Warriors in Peace Operations - Strategic Studies Institute - U.S. Army

increased civilian activity and limited visibility at the
eastern end of the runway where the C-17s were off-loaded
required us to establish a COP at the southeast and
southwest ends of the base perimeter. Alpha Company
would occupy these positions and patrol the southern
perimeter of the base.
All of these positions had to be cleared of mines before
occupation and before trails could be established to expedite
supplies. As a result, the battalion’s two engineer platoons
were among the busiest soldiers in the TF. Their job was
dangerous, but essential. Any place where there was a need
to move off the roads on the airbase, our engineers were
called to clear the area first.
The heavy engineer platoon was in constant demand,
particularly during the initial weeks prior to 1AD’s crossing
of the Sava River. They repaired the existing roads, and
built new roads to expedite traffic past the TF EAGLE HQ
and to route traffic around the airfield ramps and runway.
They also repaired drainage culverts, performed essential
facility maintenance, and prepared the foundations for the
military bridges. Each morning we reviewed the priority of
work for each of the engineer platoons. I wanted to ensure
they were doing the right jobs among the many requested,
and that they were rested enough to do the work safely.
One of the difficult problems we faced early in the
deployment was locating a mine-free site for D Battery’s six
M-119 howitzers. We initially planned to build a firebase in
a field just south of and connected to the base perimeter
fence. However, the time required to clear this field and the
deep mud in the area required that we look elsewhere.
Given the need to place the full battery into action as soon as
possible, the D Battery Commander recommended a novel
solution. Captain Robert Pierce recommended that we place
the battery in a tactical formation on the parking lot in the
center of the base. This would require cutting a ring through
the blacktop to allow them to swing the tube in a full 360
degree arc. The gun sites, ammo points, and FDC would be
54