Improving the Engineer Battalion's Combat Power: Lessons Learned in Iraq

The 326th Engineer Battalion CombatAir Assault, based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, is a part of the 101st Airborne Division Air Assault. On 6 February 2003, the battalion received deployment orders to Mosul, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Although the unit accomplished all its assigned missions and suffered no combat losses from a lack of training or resources, its combat power could be far greater. This article examines the successes and challenges of the battalion, based on the current modified table of organization and equipment MTOE, and offers recommendations as to the direction future equipment fielding plans and training scenarios should take.