7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0007.txt
Page: 0007
Total Pages: 49
Subject = 7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A                             

Parent Organization = ARCENT      

Unit = VII CORPS   

Folder Title = 7TH ENGR BDE-COMMANDER REPT-VOL 18A -FORWARD AND COMMANDERS PERSPECTIVE                         

Document Number =          1

Box ID = BX000313








           S-3 Training, after reviewing extensive documentation on desert
           operations outlined a requisite physical fitness and training
           program designed for Southwest Asia. The Battalions accepted
           this challenge enthusiastically. To this point everything had
           been done unofficially, without tasking or any formal guidance
           from VII Corps. Success was based entirely on the initiative and
           aggressiveness of the staff. Daily, I provided guidance and
           direction based on years of experience, and familiarity with the
           potential theater of operation. I had seen considerable combat
           and wanted to ensure my staff, commanders, and my soldiers
           received every possible bit of information to be prepared, just
           "in case".

                In early November, the Secretary of Defense on nationwide TV
           announced officially that VIT Corps in Germany would deploy to
           Southwest Asia as part of DESERT SHIELD. What had been done
           quietly, discretely, and in secrecy up to this point could now
           move forward with full knowledge of everyone. It was truly a
           relief. The staff was not constrained in planning and we know
           exactly where we were going and why.

                There was an immediate burst of activity. The staff went
           into 24 hour operation. Battalions intensified training and
           preparation. I could not believe the enormous energy being
           spent. Privately I wondered when the enthusiasm would ebb.
           Months later in the desert I would learn that there was no ebb.
           The soldiers were trained, motivated, and ready. They would not
           slow down.

                The Engineer Task organization began to emerge. While not
           all of our Battalions would deploy we were receiving Battalions
           from 18th Engineer Brigade and V Corps. coupled with those units
           coming to us from the States we were going to be a giant
           organization. I could not have dreamed just how large we would
           become.

               Countless briefings and meetings were held at Corps. Further
           meetings were held with the Battalions. Soldiers were putting in
           superhuman days. There were long hours of work and never once
           was there a complaint. In fact, once the official announcement
           was made no more combat engineers made the M. P. blotter. My
           inquiries into this almost impossible and never before phenomena
           revealed that the soldiers wanted to avoid any trouble whatsoever
           for fear of missing the deployment. This reflected their
           confidence in training, leadership, and overall readiness.





                                           3