Wednesday, April 4, 2001
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Wednesday, April 4, 2001 |
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Rough and ready
Fayette son helps usher in lighter, faster Army units
By KEITH
THOMPSON
In the early 20th century, soldiers faced a transformation. Gone were the hordes of cavalry on horseback charging with drawn sabers. In their place came rumbling tanks rolling with metal tracks, steel armor and immense firepower. A century later, the son of a Fayetteville couple is going through changes even more dramatic. Army Pfc. Derek F. Campbell, son of Derek F. and Sharon E. Campbell of Oak Street in Fayetteville, is a member of a completely new type of unit designed to meet the challenges of the post-Cold War world. In response to conflicts such as Kosovo, Bosnia and Haiti, the new unit, the Initial Brigade Combat Team, is being assembled as a lighter, more mobile and faster deploying force. The first to undergo the change is the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division in Fort Lewis, Wash., where Campbell is a medical specialist with the 18th Engineer Company. "My duties include treating, stabilizing and evacuating patients," explained Campbell, a 1995 graduate of Lovejoy High School. "I ensure that all soldiers in my unit are staying healthy, and I also treat any injuries that may occur during training. I'm trained to do everything from giving IVs to treating gunshot wounds." The goal of the transformation is to have a medium force able to deploy with the speed of current light infantry forces, but arrive on the scene with more of the combat power of tank forces. To do this, the brigade has exchanged its 70-ton Abrams tanks for smaller, wheeled LAV III light armored vehicles that can drive down narrow city streets and over small bridges. The brigade, deployable by plane to anywhere in the world in 96 hours, also has been beefed up with increased intelligence gathering capabilities including unmanned aerial vehicles. The Army isn't getting rid of its heavy armor or light infantry, but creating a completely new style of unit with the latest in modern technology and weapons systems to handle the missions not suited to more traditional fighting forces, such as peacekeeping and humanitarian relief. Campbell is helping to develop the tactics, techniques and procedures for his brigade that will become the model for future brigades. "I think the new IBCT has made a change for the better in the Army," said Campbell. "The new equipment, vehicles and computer systems are outstanding and definitely give us an advantage on the battlefield." Since the transformation began last year, Campbell has become an integral player, helping the brigade deactivate units, create new ones and prepare for a scheduled initial operating capability by December. The retooling of a more than 3,000-soldier fighting force has been a learning experience for Campbell and his comrades in the 3rd Brigade. "I think the transformation was an excellent decision by the Army that I'm proud that I could take part in," said Campbell.
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