Sparks Fly As Iraqis Ignite Their Future

Photo By Sgt. Adrian Muehe | An Iraqi student welds two pieces of metal together during the Heating, Ventilation,...... read more read more

Photo By Sgt. Adrian Muehe | An Iraqi student welds two pieces of metal together during the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning and Welding Course. The two week course is instructed by Soldiers of Company B, 296th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, to give these men skills they can take back to their communities.  see less | View Image Page

DIYALA PROVINCE, IRAQ

02.22.2010

Story by Pfc. Adrian Muehe 

1-2 SBCT, 7th Infantry Division

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DIYALA, Iraq — Thirty new welders and electricians accepted their diplomas after successfully completing the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning and Welding Course at Forward Operating Base Normandy, Feb. 22.

The students came from a variety of backgrounds. Most were Iraqi citizens, a few of whom serve as policemen and Soldiers, looking to pursue education in these particular trades. Some of them are militiamen who are part of the Sons of Iraq, a predominantly Sunni organization committed to protecting their communities.

With Iraq being a much safer place to live, the need for an organized militia such as the SOIZ is dwindling. These men are paid by the Government of Iraq to counter the forces of terrorist groups such as al-Qaida in Iraq, but with violence among Iraqis becoming a thing of the past, these men are looking for another way to lead their lives.

"This class is a chance to give local militiamen career opportunities to get jobs as opposed to finding other avenues of income," said Sgt. Samuel Ulrich, of Yakima, Wash., the senior utility equipment repair instructor for Company B, 296th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

In a more peaceful, stable Iraq, these men will soon be able to lay down their arms for good, and lead normal lives by providing non-violent services to their communities.

This was the third HVAC and welding class held at FOB Normandy. Three previous courses have been held at FOB Warhorse.

"We want to take this class to the people, because most can't afford the trip to Baquba to take it at [FOB] Warhorse," said Chief Warrant Officer Fred Delany, from Port Orchard, Wash., officer in charge of the Iraqi Business Initiative, Company B, 296th BSB.

The two week course instills the basics of the trade in these young men, many of whom are in their early twenties. The skills they learned on FOB Normandy will set the foundation for their careers.

The welding students were taught by Spc. Joseph Allen, a native of Coal City, Ill. He serves as a metal worker for Company B.

"I teach them three to four basic joints applied to any kind of welding," said Allen. "I go over the welding process. I teach them what goes on, and show them how to identify and correct flaws."

The HVAC portion was taught with the same concept.

"I break it down to the very basics," said Ulrich. "I teach them to know what general mechanics will be able to fix. These skills can be applied to generators, lights, and other things of the same principal."

This course doesn't just set the foundation for a fresh start in a brand new career field, it solidifies it. The diplomas these men receive hold high value in Diyala province.

"Their certificates are noticed by the Diyala Vocational School," said Allen. "Their professionals came out to inspect our program and review our curriculum."

The Diyala Vocational School gave their approval of the course. Throughout the region, these certificates are as good as a diploma from the school, which many of the students cannot afford.

The students who decided to take this course came for a variety of reasons. For one student, this class is the door to a better life.

Riadh Abarham Mahmood has been a member of the SOIZ since Aug. 2008.

"U.S. Forces came to my village and asked young men to help protect the area," said Mahmood. "I volunteered to go."

Mahmood graduated from the welding class and is looking forward to his new career. He plans on continuing his service in the SOIZ until he is no longer needed. Afterwards he will continue on to be a full time welder.

"My cousin is a welder," said Mahmood. "I chose this because this is a good career and I'll be able to open a shop in my village."

Another student, Modafar Salman, already has a good career. He is a mortar man for the Iraqi police, but elected to take the HVAC course.

Salman plans on pursuing more education in electricity and air conditioning repair, as recommended by the instructors. In addition to starting his own business, he will be able to save the Baquba police station money by being able to fix their air conditioning and electrical systems.

"I hope to open a shop in Baquba while working as a policeman," said Salman. "I hope to make some extra income."

In addition to gaining skills in an exciting new career field, these graduates are able to apply for micro-grants, said Sgt. Ulrich. Micro-grants are funds used to help Iraqis start their own business.

"This gives them an added incentive to strive to do better in the course," said Ulrich.

With the third class at FOB Normandy complete, a chapter closes in the HVAC and welding class story. In their efforts to reach out to the citizens of Diyala, the next class will move into the heart of Kurdistan, and will be taught around the area of FOB Edge, along the Iranian border.

"We will actually be teaching this class off the FOB," said Allen. "We will be loading up our equipment, and taking the class to them."