FORWARD OPERATING BASE, Afghanistan – After a yearlong deployment, members of the 713th Engineer Company are departing Afghanistan and heading home.
U.S. Army Capt. Cecil Pendleton, commander of the 713th En. Company recounts his unit’s efforts throughout the operation.
“Redeploying does not seem real,” said Pendleton. “We have been waiting a long time for this, and now that it is here, I find it strangely difficult to let go. Also, we have had a very long and hard year, but our mission is complete; it is time to go home.”
Clearing hundreds of routes and finding numerous improvised explosive devices, the Boas ensured the safety of countless local nationals and follow-on forces. The effects of their mission contributed to the preservation of life.
“You cannot keep doing the same thing and expect to be successful,” said Pendleton. “You have to be flexible and change with the battlefield. For those soldiers and leaders that have been deployed before, don't get caught up in what you did before. Afghanistan is totally different than Iraq.”
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.
“Not bringing everyone home is something I struggle with every day,” said Pendleton. “I have to constantly remind myself that.”
The road home for the 713th includes training their replacement unit, the 1138th En. Company, on route clearance within their area of operations.
“The relief in place has gone very well with the 1138th,” said Pendleton. “Every soldier and leader arrived focused and ready to work and train. If they weren't directly engaged in a mission, the leaders had their soldiers going though battle drills and hands-on training and familiarization with hand-held devices and robots.”
The return home comes as a welcome event as the soldiers are ready to get back to their loved ones.
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Stephen Otten, platoon leader, 2nd Platoon, had this to say, “The deployment was challenging but rewarding. I’m just really glad we’re about to go home.”
The 713th ensured their replacements will continue to make the road safer for those who follow.
| Date Taken: | 09.10.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.14.2012 11:04 |
| Story ID: | 94719 |
| Location: | AF |
| Hometown: | VALPARAISO, INDIANA, US |
| Hometown: | WEST POINT, MISSISSIPPI, US |
| Web Views: | 159 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 713th Boas are heading home, by MAJ Jessica Jackson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
