MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Approximately 40 Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 combat engineers will be deploying to Bangladesh in support of the Bangladesh Interoperability Exercise through the Engineering Civic Action Program, July 7.
The exercise will enhance security and stability in the region.
MWSS-171 Marines will be working hand in hand with the Bangladesh Army for 20 days to construct a schoolhouse.
On average, Marines will be working up to 20-hour days to complete the project on time.
“I’m looking forward to see what the troops can do,” said Sgt. Adam Smith, combat engineer platoon sergeant. “We’ve deployed to other countries before to build schools. I want to see if they can keep the same standard in the time crunch that we have.”
Even though MWSS-171 Marines have gone on several deployments with the same mission, there is still a lot to be learned.
“More than just increasing their (military occupational specialty) proficiency and their ability to perform their job as Marines, I hope they gain insight into how other cultures operate, how the people there live, what their military is like, and just learn a little bit about the world,” said 2nd Lt. Craig Decicco, combat engineer platoon commander.
Smith said working with the foreign military will not only help troops with job competence but will also help build lasting friendships.
“Working hand in hand with the Bangladesh Army, we need to create a good working environment with them and create a strong bond between our countries,” said Smith.
Decicco reminded Marines they are not just building schools but building relationships.
“Marines from 171 were tasked to go in there and build a schoolhouse for the people, build relationships with their military so that we can build that relationship between the two countries,” he said.
The Marines look forward to Bangladesh, but also know the task will not be easy.
Some foreseen challenges include the language barrier, the time allotted to the project and the difference between the work ethic of the Marines and Bangladesh Army.
“It’s going to be great, it’s going to be hot, it’s going to be raining, but it’s going to be awesome,” said Smith. “We’re going to do absolutely great things out there.”