An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir October 2014 www.dfmagazine.ie 12 | T hey build, bridge, clear or explode their way to their destination, and no-one else is as capable of balancing destruction and construction in a single mission. Wel- come to the world of the Corps of Engineers (CoE), who show- cased their unique skills during their annual exercise in the Glen of Imaal in June. Such concentrations benchmark engineering capabilities, train- ing and equipment through realistic scenarios. They also serve to ensure that personnel are prepared for overseas deployment. This year's exercise involved a composite Field Engineer Com- pany comprising a company HQ, three Field Engineer Platoons (one of which was RDF), a Field Support Platoon, and an Engineer Recce Section. As well as being combat engineers, most COE personnel are also tradesmen, such as plumbers, fitters, electri- cians and plant operators, whose fundamental skill sets are required to sup- port an infantry unit at home or overseas. The broader range of engi- neer support takes the form of mobility, counter- mobility, survivability and general engineering. While the extensive range of possible jobs would take months to evaluate, this year's exercise focused on a conventional 'green field' scenario. In practice this meant the combat en- gineers had to provide mobil- ity corridors through the Glen of Imaal for an infantry brigade to counter-attack an invading force. The range of options available to cross a multitude of ground types and sustain the troops that use these routes is impres- sive. The engineers have bridges and DROPS-deployable, roll-out trackway systems that can be used by soldiers and 70-tonne armoured vehicles to cross rivers and Mowag-eating bogs. Skills demonstrated during the exercise included water purifi- cation, CBRN, Combat Engineer Recce, Assault Demolitions, Real-Life Support (RLS) and Engineer Specialist Search And Clearance (ESSC). Employing their skills and resources in the furtherance of the brigade plan is a challenge for the field engineer company. Moreover, the physical task of moving and supporting often logistically-heavy engineer assets within a broad battle-space requires excellent communications and demands exceptional co-ordination from the HQ staff. During the exercise the Corps' three vehicular bridging systems were deployed to establish tactical river crossings with a view to enabling the brigade commander's mobility plan and scheme of manoeuvre for his armour assets. The Mabey Logistic Support Bridge (LSB) was constructed first. It's a bigger, newer version of the Bailey bridge of WWII fame, ca- pable of carrying up to 70-tonnes over a 60-metre unsupported span. It uses modular, interchangeable components, a variable slope ramp system and a deck covering that enables tracked ve- hicles to cross without causing damage. The bridge transformed an impassable river site into a crossing point that can be used by most modern vehicles. While the turnaround, from site recce to planning, to comple- tion, took only 48 hours, it was 48 hours of continuous activity by the engineer platoon and the multi-tasking plant crews. Even after construction their work wasn't finished as marshals are needed to make sure that the bridges aren't overloaded and stressed to breaking point. A Bailey bridge was also constructed. While smaller and with REPoRT & PhoToS By CPL PAUL MILLAR An Cosantóir October 2014 www.dfmagazine.ie 12 | the

• Cover