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4th Inf. Div.'s Blacksmiths keep stock rolling

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Eric Engel, a Branson, Mo., native, who serves as an air-conditioner technician...... read more read more

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

02.18.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

By Staff Sgt. Luis Orengo
Multi-National Division-Baghdad Public Affairs Office

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Back in the days of yore, the Army's blacksmiths took care of wagon wheels and horses' shoes – until the advent and adoption of motor vehicles by the Army at the beginning of the 20th century.

The skilled tradesmen were the experts of their craft and well-respected members of the unit.

Today, Multi-National Division – Baghdad's skilled mechanics, its mechanics, carry on the proud tradition by taking care of the rolling stock of the Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, and serve as a proud band of modern blacksmiths in Iraq.

"I usually don't like to brag about anything – but when it comes to my crew, I'll go way beyond bragging," said Sgt. 1st Class Ricky Thompson, a Little Rock, Ark., native, who serves as the STB's motor sergeant. "I can tell you right away that this is the best maintenance crew in the whole 4th ID."

The maintenance detachment of STB is comprised of 64 personnel. The Soldiers work 12-hour shifts and conduct 24-hour operations.

"We not only support STB vehicles and assets but also a lot of separate units and detachments that fall under STB," said Thompson. "We stay pretty busy here, and we are eager to help."

The eagerness to help also carries the responsibility to overcome challenges. To this band of modern blacksmiths, "challenge" is a common word.

"We've been up to a lot of challenges even before we deployed here," said Thompson.

"Most of the personnel were fresh from advanced individual training and have only basic knowledge in maintenance. There was not enough time to get them on- the-job training so it fell upon the non-commissioned officers to train and prepare the Soldiers for this mission."

The challenges did not end with the deployment but instead increased once the unit deployed.

"When we arrived here, we took over the ongoing operations from the 1st Cavalry Division, said Thompson. "Many of these guys have never seen an (up-armored) humvee, so they didn't have a clue how to start; but with NCOs' guidance and their 'can-do' attitude, they have done well.

"We are expecting to receive the new Mine Resistance Ambush Protected vehicles in the next couple of weeks, so there is another challenge to tackle," he added.

Tackling the daily challenges has become second nature for the Soldiers, many of whom are in their first enlistment and on their first deployment.

"This is my first deployment here, and I was very nervous," said Pfc. Daniel Muñoz, a San José, Calif., native, who serves as a light equipment mechanic, "with everything that has been said and the TV news. But once we got here, everything seems pretty much under control now."

Muñoz look at the deployment as an opportunity to improve his maintenance skills.

"It's been a great learning experience," he said. "We didn't have a lot of work as mechanics back home; but here, it has been very demanding and challenging. I have been learning a lot."

The unit's NCOs are the ones who made things happen, and they have always been available to guide, mentor and support each of the new Soldiers in the detachment, said Muñoz.

"The NCOs are the ones helping us to cope with the daily life here," he said.

With more than 85 vehicles, trailers, electric generators and a myriad of other equipment being serviced on a weekly basis, the motor pool work is never finished as the Soldiers continue to prepare themselves for new and more demanding challenges, such as adding the new MRAP vehicles to their list of equipment to service.

"We are very excited about the arrival of the MRAP," said Spc. Donna Leis, a Winfield, Kan., native, serving as a light vehicle mechanic who deployed to Iraq with the 4th Inf. Div. in Nov. 2005. "We have one here, and we been training every Wednesday; it is great to learn something new. It's going to be interesting and challenging as we have to operate during summer outside the bay."

An STB mechanic, Leis said she takes pride and satisfaction in her job and knowing that her commitment and work is making a difference for the Iraqi people.

"Without our vehicles rolling out and our guys going out helping the Iraqi people every day, there would be no mission," said Leis. "We have trained the Iraqi army in how to repair and service their own vehicles so they could be able to do their jobs also."

Pride in their mission, and pride in knowing they are making a difference for the good of the Iraqi people, are what defines the mechanics of the STB.

"I'm very proud of what I'm doing here," said Muñoz. "We are making sure our guys have their equipment in good working condition in order for them to be effective in their mission helping the Iraqi people. We work behind the scenes – the same as the dining facility personnel and many others – to make things go smooth for our guys. If they accomplish their mission, then we have done ours."