Top: From left, Staff Sgt. Brent Mittleider, Capt. Jakob Oster and Sgt. 1st Class Elliott Larman remove a block of ice from Richie Slough with a U.S. Army Common Bridge Transporter (CBT). Removing the block of ice will allow the CBT to launch an M30 Bridge Erection Boat into the water. The Soldiers, assigned to the 164th Regional Training Institute, are conducting tests to help determine tactics, techniques, and procedures for ice-bridging operations. (National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Brian Schmoker, operations noncommissioned officer in charge, 164th Regional Training Institute)
Breaking the Ice at Richie Slough
Colonel Russ Wolf, commander of the N.D. National Guard's 164th Regional Training Institute (RTI), directed the RTI's engineer instructors to develop cold-weather bridging operations, utilizing the M30 Bridge Erection Boat (BEB) and Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB). (National Guard story and photos by Master Sgt. Brian Schmoker, operations noncommissioned officer in charge, 164th Regional Training Institute)
In response, the RTI began pioneering U.S. Army winter bridging operations by partnering with researchers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineer Development and Research Center (ERDC) and their Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL). This partnership will enable the engineer schoolhouse to begin developing the required TTPs (tactics, techniques, and procedures) for ice-bridging operations. Until now, much of the information collected on cold-weather military bridging operations has been collected by ERDC from the Swedish army.
Camp Grafton Training Center (CGTC) is an ideal place to develop doctrine for ice water bridging operations due to the cold weather climate, the camp's direct access to Devils Lake, and the RTI's engineer training mission.
The weather of late November was finally cold enough to begin the bridging tests. During the weekend of Nov. 20 to 21, Sgt. 1st Class Elliott Larman, branch chief of RTI's Combat Branch, determined the formation of ice at the Richie Bridge Park was approximately 3 inches thick. This created the ideal conditions. On Nov. 22, the first BEB was launched into the frozen waters.
The engineers began by cutting a square section of ice by chainsaw. Once the chunk of ice is removed, the opening will allow the Common Bridge Transporter to back into the waters and launch an M30 BEB.
Sergeant First Class Elliott Larman, branch chief of Regional Training Institute's Combat Branch, observes as a forklift removes a section of ice to allow the launch of an M30 Bridge Erection Boat into the icy waters of Devils Lake at the Richie Bridge Park on Camp Grafton Training Center, N.D., Nov. 22, 2021. (National Guard photo by Captain Jacob Oster, 164th Regional Training Institute)
Once the ice-cover over Devils Lake increased by a few inches, the BEB launch test was repeated on Nov. 29. Tests conducted on that day determined that the BEB was able to operate in waters with less than 5 inches of surface ice. These findings were recorded as the bridging engineers continued to explore and find the answers to more questions.
Specifically, the 164th Regional Training Institute's bridging instructors were tasked to determine the following:
- What preparation must be done to the ice before launching a BEB?
- What tools and equipment are needed to prepare the ice for bridging operations?
- What is the best way to effectively operate the BEB/IRB in an ice-covered body of water?
- What are the limits of ice conditions for effective bridging?
- What level of icy conditions would potentially damage the BEB/IRB?
So far, only the BEB has been launched into the icy waters. Eventually, the IRB panel will also be deployed and tested for operating limits. Testing and developing of bridging employment procedures for ice-covered waters will continue throughout this winter. In January, employees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ EDRC are scheduled to travel to CGTC to work with the N.D. Guard instructors.
Staff Sergeant David Merkley, 164th Regional Training Institute, drives a boat into the water of the Richie Bridge Park on Camp Grafton Training Center, N.D., Nov. 22, 2021.
Captain Jacob Oster, Regional Training Institute operations officer, left, observes as Sgt. 1st Class Elliot Larman, center, and Staff Sgt. David Merkley, lower an M30 Bridge Erection Boat into the icy waters of Devils Lake at the Richie Bridge Park on Camp Grafton Training Center, N.D., Nov. 22, 2021.
Deployed Hooligans participate in DANCON Ruck March
Several deployed Happy Hooligans serving in the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, participated in the Danish Contingent (DANCON) Ruck March Nov. 27, 2021. (National Guard story and photos by Senior Master Sgt. Erica Carruth, 119th Military Personnel Flight superintendent)
The DANCON is a 25-kilometer (15.5 miles) ruck march, which is accomplished while carrying a total weight of at least 10 kilograms, or roughly 22 pounds. The $25 entry fee is used as a fundraiser for Danish veterans and their families. The Danish military began the tradition of holding periodic ruck marches at deployed locations in 1972, inviting allies to participate, in order to build comradery and morale. Approximately 400 military personnel participated in the DANCON, which began at 8 p.m. local time to help avoid the daytime heat. Participants were allowed eight hours to complete the march.
“It was a lot of fun! People carried flags of their home units, glow sticks, head lamps, and played music,” said Senior Master Sgt. Erica Carruth, the 119th Military Personnel Flight superintendent, who is serving as the 386th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron PERSCO team chief. “It was great to visit with all the other participants, and I even bumped into other deployed Hooligans on the course.”
Staff Sgt. Rachael Harland, 119th Services Flight, third from left, smiles as she participates in the DANCON Ruck March during her deployment at Ali Al Salem Air Force Base, Nov. 27, 2021.
Finishers collected certificates and medals at the Danish camp upon completion of the grueling event.
“My calves cramped up and I started getting blisters at about the nine-mile mark, and then the blisters began breaking at about mile 11,” said Carruth, who finished the ruck march in 4 hours and 11 minutes. “I also really appreciate the support we’ve all been getting from back home, and from each other,” she added. “We’re always checking in on each other and my co-workers from back home are always reaching out with care packages and just taking care of things in my absence. The Hooligan family follows you wherever you go.”
There are about 30 deployed Happy Hooligans serving in various roles at the base. Carruth noted the days are long and the work is hard, but the experience is very rewarding.
AIT Honor Grad
Private Andrew Melhoff, 131st Military Police Battalion, was recently recognized as the honor graduate during his Advanced Individual Training (AIT) course - Petroleum Supply Specialist Course (MOS 821 – 91SG) at Fort Lee, Virginia. (National Guard story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Grant Semchenko, N.D. Army National Recruiting and Retention Battalion)
Promotion
Major Ann Willoughby, Joint Force Headquarters, was promoted to lieutenant colonel during a ceremony, at Raymond J. Bohn armory in Bismarck, N.D., Nov. 24, 2021.
State Partnership Program
Members of the N.D. National Guard met with various State Partnership Program (SPP) representatives in Washington, D.C. this past week. (National Guard story by Lt. Col. Mark McEvers, director, N.D. National Guard's State Partnership Program)
Led by Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, the purpose of the engagements was to foster closer relationships with our SPP countries.
The Togolese Republic's ambassador to the U.S., the honorable Frédéric Edem Hegbe, second from right, hosts visitors at the Togo embassy in Washington, D.C., Nov. 30, 2021. From left, Mo Dambre, Pentagon African affairs analyst; Lt. Col. Mark McEvers, director, N.D. National Guard's State Partnership Program; Hegbe; and Capt. Jeremiah Colbert, 119th Wing. Colbert will be assigned as N.D. National Guard's first bilateral affairs officer assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Lome, Togo, summer 2022.
ESGR EMPLOYER AWARD
Bishop David Kagan, Diocese of Bismarck, was awarded the ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) Service Member Patriot Award, Bismarck, N.D., Nov. 30, 2021. Chaplain (Capt.) Justin Waltz nominated the bishop in recognition of his support of Waltz's military service in the N.D. National Guard. (National Guard story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs)
These awards are presented to employers and supervisors who support members of the Reserve Component. An employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or the spouse of a Guard or Reserve member, may nominate individual supervisors and bosses for support provided directly to the nominating Service member and his or her family. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (701) 333-2057 or visit ESGR.mil/ND.
Disabled Veterans Hunt
Camp Grafton Training Center hosted a Disabled Veteran's Hunt, Nov. 8 and 15, 2021. Five Veterans were assisted around camp on both days to hunt deer. (National Guard story by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland, N.D. National Guard Public Affairs)
To participate in this program, Veterans must apply through their county's Veterans office and then be selected by lottery at the Barnes County Veterans office. This hunt has been conducted since about the early 1990s and was initiated by Col. Dean Hildebrand. This year's hunt was a success, with three does and two bucks taken on the first day and four bucks on the second.
North Dakota Military Veteran Virtual Job Fair
Job Service North Dakota will host a Military and Veteran Virtual Job fair, Wednesday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The virtual job fair is for all current military members, veterans, and their families. There is no cost to attend. (Story by Sarah Arntson, Job Service North Dakota's Communications Officer)
More than 60 employers from across North Dakota will be available to meet attendees and conduct interviews. The Job Fair will take place on the Job Service North Dakota’s Talentspace platform. Apple users are encouraged to use either Google Chrome or Firefox browsers to attend the event as Safari does not work well with the virtual platform.
“Veterans make great employees,” said Grand Forks Workforce Center Manager, Dusty Hillebrand. “They have strong skills in teamwork, but can work independently to get the job done. They are able to adapt and overcome. Veterans are dependable and know the job isn’t done until the work is finished. They have a wide range of skills they have developed during their service. For employers, hiring veterans is a smart move.”
Attendees must register to enter the event, which can be done in advance or during the event. Once registered, they will be able to see the list of employers participating. Job seekers will be able to browse virtual booths, learn about each company and speak with hiring representatives from businesses of their choice.
Holiday Family Fun
The N.D. Guard Service Member and Family Support Center hosted Military Family crafting nights in Grand Forks, Bismarck, Fargo, Minot, and at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, during the month of November. Attendees received supplies to create beautiful wreaths for the holidays. For more information on N.D. National Guard Family programs go to the Service Member and Family Support Center Facebook Page.
Camp Grafton Training Center
Family members from Camp Grafton Training Center show off their holiday wreaths in Devils Lake, Nov. 8, 2021.
Grand Forks
Bismarck
Minot
Fargo
Please include contact information if a response is requested.
Click to receive an email whenever a new TAG Line is published.