1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs

Courtesy Story

AL ASAD AIRBASE, Iraq – Advise and assist paratroopers here recently paired with mechanics of an Iraqi transportation regiment to lend expertise on repairing the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, or "humvee."

Team Partner, a group of hand selected mechanics from 307th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division Advise and Assist Brigade, instructs mechanics of the 7th Iraqi Army Motor Transport Regiment on how to troubleshoot humvees several times per week.

The 7th MTR provides maintenance and transportation support to all four brigades of the 7th Iraqi Army Division.

"Most of the [Iraqi] mechanics are very talented and have a lot of experience, but the vehicles are complex, and having detailed manuals and some guidance is invaluable," said Spc. Ryan Calzada, a wheeled vehicle mechanic with 307th BSB.

"Not only do they learn valuable skills such as troubleshooting and repair procedures, they are able to immediately apply the lessons learned to fix their broken equipment," he said.

"Logistical concerns such as acquiring parts, turning in of unserviceable items and the scheduling of routine maintenance are critical steps that must be addressed to ensure the 7th Iraqi Army maintenance program operates smoothly and efficiently in a self-sustaining manner," said Capt. Kyle Brown, officer in charge of Team Partner.

"We are determining how they are operating now, and we are working with them to ensure they understand the procedures necessary to get everything they need," said Brown.

"Team Partner quickly discovered the Iraqis have a tremendous amount of knowledge to share as well," said Spc. John Tate, also a mechanic with 307th BSB.

"The Iraqis are great at improvisation, as demonstrated by their ability to conduct battle damage assessment and repair," said Tate.

"Over the next year, Team Partner will expand its lesson plan, building on the basics and branching out into advanced maintenance instruction," said Brown.

The 307th BSB's mission is to provide combat service and health support. The battalion has experienced multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq since 2001.

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