Fort Riley ? Members of an Army engineering unit are headed for Afghanistan, where they will clear roads – and build more.

Deployment ceremonies were Friday for the 70th Engineer Battalion, the third unit to depart from Fort Riley this month. About half of the battalion’s more than 450 soldiers will be going overseas for the first time.

The battalion returned about a year ago from a deployment to Iraq, its second there since 2003.

In Afghanistan, the unit will also take part in building projects.

Capt. Kimberly Allen was among those who deployed to Iraq the last time. Afghanistan presents a different set of challenges, she said.

“There are not as many roads in Afghanistan,” Allen said. “So we’re excited and looking forward to it.”

Roads must be cleared of explosives and other obstacles so military units can use them.

About 6,000 soldiers are currently deployed to international missions from Fort Riley. About 4,000 of them left this month. Besides the engineering battalion, units with the 4th Brigade Combat Team and the 977th Military Police Company left earlier this month.

Friday’s deployment, like the others, was marked by goodbyes for family members.

“My oldest daughter has a much better time than the other two,” said Lt. Andrew Lowery, a father of three. “I can’t say she likes it, but she understands it.”

His wife, Susan, leads the family readiness group – or FRG – for the battalion’s Charlie Company.

“I take myself and wrap myself up in the FRG and helping the other wives as well,” she said. “We bond together.”

Spc. Christopher Davis left several reminders behind for his two daughters, said his wife, Desiree – including a daily message for his oldest, 3-year-old Kayla.

“He wrote little sayings and put them in a jar so every day she can pull one out and read something from Dad in his handwriting,” Desiree Davis said. “We also had him sit down in front of a camera and read books so the kids can hear his voice.”