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  • Combating STEM shortage one student at a time

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District’s high school internship program is helping inspire the next generation of STEM professionals by mentoring local students in engineering and architecture. Throughout the semester, students gained hands-on experience designing a nature center while exploring future careers in STEM fields.

  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Consolidates Mission in Middle East, Expeditionary District Stands Down

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held an inactivation ceremony May 21 as the Expeditionary District stood down and the Middle East District assumed its responsibilities, consolidating engineering and construction support across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility under a single district. Leaders highlighted the Expeditionary District’s critical support to Operations Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield, while emphasizing the Middle East District’s longstanding presence and continued commitment to supporting the warfighter throughout the region.

  • USACE Middle East District Aims to Slash Construction Roadblocks

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District is launching a collaborative initiative with industry partners to modernize construction and project delivery by addressing common barriers and testing innovative solutions. Through a “Townhall with Industry,” the District identified key challenges, such as regulatory, cultural, and logistical obstacles, and aims to pilot new, more flexible approaches on upcoming projects. The effort focuses on improving speed, quality, and collaboration to better support military and partner needs in the region.

  • A Marathon to Mastery: An Army Engineer's Journey to Lifelong Learning

    Lt. Col. Donald Lew has become the first and only active-duty Engineer Officer to earn all nine Engineer Additional Skill Identifiers (ASIs) after a 15-year journey. His pursuit was not initially a deliberate goal but was driven by a passion for self-improvement, particularly for his assignment with the 75th Ranger Regiment. Lew has utilized every skill acquired and encourages others to pursue these qualifications, stating that the main barrier is self-imposed limitations.

  • Former Professor Finds Career Change Well Planned

    Dr. Joshua Kincaid, a former university professor with a background in ecological biogeography and dendrochronology, has successfully transitioned his academic skills to a community planning position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Middle East District. He now uses his expertise to forecast and plan the long-term infrastructure needs for U.S. and allied military bases. His unique career change highlights how non-traditional backgrounds can be a valuable asset in supporting mission requirements.

  • Quality Data Builds Quality Projects

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently introduced Engineering Quality Risk Indicators (EQRIs) to help project teams identify and address risks throughout both design and construction phases. Rather than replacing existing regulations, EQRIs offer a structured way to evaluate whether quality processes are being followed and if teams have the tools and skills to succeed. Feedback and honest responses from team members are central to improving project outcomes across the board.

  • No Explosives, No Problem, Sapper Training Provides Tactical Skills and Strategic Mindset

    Lieutenant Colonel Donald Lew, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District, exemplifies how the Sapper spirit endures beyond the battlefield. A combat engineer with a distinguished military career, Lew now helps deliver critical infrastructure in support of U.S. and partner nation defense efforts across the Middle East. As USACE celebrates 250 years of engineering excellence, Lew’s journey underscores the strategic value of combining military leadership with the deep expertise of a civilian workforce, building not just structures but lasting global partnerships.

  • USACE Employee Awarded for Adding Value to Projects

    Dale Hartmann, works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District, received the 2025 Distinguished Service in Government Award for his advocacy of value engineering (VE). Hartmann’s leadership in the Center of Standardization for Nonpermanent Facilities (COS) resulted in over $20 million in savings, demonstrating the impact of VE in optimizing performance and resources through innovative solutions.

  • Middle East District Employees Answer the “Essayons” Call

    Although the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District primarily supports military construction in the Middle East, several employees recently volunteered to assist with domestic disaster response missions, including wildfires in Hawaii and California and flooding in North Carolina. Guided by the Corps motto, Essayons—“Let Us Try”—team members provided critical support ranging from contracting and quality assurance to GIS mapping. Their contributions helped restore devastated communities and gave employees a deeper connection to USACE’s broader mission. From rebuilding schools and homes to offering comfort to survivors, each volunteer made a lasting impact during a time of crisis.

  • USACE Project Oversight Part Art Part Science

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Middle East District focuses on ensuring its projects are led by a healthy Project Delivery Team (PDT), which consists of trained professionals, is mission-focused, and demonstrates innovation and adaptability. Success is assessed through both hard data, such as schedules and budgets, and softer factors like communication and stakeholder management. Improvements in project quality have been achieved through the implementation of data quality review boards. COL Christopher Klein emphasizes the importance of leadership involvement, noting that sometimes saying "no" is necessary to ensure a successful, realistic project outcome rather than one that is expedited.