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Operational Report, Nov 1970 - Apr 1971

AEUEC-XUO

SUBJECT: Operational Report of the 79th Engineer Battalion (Construction) for the Period Ending 30 April 1971 RCS CSFOR-65 (R-3) UIC WBADAA

THRU: Commanding Officer) 24th Engineer Group (Construction)
ATTN: AEUEC-XOP APO 09227

Commanding General, United States Army Engineer Command, Europe,
ATTN: AEUEC-TP-OOT APO 09797

Commanding General, United States Army, Europe, ATTN: AEAGC-TU,
APO 09403

TO: Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development,
Department of the Army, Washington, D.C. 20310

1. SECTION 1. OPERATIONS: SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES

a. Mission: The 79th Engineer Battalion (Construction) MTOE 115E continues to execute its assigned missions in the Federal Republic of Germany as follows:

(1) Perform troop construction projects in support of US units in the Federal Republic of Germany as directed by higher Headquarters.

(2) Perform selected construction projects for participants in the NATO Common Infrastructure Program throughout Europe and the Near East.

(3) Accomplish civic action projects to improve German-American relations.

(4) Perform construction support missions for neighboring units in the area as directed.

(5) Maintain, through intensive training programs, a state of combat readiness consistent with contingency requirements.

b. Location:

(1) The 79th Engineer Battalion (Construction) is located at Wiley Barracks, Neu Ulm, Germany. (See Inclosure I)

(2) In the accomplishment of construction missions during this reporting period, personnel from this battalion were located at Augsburg, Berchtesgaden, Bonstetten, Dachau, Garmisch. Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels, Klosterlechfeld, Munsingen, Nurnburg, Oberammergau, and Vilseck, Germany, (See Inclosure 2) and Konya, Turkey. (See Inclosure 3)

c. Organization: The 79th Engineer Battalion (Construction) accomp-lishes its assigned missions utilizing the organization reflected in Incl-osure 4. All officers currently assigned to the Battalion are listed in Inclosure 5.

d. Significant Activities:

(1) Construction Activities: Troop construction projects remain the primary mission of the Battalion. The scope of this mission involves comprehensive efforts on both vertical and horizontal construction missions. TABLE I below lists those projects completed during this reporting period by the 79th Engr Bn (Const), and TABLE II below lists those project under construction.

COMPLETED PROJECTS
1 November 1970 - 30 April 1971

(a) Company A (Equipment and Maintenance) continues to provide this Battalion with Engineer Direct Support Maintenance, organizational maintenance support, and special equipment support for the unit construction missions. The equipment platoon discontinued quarry operations for the construction season on 15 November. During the construction season, Company A crushed approximately 10,000 cubic yards of rock. Rock from the quarry was used in support of several local construction projects in addition to maintenance of hardstands and battalion facilities. Quarry operations have not been initiated for 1971 due to the pending restationing of this battal-ion. With the onset of the winter weather Company A Asphalt Section suspended work on Project 70-AR-70-39C, Repair of Roads, Eastman Kaserne, Dachau. On 15 January 1971, HQ, USAREUR General Order #614 modified the Battalion MTOE deleting the Asphalt Section. Future work of this type will be done by the Battalion utilizing Group resources. Company A also completed work on Project 72-TA-70-24A, CASA CARIOCA Clean-up in Garmisch after being assigned the mission upon deactivation of Company D. Work was finished 5 February 1971. In addition to the construction support missions of Company A, the Field Maintenance Section was directly responsible for the preparation of all items for turn-in after the deactivation of Company D on 15 Jan-uary. Due to the large volume of equipment and the normal requirements of the FM Section, this work extended over a 90 day period.

(b) Company B continued work in the construction areas in addition to the anticipated intensification of training. Project 9-UD-70-39B, Construction of Prefabricated classrooms, Nuernberg, was com-pleted on 12 April. This project utilized six 30 X 33 M0DULUX classroom components and two latrine components to add over 7300 square feet to the elementary school in Fuerth. In addition to the classrooms and latrines, the constructing unit was responsible for the installation of primary electrical, plumbing, and heating utilities. Company B also completed Project 75-AR-70-39B, Construction of Ski lift, Skytop Lodge, Berchtesgaden. This project consisted of construction of concrete footers 2.0 m x 0.80 m and varying in height from 1.0 m to 4.5 m. These footers were used as the base for towers of the ski lift. Work on this project was completed on 2 December 1970. In the area of horizontal construction, Company B constructed 1200 meters of Class 60 water bound tank road in the Munsingen Training Area during the annual Operational Readiness Training Test. This effort required 24 hour a day operation to complete the pro-ject in the five days specified.

(c) Company C completed work on the Range Road at Konya Air Range, Konya, Turkey on 24 November 1970. The constructing unit was given the mission of constructing ten kilometers of access road for the Turkish-American bombing range. All equipment was airlifted to the air range in order to complete the project prior to the rainy season. Close coordination on all aspects of the project played a major factor in the timely and professional work. Work also continued on Project 23- and 26-AR-70-39C, Inventory and Erection of Yugoslav Prefabs, Vilseck, until 15 December 1970. Two of the four buildings are finished with a third nearing completion. Work will continue in May. In addition, Company C completed project 42-AR-71-24B, Relocation of ACOMAL Prefabs from Gablingen to Bonstetten, which required disassembly of two standard ACOMAL build-ings and reassembly of the buildings to provide facilities for a STRATCOM radio relay. The earthmoving section was also involved in the construc-tion of an additional 1200 meters of Class 60 waterbound gravel road during the ORTT. The road was constructed through open fields and low hills and required culverts and drainage in addition to extensive cut and fill oper-ations. Special projects for Company C included Boiler Conversion and OJT with the 8851st Labor Service Company, both in Grafenwoehr. In both cases, personnel received valuable training and assistance in all phases of con-struction work. Particular emphasis was placed on removal, installation, and conversion of coal/oil boiler units.

(d) Company D was deactivated under HQ, USAREUR General Order #614 on 15 January 1971. Prior to deactivation, Company D completed Project 90-UD-70-39A, Construction of Three Prefab Classrooms, Worms. Three ACOMAL prefabs were erected and when finished added 2880 square feet to the Worms Elementary School. Project 4-AR-70-39B, Construction of Class III Supply Point Hohenfels was completed on 17 November, replacing storage and dispensing facilities for 260,000 gallons of various fuels. Replacement of Underground Power Cable, Project 02-39GP-70-79B, at Bad Toelz was completed on 17 November and provided full back-up power cap-ability for a critical water pumping station. Also in the Bavarian Alp area, Company D completed two fence repair jobs, Projects 65- and 65-EC-70-39C, and started a third, Project 67-EC-70-39C, which was transferred to another unit upon deactivation. Project 72-TA-70-24A, CASA CARIOCA Clean-up was started by personnel of this company and transferred to Com-pany A upon deactivation. This mission required partial dismantling and clean-up of the Army-run night club at the Armed Forces Recreation Center.

(2) Civic Action Projects: Civic Action is an area of continuing command interest in the Battalion. Where possible and when practicable, efforts to strengthen United States-German relations and improve the US foreign image are carried out. To this end, members of this command are currently engaged in the rehabilitation of a Sportsplatz at Blandou Kaserne in Ulm for the German II Corps. Additional projects in the local area are currently under consideration. Also, many of the officers in the Battalion took part in German-American social affairs at the Ulm Officers Club to which the Ulm Junior Chamber of Commerce was invited. Results of this program increased German-American contact, bettered international understanding, and improved friendship between the Battalion's Officer Corps and the leading citizens of the city of Ulm. The Battalion is currently engaged in planning for the forthcoming German-American Friendship Week.

(3) Training:

(a) During the past reporting period, this Battalion accomplished the majority of its annual training requirements. The merit of the intensified training was indicated when the Battalion received a full COMBAT READY rating in the annual Operational Readiness Training Test conducted from 2-7 April.

(b) Prior to the ORTT, unit and battalion level exercises in all aspects of the combat engineering mission were conducted, followed by a four day FTX, conducted from 17-20 March. This provided a unique opport-unity to integrate all resources of the Battalion following a period of extensive training. Staff functioning, bivouac procedure, and facility in the combat mission were all tested and observed to determine areas of in-terest for final ORTT preparation. In addition a Battalion CPX, conducted concurrently enabled unit leadership to observe and correct their operations.

(c) Upon completion of the FTX, Companies B and C traveled to Ingolstadt where they engaged in an intensive period of float bridge training on the Danube River. At Ingolstadt, elements of the two companies conducted exercises with all types of US floating equipage. By combining bridging operations with bivouac procedures, both units were able to increase their proficiency prior to the ORTT.

(4) Inspections: During the period 8-12 March, this Battalion underwent the Annual General Inspection conducted by Headquarters, United States Army, Europe (USAREUR). The 79th Engineer Battalion received a HIGH SATISFACTORY rating based on the four days of intensive review.

(5) Awards: During the reporting period, units of this Battalion have received various awards for efforts during the year. Company C received Outstanding Construction Awards for Projects 59-AR-70-39C, Repair of Range, K1osterlechfedd; Rehabilitation of Building 113, Vilseck; and Range Road, Konya, Turkey. Company D received Outstanding Construction Awards for Projects 35-AR-70-39A, Inspection Line Buildings, Vilseck; 73-UD-70-39B, Construction of ACOMAL Classrooms, Wurzburg; and 90-UD-70-39A, Construction of Three ACOMAL Classrooms, Worms. In addition, Company D also received the US Army Engineer Command, Europe and USAREUR nomination for the Itschner Award, and was honored by the Society of American Military Engineers with the first HONORABLE MENTION ever awarded in Itschner Award competition. Company C was also honored by the Commanding General, US Army Engineer Command Europe with a special award for the effort on the Range Road at Konya, Turkey.

(6) Marksmanship: The 79th Engineer Battalion assumed responsibility for the US Army Engineer Command, Europe Advanced Marksmanship Unit. Individuals assigned to the AMU conducted practice sessions and exercises in the Neu Ulm area in preparation for the USAREUR Small Arms Championship Matches held in Grafenwoehr, 20-30 March 1971. In competition at Grafenwoehr, members of the AMU distinguished themselves by placing first in three individual pistol matches and fourth in several team rifle matches. Several members of the team were selected by USAREUR and 3rd Infantry Division for competition at a higher level. The AMU personnel were commended for their outstanding showing in their first year of USAREUR level competition.

(7) Visits: BG Kenneth W. Kennedy, CG, US Army Engineer Command Europe visited the Headquarters 79th Engineer Battalion on 25 November 1970. The purpose of the visit was to present a special award to Company C for the Range Road, Konya Air Range, Konya, Turkey. BG Kennedy presented an award to all members of the constructing unit and then reviewed the Battalion in a special parade.

(8) Deactivation of Company D was directed by USAREUR General Order #614 and was effective as of 15 January 1971. Deactivation of Company D significantly reduced the Battalion construction capability and posture. This unit had distinguished itself throughout the construction season and was later chosen as the only HONORABLE MENTION in the annual Itschner Award competition. (See paragraph 5, Awards, above)

2. SECTION. 2, LESSONS LEARNED, OBSERVATIONS, EVALUAITONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

a. Personnel

(1) Battalion Disposition:

(a) Observation:

(i) Present distribution of the enlisted grades in the Battalion is as follows:

	E9	E8	E7	E6	E5	E4	E3/1	Total
AUTH	1	7	23	35	128	321	69	584
ASGD	2	7	16	46	128	321	100	620
PDY 2	7	16	44		122	305	97	593

(ii) Present distribution of the officers and warrant officers is as follows:

.	OFFICERS	WARRANT OFFICERS
AUTH	22	6
ASGD	29	8
PDY	28	6

a. Personnel (Cont)

(iii) Critical MOS Shortages are as follows:

MOS JOB TITLE AUTH ASGD
51C30 Structures Specialist 4 2
62B10 Engineer Equip Repairman 27 6
62B50 Engineer Equip Repairman Supv 3 2
62G30 Quarryman 2 0
62G40 Quarry Supv 1 0
62H20 Concrete Paving Equip Op 4 1
62J20 Constr Machine Op 21 16
63A10 Ord Mechanic's Helper 8 0
63B40 Ord Mechanic Supv (Motor Sgt) 3 2
62G20 Fuel and Electrical Systems Rpr 2 0
63H20 Engine and Powertrain Repairman 4 1
64B20 Heavy Vehicle Driver 37 28
71H20 Personnel Specialist 9 6
71T20 Maintenance Data Specialist 5 3
76A10 Supply Man 7 1
76Q20 Repair Parts Specialist 13 10
76520 Automotive Repair Parts Spec 6 4
76W20 Petroleum Storage Specialist 1 0
82A10 Rodman and Tapeman 4 l
82B40 Construction Surveyor 1 0
84B20 Still Photographer 1 0
94A10 Cooks Helper 4 0
94340 Mess Stewart 4 2

(iv) The following Officers arrived in the command during this Period:

RANK NAME DUTY TITLE
lLT Mickens, Joseph Jr Bn Commo Officer
2LT Clow, Kenneth H. Const PIt Leader, Co B
2LT Goodyear, Richard L. Equip Plt Leader, Co A
CW2 Hoffman, Hans W. Helicopter Pilot
CW2 Weeks, Werner G. Helicopter Pilot

(b) Evaluation: During this period the Battalion has been re-organized losing one construction company, resulting in a numerical overage of personnel. Despite this numerical overage there is a definite shortage of maintenance and clerical personnel. Utilizing an OJT program has en-abled the battalion to hold its own in paper work, however the shortage of maintenance personnel hampers the maintenance program within the Battalion. Lack of maintenance personnel leads to lack of equipment readiness, jeopardizing the engineer mission. Shortages of Surveyors, Construction Supervisors and Specialists, and Equipment Operators also hamper the mission.

(c) Recommendation: That every possible effort be made to assign qualified personnel to fill those shortages outlined above.

b. Operations:

(1) Operations NCO, Company A (Equipment and Maintenance)

(a) Observation: The current MTOE under which this battalion is organized has no allocation for a SFC E-7 Operations NCO in Company A.

(b) Evaluation: The Equipment Platoon in Company A is organized to provide three principal means of construction support-crushed rock (quarry section), bituminous concrete pavement (asphalt section), and special equipment support (equipment section). The platoon therefore accomplishes projects of a widely diversified nature in support of directed projects in many locations. The coordination of such tasks and the documentation thereof prescribed by current regulations demands the attentions of a full-time Operations Sergeant. The operational efficiency and project reporting procedure of Company 4, 79th Engineer Battalion have noticeably improved during this reporting period due to the assignment of such an Operations Sergeant.

(c) Recommendation: That current TOE's for Engineer Construction Battalions be modified to allocate a position in Company A for one (1) SFC E-7 Operations Sergeant in the MOS 62N40.

(2) Finishing of MODULUX Prefab Classrooms:

(a) Observation: A lack of touchup paint for the building interior make final work on the classrooms difficult.

(b) Evaluation: This building presently is shipped with five (5) gallons of exterior paint, but no interior paint is included in the package. Inclusion of this item would preclude the difficulties encountered in attempting to mix and match existing paint by the construction unit and prevent time-consuming delays.

(c) Recommendation: That interior touch-up paint be included as a part of MODULUX Prefab packages.

(3) ACOMAL Foundation Preparation:

(a) Observation: Proper weatherproofing of the standard 24' x 48' ACOMAL Prefab is difficult due to the present design of the foundation slab edge.

(b) Evaluation: In placing the concrete foundation for this type of structure, the foundation slab edge has been modified to in-clude a 2" x 2" recess around the outside of the slab. This allows the corrugated aluminum sidewalls of the prefab to overlay the outside edge of the slab. The small gaps remaining due to the corrugations may then be sealed with mineral rope or by the asphaltic material utilized as a leveling course and sealer.

(c) Recommendation: That this detail be standardized ~or use in the erection of all similar ACOMAL structures.

c. Training:

(1) Battalion Training Program:

(a) Observation: The Battalion continues to conduct classes in basic military subjects as required by current regulations as well as mission oriented subjects, with special emphasis on maintenance training.

(b) Evaluation: In addition to mandatory classes, training was directed towards mission-oriented subject as required to improve unit readiness, with special emphasis being placed on a comprehensive program of maintenance subject totaling over l00 hours of classroom instruction. This program of maintenance training, although relatively new, has proved very beneficial. In addition, the Battalion took steps to increase oper-ational readiness though higher attendance quotas in USAREUR schools. During this reporting period, 40 members of the Battalion successfully completed courses in the schools program.

(c) Recommendation: That continued emphasis be placed on mission-oriented subjects and increased school quotas in addition to basic mandatory military subjects.

(2) Rafting Operations:

(a) Observation: In conducting river crossings utilizing the Light Tactical Raft (LTR), reduction in time, manpower, equipment, and safety risk were realized through motivation of the raft by the trail ferry method as opposed to power boats.

(b) Evaluation: With a river width of 320 feet and a current of 7 fps, crossings with LTR's were made approximately twice as quickly using the trail ferry as opposed to power boats) thereby achieving signif-icant savings in terms of unit resources. This type of ferry is especially advantageous in high velocity current and with inexperienced powerboat operators.

(c) Recommendation: That further controlled studies be conducted to determine the effectiveness of rafting methods as outlined above.

(3) Training with Labor Service Personnel:

(a) Observation: On-the-job training with Labor Service/ Civilian Group personnel has proved beneficial for members of this unit who have participated in such training.

(b) Evaluation: A program initiated to train US personnel in specific skill areas throughout OJT with LS/CLG personnel on directed project was excellent in that it permitted an extended period of training in particular skills not always present in US troop labor efforts. Instruction was detailed and pertinent, affording unusual opportunities for specialized training.

(c) Recommendation: That such OJT programs be continued and expanded to improve construction skill levels in US construction units in Germany.

d. Intelligence: N/A

e. Logistics: Use of Vehicles

(1) Observation: Use of tactical vehicles for administrative purposes requiring continual travel at high speeds has a serious impact on non-operational for maintenance time for such vehicles.

(2) Evaluation: The long distance to support points and project sites taxes vehicles heavily. A Commercial Design vehicle for General Travel Use has been studied, and analysis indicates that en the basis of initial cost, operations, and maintenance cost) the Army would realized substantial savings through use of such vehicles.

(3) Recommendation: That current TOE/MTOE'S be modified to include authorization for administrative vehicles consummate with the unit location and mission.

f. Organization: N/A

g Material: N/A

h. Other: N/A

E.J. STOKES
LTC, CE
Commanding

OFFICER ROSTER - 79Th ENGR BN (CONST)
30 APRIL 1971

PHOTOGRAPH CAPTIONS
INCLOSURES 6-28

Project 72-TA-70-24A
CASA CARIOCA Cleanup
Garmisch

6 Tiered flooring remaining after destruction of the night club by fire on the morning of 5 November 1970.

7 View of the roof which collapsed during the fire. All material had to be removed prior to the initiation of any rebuild effort.

8 Remaining column which provided roof support in the club service area.

9 Adverse weather conditions provided the greatest obstacle during the December-January work period. Here snow and ice cover the rubble during the removal operation.

Project 75-AR-70-39B
Skilift, Skytop Lodge
Berchtesgaden

10 Schematic drawing showing the location of the skilift towers. Company B was assigned the mission of constructing the footers for the towers and a contractor erected the final portions.

11 View showing the forming for one footer. Footers were 4.0 meters by 80 centimeters and ranged from 1.0 meter to 4.5 meters in height.

Project 09-UD-70-39B
MODULUX Classrooms
Nurenberg/Fuerth

12 Forming of the foundation wall for the modular components. Trench footers could not be utilized due to the sandy soil conditions.

13 A section of the foundation wall prior to the erection of the classrooms

14 Crane placing a roof section for the classroom building. This view shows the hallway separating the classrooms from the individual latrines.

Project 23, 26-AR-70-39C
Yugoslav Prefabs, ASP #1
Vilseck

15 Site preparation during the initial phase for the last three build-ings. Poor soil conditions hampered construction throughout the entire construction effort.

16 View of the footers for the prefabs. Three separate rows of footers were required for each building.

17 Erection of the center column and rigid roof frame for one open storage prefab.

Project 4-AR-70-39B
Class III Supply Point
Hohenfels

18 Aerial view of the completed project. This site had storage and dispensing capability of 260,000 gallons of various types of fuel.

Project 90-UD-70-39A
ACOMAL Classrooms
Worms

19 Construction of the connecting hallway for the three elementary classroms constructed by Company D.

20 Move-in day at the Worms school addition.

Battalion ORTT
Muensingen Training Area
2-8 April 1971

21 S-4 Water Supply Point in operation. A total of 40,000 gallons of potable water was produced for Batta1ion consumption during the 5 day period.

22 Construction of a 38'4" M4T6 dry span by elements of Company C. This span was constructed and airlifted to a prepared site.

23 CH-54 (Flying Crane) preparing to lift the M4T6 span and transport it to the field site.

24 Company C preparing the site for the placing of 1 meter diameter concrete culvert. Both Companies B and C constructed 1200 meters of Class 60 waterbound tank road with full drainage, including culvert, during the ORTT.

Battalion Bridge Training
Gross Mehringen
20-24 March 1971

25 Elements of the 79th Engineer Battalion placing balk during the construction of an M4T6 Float Bridge.

26 20 ton truck mounted crane placing an M4 raft in the water at one of the assembly sites.

27 Assembly of an aluminum footbridge during one phase of the bridge training.

28 Crossing the Donau River on a Light Tactical Raft (LTR) with elements of the German 1Oth Engineers.

Copyright © 2002
Bruce Christman, John McConaghy,
The Office of History at US Army Corps of Engineers
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