Photo By Master Sgt. Opal Vaughn | Sgt. 1st Class David Sullivan, a platoon sergeant with 232nd Engineers Company, 18th...... read more read more
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By Spc. Opal Vaughn
14th Public Affairs Detachment
TIKRIT, Iraq – U.S. Army engineer units work together with the Iraqi army to rebuild Iraq one brick at a time.
Both the 58th Combat Engineers Company and the 232nd Engineer Company worked with the Iraqi army soldiers to train them on several types of equipment at Contingency Operating Base Speicher located in Tikrit, Iraq, June 26.
"We are training the IAs to be more proficient with engineering equipment, said Sgt. Amanda Michael, a 232nd Battalion squad leader.
"We train the IAs to allow them to be more capable to do projects by themselves," said Capt. Abigail Cathelineaud, the company commander of 232nd Eng. Co. "It is a goal that we've already met in some cases, but widening those capabilities is something we would like to accomplish."
Cathelineaud spoke about the importance of training the soldiers on different types of equipment, and uses for that equipment, to evolve them for the future of the Iraqi people in the Tikrit area.
"Each piece of equipment has different abilities that the IAs can use to build roads, check points and to enable them to do their own force protection," Cathelineaud added.
The IA soldiers are continuously taught every other week by different U.S. Soldiers to familiarize and make themselves more comfortable with operating the equipment.
"It is wonderful that we're seeing the Iraqi people interested in learning how they can improve their own country. They are very eager to learn, hardworking and they're motivation is outstanding," said Michael.
Pvt. Kider Alyas Kllalil, Baghdad 4th Iraqi Army Division, is being trained by the 58th CEC, on a husky vehicle. A husky is used for route clearing and detects improvised explosive devices.
Kllalil said, through the aid of an interpreter, "I joined the Iraqi army to help the Iraqi community." Adding, "I'm doing my best to help the community in any way that I can do it."
By training the IAs to operate the huskies, "they will be able to at first assist the U.S. with route clearance missions so that they can provide stability within their own individual sectors," said Staff Sgt. Mike Garza, a squad leader with 58th CEC.
The two units teach the IAs on different types of equipment ranging from construction equipment to route clearing equipment.
"I've seen a great improvement on their operating skills and their knowledge on the equipment," said Sgt. 1st Class David Sullivan, a platoon sergeant with 232nd Eng. Co. "I train the IAs how to operate the dozer, the roller, the loader and the crane, so when they actually do get a mission, they can successfully complete it."
The IAs have already successfully set up road blocks, filled barriers and completed bridge construction without assistance from the U.S. engineers.
"The more they work with the equipment the more it will become second nature for the IAs," grinned Garza.
Each unit's mission, teaching the IAs to be more self-sufficient, is equally important.
"We provide freedom of movement for everyone," Garza said. "People will be able to drive the roads more freely knowing that they are cleared by the IAs and U.S forces, on a regular basis."
| Date Taken: | 06.28.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 06.28.2008 13:34 |
| Story ID: | 20969 |
| Location: | TIKRIT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 352 |
| Downloads: | 281 |
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