Bravo Company, 898th Brigade Engineer Battalion, hopes to grow to more than 80 soldiers
VANCOUVER — The Washington Army National Guard has a new company based in Vancouver.
Bravo Company, 898th Brigade Engineer Battalion has around a dozen members now but could grow to as many as 86, according to Capt. David Allen, the company commander.
That could take some time, he added. He hoped that by this time next year, the number would be between 50 to 60.
Ideally, he said, many of the soldiers could be from Clark County.
“We would love to have as many people who are already a part of the community better their community by joining the guard.”
The company held an open house Saturday to show off some of its equipment and explain the mission.
For the federal mission, Bravo Company would make routes safe from improvised explosive devices and other hazards to allow for infantry units to safely follow behind. For the state mission, the company can use its equipment to help with natural disasters, for example.
State Sen. Lynda Wilson (R-Vancouver, 17th District) also took a tour of the company.
Bravo Company, 898th BEB, “The Berserkers” is based at 15005 NE 65th Street in Vancouver.
