Iraqi soldiers prove to be skilled mechanics

Courtesy Photo | Two Iraqi soldiers of the 6th Motorized Transportation Regiment, who work in the level-three maintenance shop on Taji, work to repair a camshaft on a light-wheeled vehicle April 22. In order to be a mechanic at the level-three shop, Iraqi soldiers have to prove themselves to be skilled and experience mechanics. They are specially-trained to repair or replace engines, transmissions, brake clutches and drive shafts, which is a much larger job than that of a level-one or level-two mechanic.  

TAJI, IRAQ

04.24.2008

Courtesy Story

316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

By Spc. Andrea Merritt
1st Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office

CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- As U.S. forces continue to transition more authority to Iraqi security forces, there is a higher level of expectation for all aspects of their self-sufficiency; even maintenance.

At the level-three maintenance shop on Taji, 80 Iraqi soldiers have proven themselves to be skilled mechanics, who can handle most of the vehicle maintenance issues for the Iraqi army units on the camp.

In order to be a level-three mechanic, the Iraqi soldiers have to show a certain aptitude for the job.

"Of course, every single mechanic has to prove himself as a skilled and experienced mechanic; then we will bring him to the level-three shop," said Col. Mohammed Abdalwahab, the maintenance company commander for the Iraqi army maintenance program.

The mechanics are specially-trained to repair or replace engines, transmissions, brake clutches and drive shafts, which is a much larger job than that of a level-one or level-two mechanic.

"At level one, they fix only simple defects like brakes, fuel, oil hazards and replacing tires -- simple things," said Col. Mohammed. "Every single unit can depend on its own staff to fix these simple defects."

"Level two is to replace the windshield, radiator, carburetor, alternator, headlights and starters. (The) second level is for the motorized transportation regiments," explained Col. Mohammed.

The degree to which the Iraqi soldiers at the level-three maintenance shop perform their duties has even been noticed by their U.S. Army counterparts.

"I think we've seen some excellent mechanics come through. The Iraqi soldiers are receiving great training, hands-on, in a variety of vehicles," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Keith Hammit, the contracting officer's technical representative, who oversees contracting requirements for the Iraqi Army maintenance program.

"As a matter of fact, I would venture to say that their experience is a lot broader than the American soldiers', who are responsible for one or two types of vehicles. Here, they're responsible for at least 10 or 15 different types of vehicles," added Hammit.

Although maintenance seems to be one small piece of the transition puzzle, each side understands the great role it plays in the Iraqi army becoming a self-sustaining force.

"All I am looking for is to serve my country and my people, and support them with capable vehicles, (so) that my soldiers and the soldiers in other units in the Iraqi army can do their job to protect the country and the people (from) the terrorists and insurgents," said Col. Mohammed.

• Date Taken: 04.24.2008
• Date Posted: 05.01.2008 09:58
• Story ID: 18982
• Location: TAJI, IQ