TIKRIT, Iraq - Plans for bridges, barricades and combat outposts have to come from somewhere. And the design team of the 111th Engineer Brigade is the source of many of the plans.

The Eleanor-based unit of the West Virginia National Guard is responsible for much of the design work in the northern part of Iraq. Members of the 111th are proud of the fact that they have designed dozens of military installations and other projects, and designed them quickly and well.

Lt. Col. Robert Fuller, who runs Capitol Engineering in Charleston, said the engineering unit that preceded the 111th in Tikrit worked on designs for about 100 engineering projects. Since taking over in August, the 111th has designed about 200.

"We're fortunate that we have some people who have civilian skills," said Fuller, 39.

Maj. Todd Harrell, public affairs officer for the 111th, said one advantage National Guard units often have over the regular army is that Guard members often have years of experience in their fields. Back home, Fuller runs a full-time engineering firm with a staff of about six people.

He is a stickler for detail. The 111th has designed two bridges, half a dozen bridge bypasses and dozens of fortifications and military installations. They even designed and built a new operations center for the unit's headquarters at Camp Speicher near Tikrit.

To say Fuller is picky is an understatement. At first, soldiers working on the projects his team designed had difficulty understanding Fuller's high standards. But the reasoning behind the exacting requirements soon became clear.

"Whatever mistakes are in the design are going to end up in the building," said Fuller. "That's the nature of engineering. It's a very exacting thing."

Sgt. Joe Canterbury, who overhauls jet engines for Pratt & Whitney in Bridgeport, agrees.

"Being in quality control myself, I understand where he's coming from," said Canterbury, 43, of Buckhannon.

Engineering may not have the glamour or glory of other military jobs, but Canterbury said it is important.

"What we're doing lends more to the Iraqis taking back ownership of their country than being out there killing al-Qaida," he said.

To contact staff writer Rusty Marks, use e-mail or call 348-1215.

TIKRIT, Iraq - Plans for bridges, barricades and combat outposts have to come from somewhere. And the design team of the 111th Engineer Brigade is the source of many of the plans.

The Eleanor-based unit of the West Virginia National Guard is responsible for much of the design work in the northern part of Iraq. Members of the 111th are proud of the fact that they have designed dozens of military installations and other projects, and designed them quickly and well.

Lt. Col. Robert Fuller, who runs Capitol Engineering in Charleston, said the engineering unit that preceded the 111th in Tikrit worked on designs for about 100 engineering projects. Since taking over in August, the 111th has designed about 200.

"We're fortunate that we have some people who have civilian skills," said Fuller, 39.

Maj. Todd Harrell, public affairs officer for the 111th, said one advantage National Guard units often have over the regular army is that Guard members often have years of experience in their fields. Back home, Fuller runs a full-time engineering firm with a staff of about six people.

He is a stickler for detail. The 111th has designed two bridges, half a dozen bridge bypasses and dozens of fortifications and military installations. They even designed and built a new operations center for the unit's headquarters at Camp Speicher near Tikrit.

To say Fuller is picky is an understatement. At first, soldiers working on the projects his team designed had difficulty understanding Fuller's high standards. But the reasoning behind the exacting requirements soon became clear.

"Whatever mistakes are in the design are going to end up in the building," said Fuller. "That's the nature of engineering. It's a very exacting thing."

Sgt. Joe Canterbury, who overhauls jet engines for Pratt & Whitney in Bridgeport, agrees.

"Being in quality control myself, I understand where he's coming from," said Canterbury, 43, of Buckhannon.

Engineering may not have the glamour or glory of other military jobs, but Canterbury said it is important.

"What we're doing lends more to the Iraqis taking back ownership of their country than being out there killing al-Qaida," he said.

To contact staff writer Rusty Marks, use e-mail or call 348-1215.