‘Saber’ Squadron provides mechanic, driver training to 4th Iraqi Federal Police Division

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Dillon Warren, right, with C Troop, 6th “Saber” Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center and a College Station, Texas, native, inspects the engine of a Humvee with a mechanic from the 4th Iraqi Federal Police Division during a maintenance and driver training program conducted by the Saber Squadron at Joint Security Station Falcon, Iraq, April 17. The training covered multiple topics, including basic vehicle maintenance, pre- and post-mission vehicle maintenance inspections, basic driving skills and vehicle recovery drills. (U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Daniel Elmblad)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

04.18.2011

Courtesy Story

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs

By 2nd Lt. Daniel Elmblad

BAGHDAD— On April 17, 6th ‘Saber’ Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center continued its mission of advising and assisting its Iraqi partners, as mechanics from C Troop and D Company, the squadron’s forward support company, provided a basic mechanic and driver’s training course to the mechanics and drivers with the 4th Iraqi Federal Police Division.

The training covered multiple topics, including basic vehicle maintenance, pre- and post-mission vehicle maintenance inspections, basic driving skills and vehicle recovery drills.
Although some of these topics were new to the mechanics and drivers of the 4th IFP Div., others were refreshers on topics they have learned before.

“These guys know what they are doing, but we are able to point out some new techniques and areas to look for when they are doing their vehicle maintenance,” said Spc. Dillon Warren, a mechanic with C Troop, 6th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt. and a College Station, Texas, native.

This driver’s training program is a part of Saber Squadron’s overall effort to enhance the capabilities of the 4th IFP Div.

“The 4th IFP Div. [leadership] recognizes the need for training in the technical field, and they are reaching out to gain as much assistance while we are still here,” said Sgt. Maj. Richard Burnette, command sergeant major of 6th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt. and an Anderson, S.C., native.

In the three months they have been deployed, the soldiers of Saber Squadron have reached out to their Iraqi partners by providing training in such areas as generator maintenance, map reading, welding instruction and other areas that are essential to provide security to their fellow Iraqis.

However, the training that the soldiers of Saber Squadron can provide can only go so far.

“Most of their issues during the training didn’t come from a lack of understanding, but rather a lack of supply in the necessary parts to maintain the vehicles is their biggest problem right now,” Warren said.

Despite the supply issue, Saber Squadron will continue to offer their technical expertise to the 4th IFP Div. While currently there may be a shortage of equipment or parts, the advice that the soldiers provide now can have a lasting impact on the capabilities of the Iraqi unit.

• Date Taken: 04.18.2011
• Date Posted: 04.23.2011 10:51
• Story ID: 69242
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ