Although it has a major
civilian work force in its civil works area, the Corps of Engineers
is a vital part of the Army, and support to the Army is an important
mission of every Corps district.
Vicksburg District has always taken this support
role very seriously, working with the active Army, Reserve Officer's
Training Corps (ROTC), reserve components, and Army National Guard
at every opportunity.
The hundreds of thousands of project acres around
the lakes, clear and forested, offer ideal areas for many types
of military training, ranging from parachute drops to temporary
construction. District construction projects provide excellent experience
for West Point and ROTC cadets studying engineering. Army helicopter
pilots log many hours of valuable flying time during high water
emergencies, helping the district maintain watch on hundreds of
miles of levees. These flying patrols add to the pilots' experience
and provide an indispensable service to the Corps.
The Vicksburg District's service to the Army is
more direct in other areas. Many of our civilian employees are also
members of the Army Reserve and National Guard, often performing
similar duties at both jobs. Their work enhances their ability to
serve the Army, and their time with Reserve or Guard units increases
their job skills. More importantly, these employees often share
an increased understanding of the hardships and rewards of military
life.
The district's active military officers also play
an important role in Reserve and Guard training. Every year, one
or more of the district's officers serve as evaluators during annual
two- week training. Their experience in the active Army helps them
offer constructive advice to Guard and Reserve units.
|