20th Engineer Battalion (TASK FORCE LUMBERJACK)
Story by 1st Lt. Brian MacKey
05.16.2010 KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- The military uses the analogy of the tail and teeth to describe the relationship between combat units and logistical support. For route clearance units who find and neutralize improvised explosive devices, the tail is essential to success.
In Afghanistan, the 20th Engineer Battalion, Task Force LUMBERJACK, has capable and effective biting power in their counter-IED route clearance patrols. But what really contributes to effectiveness in combat is having the right tool for the job always on hand.
In Afghanistan, the 20th Engineer Battalion, Task Force LUMBERJACK, has capable and effective biting power in their counter-IED route clearance patrols. But what really contributes to effectiveness in combat is having the right tool for the job always on hand.
The Forward Support Company has the responsibility of getting platoons vital equipment, even if they operate out of remote locations. Because route clearance equipment is frequently damaged during missions to neutralize IED's, the effort to relay equipment must be constant, and often creative.
"Supporting route clearance companies across the battlefield in Afghanistan is major endeavor that our company strives to complete," said Capt. Chris Fontaine, FSC Commander. "We pride ourselves on ensuring that they have all the logistical support necessary to fully complete their mission in route clearance operations."
Tools available to the FSC include regular combat logistics patrols, air transport, and their own recovery support detachment. Since the units operate with cutting-edge equipment, a degree of innovation is required to rig new gear for a convoy or to be slung from a helicopter. To date, the FSC has moved over 200 pieces of vital equipment to combat units in locations throughout Kandahar. The combined weight of all the equipment exceeds 285 tons.
"It is a very demanding duty, but it is very satisfying since we can see the difference that we make on the battlefield," says Fontaine.
The 20th Engineer Battalion commands 14 route clearance platoons across four companies. Combined, the platoons have conducted over 700 missions across tens of thousands of kilometers in their four months so far in Afghanistan. Altogether, Task Force LUMBERJACK consists of more than 800 Soldiers.
The 20th is part of the 36th Engineer Brigade, based in Fort Hood, Texas.
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