The start of ground fighting in Iraq over the past week intensified the military's infrastructure and logistical challenges and unleashed award of a number of new support contracts. Activity also included a Bush Administration request to Congress for $74.7 billion to fight the war, provide humanitarian relief and combat terrorism in the U.S. and abroad.
The "engineering demands are astounding early on," in a military engagement, Army Corps of Engineers Major General Hans Van Winkle told attendees at the Associated General Contractors convention March 20 in Honolulu. The deputy Corps commander described the modern battlefield as a "continuum." Changes in technology have made rear areas as active as front lines, he added.