as warriors and as leaders. Enhanced by civilian skills that serve as a force multi- plier, we deliver vital military capabilities essential to the Total Force.
No IEDs have been found in those cul- verts since they were installed last winter. DeHart’s ingenuity and initiative per- sonify the meaning of selfless service and underscore the value of civilian skill sets and expertise brought to the force by Army Reserve Soldiers like him.
SYSTEMS SAVING SOLDIERS
CPL Eric DeHart stands by one of the installed culvert denial systems he created in Afghanistan to stop the enemy from emplacing IEDs and thereby to save Soldiers’ lives. The broken heart symbol was placed on one system, the first, “because of my nickname ‘Heartbreaker,’” DeHart said. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Army Reserve.)
footprint made by the service and sac- rifices of our warrior-citizens in distant places like Colombia, Cambodia, El Sal- vador, Kenya, and Uganda cultivate hope and compassion and provide a sense of stability to distressed or displaced victims of natural or man-made mishaps. In the process of doing so, Reserve Soldiers are touching lives, bridging distances, healing rifts, and building bonds as thoughtful ambassadors for our country. They con- tinuously demonstrate our decisive edge in the full spectrum of military undertakings.
In a single month, DeHart had built his prototype from scratch, borrowing grinding wheels and welding rods and repurposing 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch rebar. He spent his free time cutting and weld- ing the initial device and creating a field installation guide. His invention, the DeHart Culvert Denial System, is now
being installed by military units through- out southern Afghanistan.
The last 10 years of warfighting have honed the skills of a ready and proven component of the total force. The enabling capability provided by Army Reserve Soldiers and assets must be sus- tained because the Army Reserve is a force provider of vital enabler capabilities required for planned and emerging mis- sions at home and abroad.
Today’s Soldiers join with an expectation of operational employment. They not only benefit from the challenges and train- ing opportunities, but also seek a level of
“predictability” for absences from their civilian jobs. As such, it is imperative to retain these experienced Soldiers by pro- viding them with meaningful operational missions and opportunities to develop
Over the next decade, we will face adversar- ies who are also informed by the lessons of today’s conflicts, and our Nation is likely to confront additional challenges brought about by failed economies, toppled gov- ernments, or devastating natural disasters. As a positive, cost-effective investment for the nation, Army Reserve Soldiers stand ready to provide necessary combat support and combat service support to combatant commanders where and when needed, saving limited resources while accomplishing daunting tasks and provid- ing critical support on the battlefield. To return to a strategic reserve would deprive our country of an important battle-tested and cost-effective resource.
We must build upon lessons learned and evolve to account for a world that con- tinues to change. As part of the Total Force, the Army Reserve must be funded to continue its support to our national security strategy. Today’s Army Reserve Soldier is trained to a high degree of read- iness, equipped to defeat any potential adversary, and manned with experienced, high-quality professionals. Serving our Nation with distinction and making a difference in the world, they provide civilian employers with the kind of talent needed to contribute to the economy and greater community.
Indeed, they are the decisive edge! AS
C.ARMY.MI L
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COMMENTARY
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