Delaware National Guard - DNG News 2002

Delaware National Guard
Movers & shakers
160th Engineers combine tactics, job skills during TF Husky '02
By Officer Candidate Deborah L. Welch

Soldiers of the 160th Engineer Company Combat Support Equipment (CSE) combined both tactical and MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) training during their June Annual Training at Joint Task Force Husky in Connecticut.

The unit took part in unique, hands-on engineer training that included vertical and horizontal tasks, according to Col. Joseph Wojtasik, Director of Logistics for Connecticut National Guard. The vertical approach allows one soldier or team to accomplish all required tasks from start to finish, while horizontal would be more focused on having individuals or teams specialize in completing a particular skill or task. Wojtasik's team coordinated with Delaware, allowing the unit to plan and conduct their own annual training program, based on their specific training needs.

"Thanks to the joint efforts of Air, Army and civilian workers, Task Force Husky will save the government millions of dollars that they would have to pay to outside contractors for the same work," said Wojtasik.

The 160th was able to complete such projects as: building a roadway, constructing a Leadership Reaction Course, maintenance on the Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) site and hauling dirt, boulders and soil with 20-ton loaders and dump trucks. All the while, soldiers were gaining valuable MOS experience and in many cases, cross-training.

Capt. Zac Crouch, commander of the 160th, also incorporated Opposition Forces (OPFOR) and lanes training during a tactical phase of their mission. Soldiers participated in Land Navigation, Bivouac, confidence course, and rapelling tower training during their two-week camp.

The soldiers really appreciated the training, according to 2nd Lt. Scott Soucy, a platoon leader with the 160th. "They've been chomping at the bit for some time to get this type of training environment."

"I had no idea these guys were this mobile and this professional," said Soucy. Both their infantry skills and their support to the overall Task Force was top-notch, he said.

Regardless of problems with weather and time management, the unit worked hard to meet their end goal, which was to train to the wartime mission. Operating the enormous equipment and shovels, building tank ditches and roads, surveying and maintaining sites, all in tactical conditions to standard.

The 160th was able to meet Col. Wojtasik's standard as well: to keep the "Husky Attitude."

"We never say no. Whether it is support, logistics, maintenance or training." According to Wojtasik, the 160th exceeded his standard and did a "fantastic job."