The 388th came here open minded and ready to learn. The leaders and soldiers both did a great job asking questions and trying to learn as much as possible in the short time. We set up some complicated lanes and they did great. Overall, I think that they will take what we taught them, add their own ideas and have a successful deployment,” said Sgt. Scott DeWitt out of Ft. Hood, TX from the 87th Sappers.
Training during the mobilization phase differs depending on the mission of the unit in Afghanistan. For route clearance companies, in-depth training on many concepts like Counter- Improvised Explosive Devices, react-to-contact drills and convoy operation drills. Dewitt commented, “We came to Afghanistan very well trained and ready for anything. Considering the threat and danger we faced almost daily and the fact that we only had one serious injury in nine months, I would say we were extremely successful. We arrived in May, at the beginning of the fighting season and established a good working relationship with the infantry right away.”
Ultimately, the 388th is looking forward to returning to their families after their nine month deployment. However, right now, the 87th Sappers, after a successful deployment are excited for their return back to the states. 1st Lt. Joseph Bostick of Ft. Hood, Texas, from the 87th Sappers said it best: “We are happy to share our successes with others and cannot wait to return home and celebrate.”
| Date Taken: | 01.12.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 02.27.2014 06:34 |
| Story ID: | 121226 |
| Location: | FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHANK, AF |
| Hometown: | FORT CAVAZOS, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 727 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, 87th Sappers return home from Afghanistan, by 1LT Antonia Elena Pearse, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
