Multi-National Division-Central

Story by Spc. Allison Churchill

By Spc. Allison Churchill
41st Fires Brigade

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – Iraqi army mechanics are nearing the end of their participation in Operation "Grease Monkey," a joint operation to develop IA mechanics with help from Soldiers from the 41st Fires Brigade.

"We can do more joint missions when the vehicles are fixed," said Pvt. Aeiad K. Jeari, chief mechanic, Headquarters, 32nd Iraqi Army Brigade. The project has strengthened the friendship between Iraqi and coalition forces, he said.

Operation "Grease Monkey" pools the resources of the Military Transition Teams and Company B, 589th Brigade Support Battalion, 41st Fires Bde., with the 1st and 3rd Battalions and Headquarters unit of the 32nd IA Bde., to repair the Iraqis' Humvees.

Although the Iraqi mechanics are doing nearly all of the installation work, the Co. B mechanics linger close-by, assisting when needed.

"We want to help the Iraqis help themselves," said Capt. Angel Ortiz, of Carolina, Puerto Rico, Co. B commander. He and his Soldiers walked the Iraqis through the repair process.

Phase I was the inspection process, which started, Aug. 11, 2008. After the American and Iraqi mechanics discovered which parts the vehicles needed, Phase II trained the mechanics in ordering parts. Phase III actually requested the parts from the appropriate supply system. Finally, Phase IV was the installation process.

While Ortiz's Soldiers ordered the parts through their usual channels for this project, they're trying to learn the Iraqi system so they can help their 32nd IA Bde. partners use it more efficiently.

In all, the project involves almost 200 parts; at least 30 new parts were installed in each of six vehicles, said Sgt. 1st Class Cory Bass, of Teachey, N.C., non-commissioned officer in charge, brigade MiTT.

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