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107th Engineer Battalion (CBT) (Corps)

"Change" was the operative word for the Upper Peninsula's 107th Engineer Battalion during training year '99 / '00. On 1 September of 1999, the battalion converted from its familiar organization and mission as a CORPS Wheeled battalion and aggressively assumed its new battlefield mission as a Divisional Mechanized Organization. As part of the conversion, the battalion's training focus also changed with new emphasis being placed upon learning the skills required in order to operate effectively on today's modern, fast paced, lethal battlefield. This entailed the battalion's soldiers learning some new skills as well as maintaining proficiency on some old ones.

A small representation of some of the skills trained on during the training year included: Conducting a tactical road march with armored vehicles; The emplacement of protective minefields and, an increased emphasis upon the rapid emplacement of wire obstacles. This was also the year in which the battalion began to initiate training upon the newly developed Engineer Qualification Tables. Of particular note, from a training perspective, was the focus that was placed upon learning the skills required to breach enemy obstacles, which is paramount concern to the maneuver force commander who is receiving support from the battalion. This will continue to be a key focus for the battalion in the future.

Part of the change involved the assignment of new equipment and the battalion's participation in new training opportunities. During TY-00, the 107th was newly fielded with the "VOLCANO" mine delivery system. The initial training on this new piece of equipment took place in October of 1999 and will enable the battalion to rapidly emplace minefields at any point on the battlefield that the maneuver commander requires. Training on the Mine Clearing Line Charge [MICLIC] also continued throughout the year as the battalion's operators improve their proficiency on this critical piece of equipment. A new training experience for the 107th involved its successful participation in the 46th Brigade "Warfighter" exercise at Camp Atterbury Indiana during March of 2000 where the Battalion was able to demonstrate its skill and the value of the engineers as the new member of the brigade. Other training opportunities included the deployment of a battalion cell to Germany in support of the 125th Infantry and the deployment of battalion medics to California in support of the 507th Engineer Battalion as part of "Task Force Grizzly."

"Change" was also a key word for the word for the battalion's 1437th Engineer Bridge Company. TY-00 was the first year for the unit to assume its new designation as an FSP unit. The training intensity within the unit was greatly increased as the unit underwent two external evaluations; one during and IDT period and the second during the June Annual Training period. During each evaluation, the unit received positive remarks.

Amidst the rapid pace of the battalion learning its new role as Mechanized Engineers and the 1437th ramping up for their FSP mission, the battalion continued to hone its skills for state contingencies. Training was conducted by each element of the battalion at various points during the training year. Defense Readiness Exercise [CDORE]. The exercise was executed by HHC, Co B, and the 1437th during September of 2000. The larger exercise presented new challenges, but also created a more realistic environment. The event also involved the support of the Michigan State Police and the Marquette County Sheriff's Department, as well as substantial coverage by the local media.

Not only did the 107th lead the way in training during TY-00, but the battalion's various companies were prominent in their respective communities across the Upper Peninsula, as well. Many and varied were the local events in which the 107th was present, either actively participating or rendering highlights including support for the I-500 snowmobile race, support for the construction of a new community playground and the delivery of food goods to needy families during the holidays in support of St. Vincent DePaul and the Salvation Army as well as active participation in the annual "Toys for Tots" program. Support of, and participation in, the March of Dimes, Easter Seals and the national Cancer Society campaigns also received notable support from elements of the 107th from tip to tip across the Upper Peninsula. Of special note was the support provided for the Vietnam "Moving Wall", which was in South Range for a Brief period.

Multiple youth organizations were supported during TY-00 to include local scouting organizations, the YMCA, Special Olympics, and the community school districts. Many of the armories were also utilized to support a multitude of various groups, including the US Census Bureau, the Michigan Department of National Resources, MDOT, the US Olympic Committee and various high school JR ROTC programs. Finally, on a festive note, few were the local parades and county fairs at which representation of the 107th Engineer Battalion could not be found.

During Training year 2001, battalion executed a project on Isle Royale in July 2001 as well as participate in the 46th BDE WARFIGHTER exercise. Annual Training was conducted in Grayling from 11-25 August. Upon return from Annual Training, the battalion stood down for maintenance, inventories, and then began Training Year 2002 on 1 October.