About this Unit
The 815th Engineer Battalion is a unit of the United States Army National Guard with a distinguished history of service. Originally constituted in the mid-20th century, the battalion has provided vital engineering support in both domestic and overseas missions, including combat operations, construction projects, and disaster response. The 815th has deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, where its soldiers have built critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and bases under challenging conditions. The battalion is renowned for its technical expertise, adaptability, and commitment to supporting both military and civilian communities.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Lineage: The 815th Engineer Battalion is a unit of the North Dakota Army National Guard, tracing its lineage back to the 188th Engineer Company, which was established in 1967.
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Nickname: The battalion is sometimes informally known as the “Prairie Engineers” due to its North Dakota roots and its expertise in handling diverse engineering missions in varied environments.
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Deployments: The 815th Engineer Battalion has supported multiple overseas deployments, including significant participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).
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Disaster Response: The unit has a strong history of assisting with domestic emergencies, such as the 1997 Red River Flood in North Dakota, where it played a crucial role in flood mitigation and relief efforts.
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Engineering Capabilities: The 815th specializes in horizontal engineering tasks such as road construction, airfield maintenance, and earthmoving, as well as vertical construction including buildings and bridges.
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Community Involvement: Members of the 815th regularly participate in community improvement projects, including building playgrounds, repairing infrastructure, and supporting local events.
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Female Leadership: In 2013, the battalion made headlines when Captain Anna Fladland became one of the first women to command a North Dakota Army National Guard engineer company.
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Equipment: The battalion operates a variety of heavy construction equipment, including bulldozers, excavators, graders, and dump trucks, showcasing their versatility in both military and civilian operations.
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Training Exercises: The 815th regularly conducts joint training exercises with other U.S. and allied military units, including annual participation in the Saber Strike exercise in Europe.
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Recognition: The battalion and its soldiers have earned numerous awards for outstanding performance, including the Army Superior Unit Award for exceptional service during overseas deployments.
