7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0020.txt
Page: 0020
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








               As I look at my soldiers, especially the older
          noncommissioned officers and officers I wonder what their
          families would think now. Most have almost shaved heads, tanned,
          a few more wrinkles, a dusty look and sporting moustaches in
          various degrees of growth. Disheveled uniforms testify to self
          laundry initiatives. I am not swayed by the new physical
          appearances for the professional competence is what counts. The
          initiative, drive, determination, spirit, and unquestioned
          loyalty to our nation is evident everywhere. I wish the
          President could visit. I would say Mr. President, these are your
          soldiers. There are none finer anywhere in the world!

               We are tense now. I can see the strain beginning to show in
          the tired dusty faces of my soldiers. I.ong hours of guard duty,
          never ending work, the wind, dust, cold nights and the constant
          awareness and alertness for trouble combine to add extra stress.
          I do not worry though, my troops are trained, motivated, and
          ready. The news is not encouraging. Every soldier knows what is
          going on by listening to short wave radios. Daily intelligence
          and situation briefings keep them fully informed. They ask for
          nothing and always do what is directed.

               There is an anxiousness. A close look at soldiers reveals a
          desire to "get it on," and over with. Soldiers no longer wonder
          if war will come. The question now is when.

               There is an extreme effort to upgrade fighting positions.
          Overhead cover is placed on bunkers, sandbag layers are increased
          and repositioned. Firing fans are meticulously laid out and
          distant, boundary, and aiming stakes are set. Daily the air is
          filled with helicopters. Higher up the deep rumble of jet
          engines can be heard. On the ground tanks moving on the horizon
          stir clouds of dust. The one main hard surfaced road in the area
          is clogged with convoys, soldiers, fighting vehicles, and
          infinite tractor trailers hauling food, water, ammunition, and
          fuel. At night the muffled crunch of artillery can be heard as
          units test weapons. Unseen aircraft crisscross.the sky. Guards
          and patrols now comprise 50% of unit strength.

               I walk the perimeter at night. It is deathly quiet unless
          the wind is blowing. It is pitch black. There are soldiers out
          but they are neither seen or heard. Tents are closed tightly.
          Any lights used outside are red and not visible at any distance.
          When the door of the command van is open the bright lights
          immediately go to red. Anyone walking outside would not know
          what was there. Inside the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) the
          staff is always busy.



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