The Value of Expeditionary Engineering in Theater Engagement and Combat Support [Archive] - Marine Corps

thedrifter

12-06-03, 07:55 AM

• A vessel landing ramp capable of accepting a landing craft tank for daily resupply of U.S. forces was constructed by an advance party. This ramp was also used in the offloading and back loading of the NCTG via utility landing craft.
• Seven helicopter landing zones (HLZs) were constructed near ARSOF team locations. These HLZs greatly increased the security of the team locations and provided enhanced mobility to the AFP.
• Three commercially manufactured bridges were emplaced over deteriorated river crossing sites that were not capable of supporting 5-ton trucks. The bridges, two Bailey bridges and one British bridge, were installed in 3 weeks to provide access to ARSOF teams.
• One nonstandard culvert bridge was built from locally procured construction materials. This bridge replaced a preexisting bridge that was impassable during the rainy season.
• One deteriorated pier was reconstructed to create the only means of resupply by sea for the U.S. forces on the west side of the island. The pier was built on existing concrete pylons and now supports commercial fishing.
• Twelve Southeast Asia huts were constructed at ARSOF locations to support billeting and classroom instruction.
• Four fresh water wells were developed at ARSOF locations. Marine engineers provided potable water from reverse osmosis water purification units for SeaBee well drilling operations. The wells, each in excess of 220 feet in depth, provide the only potable water sources in each location. The wells also support the AFP and local communities.

The Impact of Expeditionary Construction at the Operational Level

• Credibility of the AFP. The AFP were highly visible in their roles as engineers and infantrymen during the deployment. AFP infantry battalions augmented force protection on the worksite and during convoys. AFP engineers were integrated into construction projects that provided a visual display of the U.S. support to the AFP and their actions against insurgents.
• Community economic stimulus. Of $3.6 million of expenditures, $2.4 million was put into the poverty-stricken areas of the island with over 2,000 civilians benefiting as employees of the NCTG. Contractors, truck drivers, laborers, laundry women, and cooks benefited economically from the deployment. The largest industry created was aggregate production. Nine thousand three hundred cubic meters of aggregate were made by hand throughout the island in support of the NCTG. Known as “Tink, Tinks” because of the sound of their hammers hitting rocks, hundreds of impoverished people were given the opportunity to earn a few pesos by making aggregate. Additionally, the seeds of economic prosperity were further sown as public transportation maintenance costs plummeted and transit time for exchanging commercial goods was reduced as a result of an improved road system. Many people questioned the wisdom of providing income to possible insurgents in Muslim communities. By the end of the deployment, however, many new houses were under construction in the impoverished communities funded by money earned by making aggregate for the NCTG.
• Mobility. A significant accomplishment of the NCTG was the enhanced safety provided by the improved national highway. The reduction of natural hazards and ambush points greatly improved the mobility of the military and civilian population. Many inhabitants of the northern portion of the island were able to visit their families in the south for the first time in several years. The national highway improvements greatly increased the interactions between the communities that will further serve to reduce the isolation of the south and its terrorist networks.
• Security. Each of the horizontal construction projects provided access for reinforcement of military forces to locations selected by the supported commander. This capability greatly reduced the ASG’s freedom of movement and their access to their support networks. The enhancement of the AFP’s mobility provided an increased presence in the small communities and a visual deterrence that subsequently promoted stability and security.
• Health. Before the arrival of the NCTG, the ARSOF teams were drawing water from streams for hygiene. The NCTG completed four wells in support of ARSOF. The wells now support the AFP and local communities on an island that experienced an average of two deaths per day due to contaminated water.

Conclusion
Expeditionary engineering provides a means to support mobility, security, and sustainment of forces where other means of infrastructure development are not feasible. It influences military capabilities, provides a display of support to host nations, and is an enabler to our allies with weakened economies. Although all of the construction projects completed during our deployment were in support of the JTF’s ground forces, the work accomplished by the NCTG did further damage to the roots of terrorism than may be apparent at face value. The NCTG’s efforts adversely affected the factors that create an environment conducive to the advent and growth of terrorism: government instability or ineffectiveness, isolationism, and poverty. Working hand in hand with resident AFP engineer units, the NCTG made significant progress in increasing the legitimacy of the national government and minimizing the relevancy of resident terrorist groups. (See Figure 1.) Expeditionary engineering is a viable option in many underdeveloped, hostile environments that produces great operational returns on a small, tactical-level investment.

>Maj Miller is the Operations Officer, 9th ESB.

>>Capt Sullivan is the Engineer Support Company Commander, 9th ESB.

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Sempers,

Roger
:marine: