Experienced civilian engineers could train others in military engineering or serve together in specialist construction units. A proposed British equivalent of the Seabees leads to the example of Mobile Naval Air Bases and their construction personnel. Alex recalls a Royal Marine responsible for air-base security who considered it a point of honor that the workers under his protection never needed to fire their weapons. The Marine appreciated construction personnel's ability to fight, but regarded their use as the primary fighting force as a failure by commanders responsible for security. His account allows for different conditions in Pacific island campaigns while insisting that protecting skilled labor is an operational responsibility.
Notable Point · 5:02:14-5:04:22
Construction units and the duty to protect skilled workers
Specialist construction units need protection that lets them use their trade skills, illustrated by a Royal Marine's account of air-base security.