Troops in Djibouti fight terrorism with wells

[unhappycamper]

Troops in Djibouti fight terrorism with wells
By Michelle Tan - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Feb 29, 2008 18:14:22 EST

AD BOUYA, Djibouti — The miles and miles of empty, rocky terrain here are broken up only by the large red rig that runs throughout the day, spitting out hot water and wet dirt.

The Versa-Drill is one of the most important pieces of equipment for the soldiers of the 1133rd Engineer Detachment, a North Carolina National Guard unit sent here to drill wells and provide water to residents of remote areas.

“Being out here is great, but the best thing is that rig,” said Sgt. Jim Morgan, of Statesville, N.C. “If not for that rig, we’d all be broken down and worn out.”

All that’s required to run the drill is a soldier trained to push the right buttons and pull the right levers.

“It really makes drilling a well very efficient,” said Master Sgt. Andrew Odom, who leads the detachment.


Rest of Africom article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/02/WEBArmy_AFRICA_wells_031008p/

[izquierdista]

1. Sounds like a great idea

Maybe all the money that is spent on cluster bombs, napalm, tanks, helicopters, A-10s, B-1Bs, C-130s, EA-6Bs, F-22s, and the rest of the alphabet that's been used to kill people can go to buying Versa-Drills. Just might make friends instead of enemies.