BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (August 11, 2008) —  The combined talents of 21 Soldiers and civilians comprise a Facility Engineer Team, whose task is to prepare plans and specifications, provide inspections on construction, and offer expertise for the steady flow of projects designed to improve and expand Bagram Air Field.

In addition to the five officers, four enlisted Soldiers and 12 civilians that make up the FET, approximately 1,000 Afghan nationals are employed at any given time.

The FET’s steady-state workload normally consists of the team simultaneously working on 20 projects involving demolition, rubble removal, barrier building and other structural work, and they normally have up to 50 additional projects in the works. Synchronization is key to the FET because new projects result in a domino effect, explained Air Force Maj. Kyle Torster

“Every project impacts at least four other units on BAF,” said Torster. “Individual units tend to only see their own circle of operations – it’s our job to see the big picture.” 

To keep track of ongoing efforts and the development of secondary projects, such as well building or area de-mining, the FET team had to devise a plan. 

“Major Torster developed a tracker to trace secondary effects,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher J. West. “[Before that], it was impossible to follow all the development projects and changes going on inside the wire.” 

Many projects are currently in the works on BAF. For example, a new $2.7 million Combined Joint Task Force-101 administrative building is nearing completion. The building will provide administration space, conference rooms, secure rooms and a new command center. 

Other projects currently underway include: upgrading guard towers, reorganizing the locations of motor pools, replacing B-huts with pre-engineered buildings – all projects aimed at improving Bagram living and working conditions for the troops.
 
In addition to improving lives for deployed service members, the FET brings jobs to Afghan nationals by empowering local contractors to lead in most areas of construction. 

“[Many] Afghans are very good at brick and mortar, and they are very smart,” said Torster, who explained that currently Afghans are hired to perform hands-on labours but as their technology evolves, they will play an increasingly valuable role here. Right now, sizing electrical or mechanical loads is challenging to a culture of people living with limited electricity. 

“I believe Afghans are watching and will find a way to bring more technology to Afghanistan,” said Torster.  “In terms of electrical and mechanical engineering, Afghanistan is a generation or two away from the United States in terms of technology.” 

Afghan contractors and local nationals who work with the FET not only build projects to improve BAF, but also build relationships with U.S. military and civilian contractors.  By working closely together, good relationships are formed and Afghans are able to improve their construction techniques and processes.  In the process, Bagram continues to evolve and meet the needs of the people who live inside and outside its fences.