The Earth Movers of Company B, 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), are not currently conducting engineer specific operations in Baghdad.
 Instead, they are conducting a very honorable and prestigious mission for fellow Soldiers – they are safeguarding their lives and enabling their mission accomplishment.
 “Engineers provide our force with a flexibility to accomplish tasks spanning the full array of lethal and non-lethal options in a counterinsurgency fight.  Trained and equipped to execute independently or in concert with maneuver forces, engineers often find themselves accomplishing their ‘engineer tasks’ while providing their own security,” said Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Zajac, commander of the 46th ECB (H).
 Currently, the EM Platoon is attached to Task Force Gold and conducts mounted and dismounted security operations for a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Team.  The Soldiers of the QA/QC team ensure that the construction projects around Sadr City stay on track and also make sure the Iraqi contractors adhere to construction standards.
 “It is incredible to see the progress made every day by Iraqi citizens in their efforts to better their lives.  It’s something the news back home never reports on.  Every day we see new schools, soccer fields and parks being finished,” stated Sgt. 1st Class Antwann Rhodes, an EM platoon sergeant.
After a training period with a Military Police Personal Security Detachment teams, EM developed sound tactics, techniques and procedures to accomplish their non-standard mission.  The effectiveness of these tactics is apparent in the comments of the Soldiers that EM protects.  After every mission, the QA/QC Soldiers offer thanks and praise for the job well done by the 46th ECB (H) Soldiers.
 “The Earth Movers have always been a close platoon, and this mission has made us even stronger.  We are developing that unique bond created during combat, often described as becoming Family.  Each Soldier can tell how the other one thinks and acts.  It’s our camaraderie and dedication to excellence that made it easy to transition to this mission,” said Sgt. Matthew Shane, who serves with EM Platoon, 46th ECB (H).
 The Engineer Regiment’s full-spectrum capabilities are always in high demand by our maneuver brethren, and the Soldiers of the 46th ECB (H) demonstrate this versatility on a daily basis.  The EM Co. B exemplify the spirit captured by the verses of the unofficial Army Engineer song:
“We put them over rivers and across the mountains streams,
Do everything but tuck them in, and wish them pleasant dreams.
When the going’s really tough, and bombs do burst their ears,
The whole division’s quick to say, "God send the engineers!"