and its workforce. Countless generations of engineers have channeled their intellect, creativity, and unwavering determination to establish the foundations that sustain and support the Army’s mission. Their remarkable efforts in conceptualizing, constructing, and fortifying infrastructure have not only bolstered the Army’s operational capabilities, but also played a crucial role in our nation’s advancement. Through their steadfast commitment, they have fortified our nation’s security and contributed significantly to our collective progress.
The history of USACE and the Transatlantic Division’s legacy within it form an integral part of our Army’s enduring story, serving as a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and innovation. We have been a collective bedrock of strength, enabling our Army to move, live, and fight with unwavering determination. Our unwavering commitment has not only supported our Army’s mission but has also demonstrated our vital role in fortifying our nation’s security. Together, we exemplify the core values and spirit of the Army, standing as a testament to the remark-
Strong Partnerships a Catalyst for Innovation Necessity may be the mother of invention, but partnerships are what move inventions from the briefing slide to the battlefield and beyond – turning ideas into lifesaving, life-sustaining, and security-enhancing innovations in the U.S. Central Command’s (CENTCOM) area of responsibility (AOR).
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he U.S. Army Central’s Bunker Retrofit project is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE’s) latest battlefield innovation, and is the result of a partnership between Army Central, U.S. Air Forces Central, the USACE Transatlantic Division, and the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). This project, now in its second phase of testing, is designed to increase the protection provided by force protection bunkers throughout CENTCOM’s AOR. Col. Christina L. Burton, Army Central engineer director, met with Col. William C. Hannan, Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, and members of their respective teams at Fort Polk, Louisiana, March 10, 2023, to observe the Phase II live-fire experiment evaluating bunker end wall designs and ventilation options fielded by Air Forces Central and Army Central across CENTCOM. “Army Central is the component command responsible for service members’ safety downrange and we are funding the research needed to ensure the highest
BY CATHERINE CARROLL
able achievements that arise from unwavering dedication. AE Learn more about the history of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at: www.usace.army. mil/About/History/Brief-History-of-the-Corps/ and www.usace.army.mil/About/History/Historical-Vignettes/ Learn more about the history of the Transatlantic Division and USACE’s history in the Middle East in the publication Brick, Sand, and Marble at: history.army.mil/html/books/ bricks_sand_and_marble/index.html
level of protections for our Soldiers and service members downrange,” Burton explained. “The Army Corps of Engineers has a lot of research capabilities, and they can help us develop these types of innovations quickly. This partnership leads to better, quicker solutions to challenges on the battlefield,” Burton continued. “Projects like this protect service members on the ground, and they strengthen the Army Central and Army Corps of Engineers partnership, which helps us continue to improve our foxhole in the CENTCOM AOR.” Bringing together component commands, engineers, technicians, analysts, medical experts, and those who have “been there done that” downrange and handing them a challenge to study and solve is a strong catalyst for innovation. And innovation is vital in the CENTCOM AOR. “Innovation is important in our AOR because we are still countering violent extremist organizations,” Hannan stated. “And we are also working to compete strategically throughout CENTCOM. The way we keep that competitive edge is to bring in new technologies and innovative ideas and strategies to stay ahead of the enemy.” “CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael ‘Erik’ Kurilla’s approach to the region focuses on people, partners and innovation, and the Bunker Retrofit project showcases all three.” While this project is front and center at the moment, the real hero here is partnership. Hannan went on to explain how a lineage of strong partnership in the Middle East and the Transatlantic Division’s unique design and construction experience supports mission success across the board for everyone in the region. “We trace our roots back through two other divisions – the Middle East Division in the ‘70s and ‘80s and the Mediterranean Division back in the 1950s and ‘60s,” Hannan explained. “That’s really one of our biggest strengths, our divisional roots. Going all the way back to World War II, we began working in the Middle East at air bases and military bases upgrading infrastructure and facilities, both for our nation and our
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