SCNG teaches Colombian armorers about new weapons

Photo By 1st Lt. Tracci Dorgan | U.S. Army Sgt. Daniel Garcia-Benedetti, small arms repair for 742nd Support Maintenance Company, S.C. Army National Guard, works with the Colombian armorers to teach them about the new weapons they have recently received. The 742nd SMC is in the Republic of Colombia in support of the State Partnership Program sponsored by the S.C. National Guard, sharing experience and technical ideas between the countries.  

BAMAN, COLOMBIA

09.23.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Tracci Dorgan 

South Carolina National Guard

BAMAN, Colombia - U.S. Army Sgt. Daniel Garcia-Benedetti, small arms repair for 742nd Support Maintenance Company, South Carolina Army National Guard, works with the Colombian armorers to teach them about the new weapons they have recently received. The 742nd SMC is in the Republic of Colombia in support of the State Partnership Program sponsored by the South Carolina National Guard, sharing experience and technical ideas between the countries.

“I have been a translator for the 742nd. I am from Barranquilla, a city in the north of Colombia, and have really enjoyed this opportunity to speak my native language and help Soldiers communicate with each other,” said Garcia.

Garcia was responsible for teaching the Colombians about a new piece of weaponry they received just a few weeks ago, the MK19, 40mm, grenade machine gun and the M107 .50-caliber sniper rifle.

“I did an assessment of what they need to learn about the weapons,” said Garcia. “With the MK19 and M107, I taught them to do all levels of maintenance from operator to maintainer. And I also had to translate the technical manual [TM] to them because they don’t have a Spanish TM yet.”

“The classes went very well, they have a high level of experience with other weapons, so it was easy to teach them about the new weapons,” added Garcia. “The fact I speak the language has made for a great learning environment. They have taught me about their weapons, which has been a great experience.”

Being a translator has been a rewarding experience for Garcia. He has been learning about the other maintenance skills of his fellow Soldiers in his unit because he has helped translate in every work environment.

“I have developed a bond with everyone out here, especially with the weapons guys,” said Garcia. “They really love their jobs and being in the military and they see us as their equals and coworkers, not foreigners.”

• Date Taken: 09.23.2013
• Date Posted: 09.24.2013 17:06
• Story ID: 114190
• Location: BAMAN, CO