PORTLAND (AP) - The Maine Army National Guard is training a new unit whose mission will include clearing out roadside bombs like the ones responsible for many U.S. casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Fifty-eight soldiers have already signed up for the 251st Sapper Company, which was created last month and will eventually have 100 troops, Guard officials said. In addition to identifying and eliminating roadside bombs, the Norway-based unit will be trained to perform engineering functions in support of the infantry, such as breaching fortifications with its own explosives.