URUZGAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – After a yearlong deployment, members of the 288th Engineer Company are departing Afghanistan and heading home.
U.S. Army Capt. Brenton Montgomery, commander, 288th En. Company recounts his unit’s efforts throughout the deployment.
“The 288th has done exceptionally well. They’ve never quit and done an amazing job,” said Montgomery. “They were always developing new ways to do things, and incorporating all the different elements available here.”
Clearing hundreds of routes and finding numerous improvised explosive devices, the Hilltoppers ensured the safety of countless local nationals and follow-on forces. The effects of their mission contributed to the preservation of life.
Losing one of its members to non-battle causes and having several others injured the deployment was not without its trials. With having to use equipment new to the unit, there was one major lesson the unit learned.
“I wished we’d trained more on the [ground penetrating radar],” said Montgomery. “The operators did really well with adapting and learning it once they got here, but there was no way to work with them stateside, and it’s been vital in helping us find IEDs.”
The road home for the 288th includes training their replacement unit, the 1039th Engineer Company, on route clearance within their area of operations.
“[The relief in place] went good, their guys picked up on everything we taught them, we can already tell they are expanding on what we’ve taught them,” said Montgomery. “If they follow all the [techniques, tactics and procedures] they learned from us and develop new ones, they’ll keep the insurgents wondering what they’re going to do next; they’ll always a step ahead.”
One of the more challenging aspects of this deployment is working with Afghan National Army.
“There will definitely be an adjustment period,” stated Montgomery. “In the Afghan culture they like to get to know people before working with them, so they’ll have to get settled in and develop that relationship. It’s just customs and courtesies of the Afghan way.”
The return home comes as a welcome event as the soldiers are ready to get back to their loved ones.
“We appreciate the support from all the families, allowing their fathers, husbands and sons to serve,” said Montgomery. “They always sent us care packages and stood behind us. As we’re deployed, so are the families, and it’s hard on families as it’s a hard on us. Just thank them for supporting the troops, it’s been really awesome.”
“I’m excited about going home,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Nathaniel Cook, 288th En. Company liaison officer. “It’s been an experience that I am better for having gone through it. It was really great to be able to support my company in our mission.”
The 288th ensured their replacements will continue to make the road safer for those who follow.
| Date Taken: | 09.12.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.14.2012 10:58 |
| Story ID: | 94718 |
| Location: | URUZGAN PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 183 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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