About this Unit
The 1140th Combat Engineer Battalion (1140th COMBAT ENG NG) is a unit of the Missouri Army National Guard with a distinguished history of service. Established in 1921, the battalion has provided vital engineering support, including construction, demolition, and route clearance, in both peacetime and combat operations. The 1140th has deployed overseas in support of major operations such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, where its soldiers built infrastructure and ensured mobility for allied forces. In addition, the battalion has played a crucial role in domestic disaster response, assisting with flood control and recovery efforts throughout Missouri.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Lineage: The 1140th Combat Engineer Battalion (ENG NG) is part of the Missouri Army National Guard, tracing its roots back to World War II-era engineer units from Missouri.
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Nickname: Members of the 1140th are sometimes referred to as "Roughnecks," highlighting their reputation for toughness and hard work in demanding engineering tasks.
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Iraq Deployments: The 1140th has deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where it provided route clearance, construction, and force protection support to coalition forces.
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Flood Relief Missions: The unit has been repeatedly mobilized for domestic disaster response, notably during the historic Missouri River floods of 1993 and 2011, constructing levees and providing critical flood mitigation.
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Sapper Skills: Soldiers in the 1140th are trained in a wide variety of combat engineering skills, including bridge building, demolition, road construction, obstacle breaching, and minefield clearance.
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Community Engagement: The 1140th has a tradition of supporting local Missouri communities, assisting with public works projects and participating in parades, ceremonies, and public safety events.
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Notable Awards: The battalion and its companies have earned several Army Superior Unit Awards for exceptional performance during both domestic emergencies and overseas deployments.
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Women in Combat Roles: The 1140th has been at the forefront of integrating women into combat engineer positions, reflecting broader changes in Army policy and culture.
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International Training: Members have participated in multinational exercises such as Resolute Castle in Europe, collaborating with NATO allies to build infrastructure and improve interoperability.
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Historic Missions: The unit’s lineage includes support for the construction of military airfields, roads, and bridges during World War II, and it continues to play a vital role in both state and national defense missions today.