Annual Training

This year's annual training was definitely not the norm. We had more than 130 tasks to train, in preparation for the deployment, and we spent three weeks at Pelham Range and Fort McClellan working toward that goal.

Here's a video of one of the training tasks (hand and arm signals):



Several days prior to the end of our time there, we learned that Hurricane Gustav was en route and that we were to be alerted to support any recovery operations. Talk about a challenge! We had to stop all training, pack up all our equipment, and move across the state to Winfield for the order to move south to support the new mission. We did just that - and then were instructed to move right back and complete the training. So...we packed up again, and headed back to Fort McClellan to wrap up our validation.

In the end, we were tired. No, we were all exhausted.







Nonetheless, more than 100 soldiers were trained and ready to go, and we were all experts at how to conduct administrative convoy operations. We have another 70 or so soldiers who will go with our headquarters, 877th Engineer Battalion, in January to round out the entire unit's requirement for the validation training. February is right around the corner.

The Beginning

The unit learned in December that it had been sourced to deploy. Flexibility is the key.

"We're going to Iraq." No, wait. "We're going to Afghanistan."

When? "Well, it'll be in October, 2008."

No, wait. "It'll be in June of 2009."

Maybe not. "February 2009."

Regardless of the changes in the plan and demands placed upon them, the soldiers of the 166th Engineer Company have been fantastic and motivated.

It is now October, and we're mere months from the day we'll leave. Life has been busy, and it will become even more hectic as we continue to train.

Whatever is required of us from now through the time we return, there is no doubt that the soldiers in this fine unit will do it and do it well.