Peacekeeping from an HHC Perspective
Abstract
The stability operations and support operations environment is a unique one that challenges engineer line companies and their supporting elements. Over the last decade, the American military has had increased involvement in nation building and peacekeeping efforts, specifically in Bosnia and Kosovo. In Afghanistan and Iraq, the focus is on stability operations because of the continuing threats to soldiers who guard the perimeter, patrol outside the gates, and conduct sentry duties. The support soldiers most commonly found in a headquarters and headquarters company (HHC) face much different challenges. HHC commanders in stability operations and support operations environments have much greater flexibility than their maneuver or combat brethren when it comes to training, operations, and scheduling, and they should make the most of that opportunity. At issue are the female soldiers not found in line companies, the engineer reconnaissance team (ERT) normally assigned to the intelligence section, partnership possibilities with allied units, and mission-essential task list training conducted while deployed. An HHC commander'ss flexibility extends beyond normal 9-to-5 working hours and varies by section and military occupational specialty (MOS). For cultural reasons, female soldiers will be in much higher demand. They will be tasked to conduct personal searches of women in the local civilian populace, both at entrances to base camps and during cordon-and-search operations outside the wire. Ironically, these female soldiers, who are not allowed in combat arms branches, will likely be exposed to greater risks and see more of the host nation than their male counterparts with whom they share an MOS. In a combat engineer battalion, the HHC is the only company with women and consequently will bear the entire burden of these taskings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA596518
Entities
People
- Kevin Stoll
- Ralan Hill
Organizations
- United States Army Engineer School