The 262nd Engineer Company constructs a playground field for Raymond Elementary School in 2017. Maine Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sarah Myrick

The Maine Army National Guard plans this month to be involved in six community outreach projects of various sizes for the 2023 annual training season.

Officially termed Innovative Readiness Training, or IRTs, the projects have long been a staple in the Maine National Guard’s annual training repertoire, particularly for engineering and transportation units. The federal IRT program allows for active, reserve and National Guard units to pair their mission essential task training with community needs, resulting not only in increased unit readiness, but also bettering local communities, according to a news release from Maj. Carl Lamb, public affairs officer.

Five site development missions are slated to be completed in June by units under the 133rd Engineer Battalion. A sixth project, a series of haul missions by the 1136th Transportation Company, is already underway. The 1136th spent their March drill period conducting haul missions for the Bureau of Parks and Lands, delivering firewood from two central locations to various state parks in anticipation of the tourist season. More deliveries are slated for June as well.

Previous IRT projects include reconstructing sea walls and building rehabilitation on Kittery’s Wood Island, a multipurpose sports field at Raymond Elementary School, and cabin rehabilitation for Camp Susan Curtis in Stoneham.

Summer 2023 IRT Projects:

• Auburn – Clearing, grubbing, and grading in preparation for youth sports complex construction

Primary units assigned – 136th Engineer Vertical Construction Company (Lewiston, Skowhegan); 262nd Engineer Construction Company (Sanford)

• East Millinocket – Rehabilitation of aging industrial property to support the community’s goal of establishing a new center of commerce

Primary unit assigned: 185th Engineer Support Company (Presque Isle)

• Lake George Regional State Park – Rehabilitation of property and historical structures to keep the park a popular destination for Maine residents and out of state tourists

Primary unit assigned: 136th Engineer Vertical Construction Company

• Skowhegan – Assist in establishing two crew quarters for Maine Appalachian Trail Club, which will aid in the management of 267 miles of the Appalachian Trail

Primary unit assigned: 262nd Engineer Company & 136th Engineer Vertical Construction Company

• Presque Isle – Establishing new parking and access areas for Peace Park

Primary unit assigned: 185th Engineer Support Company

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