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.

Back

to News Home Page |