1. 40 years ago today (July 1st, 1973) was the day that Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird
directed the US Army to begin all-volunteer recruitment. The last Soldier was drafted in
December 1972 and reported for training in June 1973. Project VOLAR (VOLunteer ARmy) was
initiated to improve the Soldiers’ quality of life; the barracks design on Smoke Bomb Hill is called
a “VOLAR” barracks. The all-volunteer force, originally a campaign proposal by President Nixon
in 1968, was viewed with some skepticism at the time. But ten years after its inception, Secretary
of Defense Casper Weinberger declared in 1983 that the all-volunteer force program was no
longer experimental and that the term, in capital letters (All-Volunteer Force), would no longer
be used to describe the US military. Fears that the need to be more accommodating to the
Army's new recruits would lead to an overall permissiveness detrimental to discipline underrated
the professionalism of the noncommissioned officer corps and the tenacity of military tradition.
The need for the Army to live up to individual promises
recorded in enlistment contract has enforced a managerial
discipline on the way soldiers are inducted, trained, and
assigned to units. The new US Army volunteer Soldiers
have proven their worth in many campaigns, including
Operations URGENT FURY (Grenada, 1983), JUST
CAUSE (Panama, 1989-1990), DESERT SHIELD/DESERT
STORM (Kuwait/Iraq 1990-1991), RESTORE HOPE
(Somalia, 1992-1993), UPHOLD DEMOCRACY (Haiti,
1994-1995), JOINT ENDEAVOR (Bosnia, 1995-1996),
IRAQI FREEDOM and NEW DAWN (2003-2011) and
ENDURING FREEDOM (Afghanistan, 2001-present). The
20th Engineer Brigade has participated in each of these
campaigns, helping the Army to “Get There” and then
“Building Combat Power” in each of these overseas
deployments. So congratulations to you, the new
volunteer Soldier, and your Family, as you complete 40
years as the Strength of the Army and the Strength of the
Soldier! Given the resources of these United States of
America, there is no reason to believe that the Army
cannot successfully continue to maintain an all-volunteer
force and remain the Strength of the Nation! Challenges
will continue at home and abroad, but we will remain Army
Strong!
JAMES H. RAYMER
COL, EN
COMMANDING
A Letter from the Commander
I N S I D E T H I S
I S S U E :
CSM 2
A Message from
the Chaplain
3
The NCO’s
Corner
3
Our Battalions 4
544th EN DET 8
569th EN DET 9
Contact
Information
10
Our Mission
Statement
10
CASTLE TIMESJ U L - S E P 2 0 1 3V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 4
SPECIAL
POINTS OF
INTEREST:
 Unit Volunteer
Serice Award
 The 20th Engineer
Brigade Association

2. P A G E 2
“You cannot escape
the responsibility of
tomorrow by evading
it today.”
- Abraham Lincoln
A Letter from the CSM
Well it is that time of year,
where summertime is into full
swing. The kids are out of school
and everyone’s vacationing. During
this time, we break out the BBQ
grills, or visit the neighborhood
pools to cool off. Even though
there are a lot of wonderful things
to do, we should not forget the
hazards and dangers that
summertime activities present.
You must always think about
SAFETY. Soldiers will explore
other forms of transportation
during the summer. If you are a
motorcycle rider you will probably
be putting plenty of miles on your
bike. Even though bikes are fun to
ride, they can be one of the most
dangerous pieces of equipment to
operate if you are not cautious or
properly trained. Approximately
2,000 motorcyclists die each year
in the United States from
motorcycle accidents, while
another 50,000 are injured each
year in traffic collisions. If you are a
motorcyclist there are a number of
ways to mitigate the inherent risk
of riding, ranging from safe driving
to safety gear.
If you are an experienced rider
and you just redeployed, you need
to refresh your memory
concerning the care and operation
of your vehicle and motorcycle. If
you are new to riding, then it is
important for you to educate
yourself on the intricacies of riding.
Either way, you should exercise
caution and safety when
operating your motorcycle.
Leaders and individuals need to
ensure that licenses are up to
date and valid. If not, then get
your Soldiers trained and
properly licensed. Soldiers
should not operate their bike
until they show you proof of
insurance and their Motorcycle
Safety Course Card. Ensure they
wear their personal protective
equipment (PPE), wearing the
proper helmet and sized to fit,
protective eye gear, as well as
highly visible gear. Do not
operate any motor vehicles
impaired by alcohol or drug use,
and ride within your skill limits.
Be a lifelong learner by taking
refresher rider courses.
Motorcycle mentors should be
actively involved.
We all like to go to the beach
or the neighborhood pool.
When swimming, make sure you
are swimming in authorized
swimming places. If you are a
weak swimmer, then do not take
chances swimming beyond your
skills. Ensure life guards are on
duty. Do not drink alcohol
before swimming. If someone is
drowning do not jump into the
water to save them if you are
not a strong swimmer.
When having a barbeque, you
need to make sure that you read
and follow the instructions on how
to operate your grill. Know the
safety rules for the type of grill you
are using. Make sure to have a fire
extinguisher within arms reach in
case of a fire emergency.
Remember to place your grill a safe
distance from your home or other
buildings, to any prevent accidental
fires.
Another challenge the summer
months bring to our Soldiers is
dehydration. When conducting
road marches or training events,
you should ensure that there is
plenty of water available and
Soldiers are properly hydrated. Eat
a well balanced meal. Leaders need
to monitor the heat index.
Everyone should know the
indicators and the procedures for
administering first aid and how to
treat a heat casualty. Be cautious of
getting sunburn and get plenty of
sleep. Remember to brief the risk
assessment before each training
event. Also, all previous heat
casualties should be identified and
closely monitored. The summer
months are fun but can be very
dangerous. You can enjoy yourself
but remember to always think
safety. Get There!
DEWAYNE KEEL
CSM, USA
C A S T L E T I M E S
The 11th Engineer
Battalion received the Fort
Benning Volunteer Unit of the
Year Award in May.
Congratulations to 11th EN
BN for your hard work and
Selfless Service to your
community.

3. A Message from the Chaplain
P A G E 3V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 4
Our lives as Soldiers can be hectic
and stressful at times. It is very easy to
grow weary of waiting. We can easily
become anxious, troubled, impatient,
and discontent as we wait. We wait in
lines, in traffic, wait for our next task,
mission, deployment, PCS, and the list
goes on and on. Patience is a virtue!
Patience and contentment are not
things that come naturally for most
people. Patience is something that we can
learn. When I teach my son something
new that does not come
naturally to him, he has the tendency to
get easily frustrated. He must “practice,
practice, practice” to get better. This is
no different for adults. My son climbed
into the rocking chair with me the other
night while I was crocheting his new
blanket. He praised me on how
“awesome” it looked. “You practice a lot,
Mommy. That is why you are good at it.”
The lessons we learn from children can be
eye opening. Children remind of us of the
things we teach them. Most people say
that they wish they had more patience and
pray for it. Do we put forth the effort
and practice patience as we would with
other things we want to be good at;
sports, video games, school, hobbies, etc.?
When we are in troubled times, it is even more
difficult to have patience in the situation. Patience
is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay,
difficulty, or annoyance without getting angry or
upset. Patience involves the ability to tolerate the
delays we face, and also the willingness to allow
the situation to unfold in its own time. With this,
I am reminded of the Serenity Prayer.
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I
cannot change... Courage to change the things I can...
Wisdom to know the difference.” Sometimes the
only thing we can do about a situation is wait to
see how it unfolds. There is no need to waste our
precious time being anxious or being angry while
we wait. Practice, practice, practice. “Be still and
know that I am God.” - Psalm 46:10
SSG Harris
BDE Chaplain Assistant
The NCO’s Corner
The Desert Knight battalion has been busy over the last couple of weeks in order to make way for what
appears to be an even busier summer. Even as busy as we are, we as NCO’s still want to instill into every Soldier
and leader that self-development is very important. Recently, I had the awesome privilege to become the NCO of
the Quarter for the 30th
Engineer Battalion. I hold that opportunity very close with pride of accomplishment.
There were many days and nights in which I was not able to do the things that I was accustomed to doing, but the
sacrifice paid off.
As we transition into the summer season, I want us to be safe and continue to take care of each other.
Educate yourselves on proper hot weather safety for you and your families. Also keep in mind that the summer in
North Carolina can be very arduous, but there are still opportunities for family activities. There are several
agencies available to assist families with any need that may arise, such as Army Emergency Relief (AER), Army
Community Service (ACS) and Operation Homefront.
I want to personally send my gratitude to every leader within the Desert Knight
battalion for your assistance in helping me with my recent accomplishment. It takes much
resolve to steady the course, and because you did, we are better today.
Regards,
SGT Faust
BDE S-6
C A S T L E T I M E S

4. P A G E 4
C A S T L E T I M E S
The Desert Knights of the 30th Engineer Battalion continue to provide specialized engineering support to
theater-level missions and exercises across the globe. Please continue to keep the Soldiers and families from
SFAAT #2, 10th Engineer Detachment (Survey/Design), 86th Engineer Detachment (Dive), 133rd Engineer
Detachment (Construction Management Team), 521st Engineer Detachment (Explosive Hazards
Coordination Cell) and our geospatial engineers supporting ARCENT, USARAF and operations in
Afghanistan in your thoughts and prayers.
Our Soldiers at Fort Bragg and Fort Eustis continue to excel in all engineering efforts. The Soldiers from the 74th
Engineer Detachment (Dive) recently returned from a 9-month tour in Kuwait. Upcoming missions for dive engineering
Soldiers include stops at Olmsted Lock and Dam in Illinois, Caven Point, New Jersey, and Ketchikan, Alaska. HHC will
conduct a command post exercise this summer, and the 100th Engineer Company hits the training season with platoon and
company exercises at Fort Bragg. The firefighters continue to support the Directorate of Emergency Services at Fort Bragg,
along with some additional fire training opportunities throughout the region.
Thanks to everyone who attended the recent Family Readiness Group training. A special thanks to our brigade's civilian
teammates for your hard work, dedication, and professionalism.
Better every day - Imprimis! DK6
30th Engineer Battalion
“Left surface! Charts mark time!” called SSG Daniel Weber as the yellow KM-37 helmets of his two divers submerged beneath the murky
water of the James River. “Zero nine three zero!” called back SPC Tomasso, marking the start of the first dive of the 544th
Engineer
Detachment (Dive) Shallow Brown training exercise. The 544th
Engineer Detachment (Dive) is one of five engineer diving units under 30th
Engineer Battalion. The divers allow the Army to extend its engineering capabilities into the lakes, rivers, and costal waterways at home and
overseas. Engineer divers perform a variety of missions, such as inspection and repair of waterfront facilities, ship inspection and maintenance,
underwater search and recovery, underwater obstacle removal, and underwater demolition. The execution of these missions requires the use
of specialized equipment and constant training to remain proficient in the skills to operate it safely. Their Shallow Brown training exercise was
an 11 day training exercise designed to allow the divers to develop their skills while simultaneously assessing the detachment dive supervisors’
ability to safely supervise dives.
Each dive was conducted either in surface supplied mode where the air is pushed to the diver from the surface, or in SCUBA mode where
the diver carries air in tanks below the surface. The first part of each dive was devoted to allowing the divers to demonstrate proficiency in
performing a task or operating a certain piece of equipment. While diving in surface supplied mode, the divers were required to operate a
variety of hydraulic tools. They used jackhammers, hammer drills and grinders to work on concrete projects, and hydraulic chainsaws to cut
through wooden projects. They used underwater welding and cutting torches to work on iron projects and lift bags to move heavy objects
along the river bottom. While in SCUBA mode, the divers conducted ships’ hull inspections and inert underwater demolitions training.
These scenarios tested the knowledge and ability of the dive supervisors to assess and treat diving related injuries. The scenarios
included situations where the divers simulated carbon monoxide poisoning, pretended to be trapped
or injured on the river bottom or displayed signs of decompression sickness. The dive supervisors
had to ask the appropriate diagnostic questions, determine the correct treatment for the injury and
correctly carry out the treatment. The combination of working dives with supervisor scenarios
ensured everyone on the dive side was occupied and engaged throughout the training exercise. The
detachment was able to complete 60 dives by the time Shallow Brown ended on 18 June. Every diver
had the chance to train and demonstrate proficiency on their underwater skills and the detachment’s
dive supervisors each received over 20 emergency scenarios.
Engineer divers are constantly executing their mission by deploying overseas, supporting the US
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Districts, or responding to natural disasters. The high demand
for the divers’ skills means that they must be trained and ready at a moment’s notice. The hard work
and motivation of the Soldiers and NCOs of the 544th
Engineer Detachment (Dive) during Shallow
Brown has ensured their detachment is ready to respond when called.
544th Engineer Detachment (Dive)

5. P A G E 5
C A S T L E T I M E S
569th Engineer Detachment (Dive)
In the wake of Memorial Day weekend, divers from the 569th
Engineer Detachment (Dive), 30th Engineer Battalion, reacted to
a FRAGO for the salvage of a 4,750 pound steel container that had sunk to the bottom of the harbor. In reality, this was a
planned training exercise, but the divers who were quickly assembling and preparing a surface supplied dive side for movement to
the salvage site, received no warning to prepare them for the training. The efficient reaction of the divers demonstrated the
trained proficiency of a seasoned team under the leadership of SSG Joel Grover. As divers conducted a SCUBA reconnaissance
of the damaged container, the surface supplied dive side was loaded on a LMTV and trailer for movement to the job site. The
reconnaissance dive was completed and the specifications of the salvage job were relayed back to leadership by the time that the
dive equipment was leaving for the project site.
The damage to the salvage project was severe. There were four separate holes on each side of the container, and each
measured approximately 2.5 square feet in size. It rested just below the surface, but out of sight in a shallow 15 feet of water,
where divers would have visibility of no more than six inches from their faceport. These conditions cause most to experience
the panic of claustrophobia as they feel with their hands to “see” the work that they are completing, but these are the conditions
that Army Engineer Divers are trained to expect and thrive in.
Within six hours of receiving the FRAGO to salvage a sunken container that was blocking the port, all four holes were patched
with either sheet metal or wood and salvage matting. Holes were cut into the patches to allow for the 12 inch diameter hoses
from the Godwin pump to access the interior of the container. The pump is rated to transfer 1500 gallons of sea water per
minute, and when a second hose is run to the surface, the water that is pumped out is replaced by air. This method of
de-watering a project uses the buoyancy inherent to the container to lift it out of the water.
Seven hours after the FRAGO was received, the pump roared to life and a cascade of water was flowing out of the discharge
hose from inside the project. The first de-watering attempt was not successful because one of the patches shifted causing gaps to
form that allowed too much water to enter the project for the pump to raise it. After sending a more senior Salvage Diver into
the water, the patches were re-sealed correctly, and eight hours and 45 minutes after receiving the FRAGO, the project lifted off
the bottom and was kept at the surface. For training purposes, the project was sunk and salvaged again the following day, but the
quick and effective results from the day were validation of their ability to conduct salvage operations.

6. P A G E 6V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 4
11th Engineer Battalion
Over the past few months, the 11th
Engineer Battalion “Jungle Cats” have conducted rigorous
Defense Chemical Biological Response and Nuclear Response Force (DCRF) qualifying and Field
Training Exercises. This training culminated in a week long FTX in preparation for Vibrant Response
13.2 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, in collaboration with the 4th
Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. The
successful completion of the training in Camp Atterbury will validate the 11th
Engineer Battalion as
they assume their DCRF mission in October. Beginning on 10 JUN, the battalion began a large scale
FTX, training in DCRF related life-saving skills and tasks. Each company contributed time, manpower,
and expertise to successfully complete this battalion-wide training event. The soldiers of HHC and
the 153rd Engineer Detachment (Concrete) planned, coordinated, and maintained the obstacles for five training lanes to in-
clude moving cars and telephone poles in an effort to make training as realistic and applicable as possible.
The 63rd
Engineer Company focused training on Command Post operations, decontamination training, driver’s training in
full JSLIST, and platoon level route clearing operations. Their DCRF related STX missions consisted of clearing debris, cars,
and rubble from the roads in order to provide freedom of maneuver for follow on Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) units.
The 60th
Engineer Company, with attached elements of the 362nd
Engineer Company, participated in urban search and rescue
training with the Fort Benning Fire Department and the Columbus USAR Team. They expertly executed missions that
exercised vehicle rescue, collapse structure, and rope rescue skills. In Camp Atterbury, they will validate months of USAR
training by conducting technical rescue missions in a CBRN environment while collaborating in a mass casualty scenario.
The 52nd
Survey and Design Detachment is eagerly preparing for the Nogales Border Patrol Survey Mission. They will
conduct a road survey and design for extending a border patrol road near Nogales, AZ. This allows unhindered viewing of the
border area below, accounting for slope, culvert design, and erosion control. To prepare for this mission, Soldiers of the 52nd S
Survey and Design Detachment conducted roadway surveys with the Trimble 5600 Survey sets, coordinated with Fort
Benning DPW Survey department to participate in R8 GPS refresher training. This is an excellent training opportunity for the
unit to deploy, execute a real world mission, and redeploy.
Jungle Cats! Forward!
C A S T L E T I M E S

7. C A S T L E T I M E S
P A G E 7
Friends and Family of ROCK,
The month of June was over before we knew it. The ROCK was extremely busy over the last thirty days. Your
paratroopers have worked long days and nights preparing for missions. We routinely get selected by name to
accompany operational units. Your sons, husbands and loved ones have proven time and time again that they are the tip of
the spear and the ones chosen when the mission requires the best. 1SG Latore and I could not be more proud. Over the last
few weeks we have worked hard and still found time to have fun and celebrate our successes. We have presented our ROCK Soldiers with
hard earned and well deserved awards including Combat Action Badges, Good Conduct medals, Mechanic and Drivers badges. The ROCK
continues to lead the pack. Major General Abrams of 3rd Infantry Division and Colonel Adgie of 1st Armor Division personally named the
137th Sappers as the “Go To” Route Clearance Company in all of RC-South.
The platoons continue to impress. From the selfless dedication of the headquarters
and maintenance sections, to the commitment and resiliency of the route clearance pla-
toons, the ROCK has never been stronger. 1st Platoon has been operating on all cylinders.
Recently, they said goodbye to their platoon leader 1LT Garrett Beer and welcomed 1LT
Gavin White to assume control. 1LT White has been with the company for a year operat-
ing the Company Intelligence Section and has made a seamless transition. For 2nd Platoon
its business as usual. They continue shine among the rest of the battalion. Both 1st and 2nd
Platoon’s are leading the way. From the leaders to the Soldiers, mediocrity is not an
option.
Thank you again for the love and support you send daily to the ROCK. All or Nothing,
I Maintain the Right.
CPT James Tenner
The Hammer Battalion has been hard at work over the last quarter as we just came
out of RESET in April. During this time, each of the companies conducted week long field
training exercises that tested the Soldiers by evaluating them mentally and physically, at
the same time building camaraderie within the unit. The battalion has also been diligently
getting all of their Soldiers qualified and properly trained on their assigned weapon
systems. Range weeks for different weapon systems were conducted each month to help
ensure every Soldier in the battalion were qualified.
During these summer months we look to take advantage of the beautiful upstate New York weather. It is during this time
that Fort Drums’ slogan of “The Army’s Best Kept Secret” is truly understood. The weather has been cooperating and has
made up for the bitter winter that seems to be a staple of the North Country. It is essential during this time that we remember
to be smart and be safe in everything we do, both on and off duty. With this beautiful warm weather, each company will be out
in the field conducting company and platoon level training events to evaluate their Soldiers. This training will culminate in a
battalion level field exercise that will take place in September.
This past quarter, we have had a couple changes of command. First to change out was
HHC with CPT Ryan Dunbar relinquishing command to CPT Anthony Armelino on 06 April.
On 31 May, FSC said goodbye to CPT Michael Carroll and welcomed CPT Joshua Lawrence.
We would like to thank the outgoing commanders for all of their hard work and dedication to
the 7th
Engineer Battalion. At the same time we would like to welcome the incoming
commanders and wish them luck as they get their companies ready for our deployment next
spring.
On a final note, we would like to wish the best to all of the Soldiers, friends and families of
the 7th Engineer Battalion, but particularly to the Soldiers and families of our 693rd Engineer
Company (Sapper) which is currently deployed to Afghanistan. We wish them a safe return in
July and we will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
“FIGHT TO WIN”
307th En Bn
7th Engineer Battalion

8. P A G E 8
C A S T L E T I M E S
27th En Bn
19th Engineer Battalion
The Seahorse Battalion put the pedal to the metal during 3rd
Quarter, executing a difficult and busy schedule filled
with construction projects and training. The quarter kicked off in April with the Squad Designated Marksman
course featuring 40 Soldiers and NCOs from across the battalion. 76th
Engineer Company (Vertical) continued to
execute high-profile construction projects by sending a team of Soldiers to Great Exuma, Bahamas for the
Coppertone Construction Project. Additionally, the battalion had the opportunity to play host to a platoon from
the 27th
Engineer Battalion while participating in a Joint Operation. The 502nd Multi-Role Bridge Company
(MRBC) conducted a tactical river crossing, executing sling load operations on the Ohio River. Later in the month, the companies
went head-to-head to compete for the title of battalion champion during organizational week, playing such sports as volleyball,
ultimate football, and soccer. Headquarters company proudly claimed the title earning bragging rights for the next year.
May featured the Platoon Certification Exercise (CERTEX) in which the platoons and companies had trained for throughout the
year. The event began with Warrior Stakes, which challenged Soldiers and NCOs to complete various mission essential warrior tasks
while navigating the grueling terrain of Fort Knox. After completing Warrior Stakes, the battalion shifted into the Platoon CERTEX
where platoons executed missions such as Key Leader Engagements, Convoy Live Fire Exercises, and Dismounted Patrols. The
CERTEX helped to provide the battalion leadership with the current readiness of the battalion for the upcoming deployment.
Headquarters company conducted their Change of Command welcoming CPT Matthew K. McDaniel to the Company, and seeing
CPT Brian C. Dodd off to prepare to lead the 19th
EN BN Rear Detachment during the battalion’s deployment. The 76th
Engineer
Company (Vertical) sent a platoon to Fort Bragg to conduct construction, refurbishing and expanding existing buildings of the new
Fort Bragg Air Assault School. May ended with the companies enjoying Memorial Day Weekend and beginning the transition into
block leave.
June began with the Forward Support Company Change of Command Ceremony welcoming CPT Matthew Mace to Command
and bidding farewell to CPT Adam DiGiovanni. The medics of the Seahorse
Battalion conducted Brigade Combat Team Trauma Training (BCT3) in
preparation for deployment. The month focused on recovery for the Battalion as
the companies enjoyed block leave and time home with friends and family.
However, prior to departing for leave, the Battalion defended its Post
Commander’s Cup title during Army Strong Days.
On 31 May 2013, the battalion held a Change of Command/Change of Responsibility ceremony between
the outgoing command team of LTC Michael Ellicott and CSM Josue Pinos and the incoming command team
of LTC TJ Moseley and CSM John D. Hankins. All the while, the Tigers have been training hard to prepare
for the upcoming JRTC rotation and assumption of our GRF mission.
In June, the battalion executed its Best Sapper competition. Fifty teams of two competed for the title of
“Best Sapper” in an event which included a 20K road march, modified APFT, urban orienteering, land navigation, demolitions,
weapons knowledge, and an airborne knowledge test. We recognized the winners and thanked our Families in an organizational
day at Rafferty Field. Also in June, the 161st
Engineer Support Company and 102nd
Sapper Company continued to hone their
skills while participating in the Joint Operational Access Exercise (JOAX) 13-03.
The 57th
Sapper Company remains deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. We welcome the
919th
Engineer Support Company (Airborne) to the Tigers and are anxiously
awaiting their arrival back to Fort Bragg from their mission in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom. Until that day, we keep them and all
deployed Soldiers in our thoughts and prayers.
All The Way! Airborne!

9. P A G E 9
C A S T L E T I M E S
83rd Civil Affairs Battalion
From 25 April 2013 to 24 May 2013, the Soldiers of Charlie Company, 83rd
Civil Affairs Battalion
had the honor of being the first Active Duty FORSCOM Civil Affairs unit to support a Joint Readiness
Training Center (JRTC) rotation. The company HQ, Civil Military Operations Center (CMOC), and
five, four-man Civil Affairs Teams (CATs) supported the 2nd
Brigade, 1st
Calvary Division. This training
opportunity provided valuable insight, not only the 83rd
CA BN and 2/1 CAV, but also to the planners
and staff at the JRTC, as to the capabilities of a full Active Duty Civil Affairs company in support of a
Brigade Combat Team.
During the training rotation, the CMOC and CAT’s focused on identifying and affecting the key sources of instability within
their area of operations (AO), all while integrating into the staff and battle rhythm of the supported unit. Major events that
were supported during the rotation included a female Afghan Uniformed Police recruitment drive, District Council Elections,
and the closure of unoccupied bases throughout the AO. The teams actively engaged military, police and civil leaders from
the Provincial down to the local level and prepared unit commanders for critical engagements that shaped how the rotation
unfolded.
The company excelled not only in conducting Civil Affairs Operations (CAO), but also in providing medical support with
the company’s organic medics. The company’s medics easily distinguished themselves during mass casualty events. One
incident of note was when PFC Evan Nenkov and SFC Timothy Stehle successfully
“delivered” a baby, and provided proper treatment for the mother and baby at the field
clinic. The Observer Controller/Trainers (OC/Ts) commented that this was the first
time they had ever seen medics that were trained, equipped, and prepared for this sce-
nario. In all other rotations where this scenario had been implemented, the mother
never survived, and the child often perished as well. C-Company showed they are pre-
pared for any mission.
CPT Aaron Hrabovsky, SGT Christopher
Maughan, and SPC Phyllis Brandon engage
with a local village leader during the Street
Level Engagement STX.92nd En Bn
Nearing the half way mark into the deployment, the 92nd
Engineer Battalion Soldiers are running at full speed,
tearing down and literally leaving the Black Diamond symbol all over Southern Afghanistan. The 526th
En Co is
sleeping under the stars with no luxuries of air condition, dining facilities or laundry in order to completely
deconstruct Forward Operation Bases. The 554th
En Co deconstructed then reconstructed an impressive new
Tactical Operations Center, also known as the “Taj MaTOC.” This building is the pulse of the battalion and
because of their dedication and efforts, we will set the standard for CMRE operations in
Afghanistan. HHC’s S1 section is reviewing nearly 600 awards that recognize the valiant efforts of
all the Black Diamond Soldiers in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Reality hit home when
receiving the news that a 530th
En Co Bloodhound lost his life while protecting his wife and home.
SPC Ortiz Jeremias was an honorable young man and defined what it meant to be a Soldier. FSC is
headed forward as several Soldiers were promoted to the Sergeant rank and others are furthering
their education, obtaining their Associates and Bachelor’s Degrees. An attached company, the 77th
En Co Outlaws, continue to dominate the basis. Mechanics have changed bulldozer tracks, dump
truck tires, hydraulic hoses, and more. Carpenters, plumbers, and electricians have deconstructed
walls, wire, and plumbing all over the country. The 984th
En Co welcomed a new First Sergeant,
1SG Eric Smith. There is no doubt that he will have a positive impact and ensure the welfare of the Soldiers
and mission success.
The load team prepares to hook up a
container to be airlifted from Forward
Operating Base Hadrian to Kandahar
Airfield by a US Army CH-47 Chinook
from Task Force Knighthawk, 2-10
Aviation Regiment

10. P A G E 1 0V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 4
Point of Contact
Point of Contact for the Newsletter
SPC Danielle Salley
Email: danielle.m.salley2.mil@mail.mil
Located in BDE S-1
We’re on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com
The20thEngineerBrigade
"Building Combat Power" is our business.
"Essayons" is our attitude. Let us try! We are
Army Strong with the spirit of Airborne!
Our mission is to provide proactive, timely,
and essential expeditionary engineer support to
the XVIII Corps, the Army, and when directed,
Joint and Special
Operations Forces.
BOSS
BDE BOSS Representative
Point of Contact
Primary: SGT Ferencez Babinszki
Email: ferencz.s.babinszki.mil@mail.mil
Local in BDE S-3
Alternate: PFC Shelby Guarnieri
Email: shelby.a.guarnieri.mil@mail.mil
Local in BDE S-6
MWR EVENTS
www.fortbraggmwr.com
For more information about events occurring on Post or local surrounding
area.
Please visit your local MWR webpage
Fort Stewart - www.stewartmwr.com
Fort Drum - www.drummwr.com
Fort Campbell - www.fortcampbell.com
Fort Benning - www.benningmwr.com
Sponsorship Liaison
Sponsorship
Point of Contact
Primary: SGT Angel Santiago
Email: angel.l.santiago79.mil@mail.mil
Located in BDE Command Group
Please check out the our Association:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/20th-
Engineer-Brigade-
Association/387428758034963