In this U.S. Army photo, Specialist Richard Rodriquez of the 475th Engineering Company from Ponce, Puerto Rico, conducts construction operations while guarded by Sergeant Norbert Prats during a combat support exercise at Fort Hunter Liggett, California. The 475th has a proud history of fighting America’s battles from Normandy, France on D-Day to battles in northern France and the Ardennes-Alsace region. In 2007, the unit moved to Puerto Rico where these engineers stand ready to serve when their country needs them.

Fort Hunter Liggett, CA. (July 1, 2022). In this real-life scenario, an infantry unit manages to liberate an airfield from enemy hands but predictably most of the roads and facilities have been reduced to rubble. That’s when commanders call in the combat engineers.

Combat engineering battalions not only deal with explosives, but they are also highly skilled construction teams able to rapidly build airfields, construct housing and repair ports and bridges. One platoon, for example, is dedicated to the building trades, including carpentry, plumbing and electricity while another handles heavy equipment jobs using steam rollers, back-hoes, road graders and large cranes.

Engineers can quickly repair roads, clear obstacles, and create infrastructure in a matter of days, tasks that would take a civilian crew weeks to accomplish.

America’s fighting forces, like these brave engineers, face danger every day to protect our nation. Please do your part by making a generous donation to SupportOurTroops.org, an organization dedicated to helping active duty servicemembers and their families.
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