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    January forklift training

    January forklift training

    Photo By Sgt. Joshua Oanes | Staff Sgt. Charles Pinkava guides the 10K forklift driver out of the CONEX. Having an...... read more read more

    CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait - The Austin, Minn., based 1135th Combat Support Company Maintenance section has been conducting forklift training. Around 10 soldiers from across the 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division are being trained on the 4K, 6K, and 10K forklifts. With this training, they can now assist their companies with heavy object moving.

    Staff Sgt. Blake Oelschlager from Anoka, Minn., a Battalion master driver, observed, “Having more licensed forklift drivers in each of the companies will help them not have to pull assets from other companies to get the job done.” Oelschlager also noted that, with this training, these soldiers can help move pallets and CONEXs and support other missions within the battalion.

    Most of the training revolves around sitting in the forklifts learning how it operates through hands-on training. With this training, they can become more comfortable with the operation of the equipment and become skilled operators.

    Staff Sgt. Charles Pinkava from Austin, Minn., a Battalion master driver, observed, “Give each company their own licensed forklift drivers give them the freedom for what they need.” Pinkava said that this would include being able to train other forklift drivers in their own companies.

    Spc. James Gilliand from St. Paul, Minn., a supply specialist with Bravo Company, 2-135 Infantry, was one soldier who went through the training. Not only did he work on the controls and operation of this equipment, but he also learned how to operate it safely. Overall, he found this training useful. “In case they are short of forklift drivers, we can help with that,” said Gilliand.

    Overall, these soldiers learned how to be safe through the use of ground guide and following specific directions. Working together between the forklift driver and the ground guide is imperative for safe operations. It takes hours of time in the seat to get a feel for the forklifts. This training will go a long ways in helping to make the companies more efficient in the months to come, and will be especially helpful with redeployment only a few months away.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 01.18.2012
    Date Posted: 01.22.2012 08:43
    Story ID: 82680
    Location: CAMP BUEHRING, KW

    Web Views: 117
    Downloads: 1

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