Photo By Staff Sgt. James Hunter | U.S. Army Soldiers from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd...... read more read more
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By Staff Sgt. James Hunter
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
BAGHDAD – Throughout the greater Baghdad area, many troops can be seen moving about in a variety of military vehicles. From Humvees to mine resistance ambush protected vehicles, these heavily protected vehicles play an important role in the safety of troops.
However, those behind the scenes may play an even greater role, such as the mechanics who keep these vehicles moving on the battlefield – in this case, it is those responsible for keeping the Iraqi army's vehicles ready to conduct tactical patrols.
For nearly a year, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers with the 526th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), have been training Iraqi army mechanics on the basics of proper upkeep of the M-1114 high mobility multi-purposed wheeled vehicle.
"We have been training on a lot of different topics," said Staff Sgt. Eric Tipton, with Company B, 526th BSB, 2nd BCT, 101st Abn. Div., who cited several technical challenges not easily resolved, such as training on electronic transmission troubleshooting, which includes learning about the various trouble codes and how to make the proper mechanical adjustments."
"We also train on 200-amp generator replacement, [air conditioner] system maintenance, turbo charger replacement and excessive engine vibration," he explained. "We have tried to do training on systems that they could not easily figure out without training. Anyone can do brakes or change a radiator, but a transmission is the sort of thing you can never have too much training on."
Tipton said the main training focuses on teaching their Iraqi army mechanic counterparts on how to repair their vehicles before they break down.
"Being good at preventive maintenance is just as important as being able to replace a part after it breaks," said Tipton, a native of Gulfport, Miss., who added that an important area of emphasis is understanding that good preventive maintenance means good planning – and good planning can equal successful missions.
For missions that entail operating the vehicles daily and hauling people and cargo around, mechanics are a "must" to have, said Spc. Nicolas Pantoja, a native of Chicago, who is also assigned to Co. B. Mechanics are essential to the mission.
"A mechanic's mission is on par with that of a medic," said Tipton. "Medics keep Soldiers alive and help put them back in the fight. Without mechanics you can roll until something breaks, but we make sure Soldiers can get to the fight and get supplies. Without medics, people die; without mechanics, trucks die."
Their Iraqi army soldiers' mechanical abilities have grown too – in large part, due to their inner desire to learn from their MND-B counterparts.
"Most of the mechanics want to learn and are eager. These are the guys who are good mechanics to begin with," said Tipton. "The others still want to learn, but the language barrier is a real problem if you don't already have a basic understanding of what we are discussing that day."
They IA students have proven, time and time again with their adaptability and access to limited resources, they can accomplish any task thrown their way.
"They are motivated. The mechanics that I have met are sharp and we answer all of their questions," said Pantoja. "We have tools they do not have, so they have to make repairs with limited resources. They are always adapting."
The Iraqi army vehicles have made great strides mechanically as well since the training program was implemented.
"Their equipment is in much better shape now then it was a year ago, and I hope that our training is part of that," said Tipton.
The MND-B trainers hope their training is beneficial for the Iraqi mechanics, who will help their brothers in arms by sharing their enhanced capabilities.
"I needed someone to teach me about fixing trucks," said Pantoja, "so I am glad that I get to teach them what I know."
| Date Taken: | 10.03.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.03.2008 11:56 |
| Story ID: | 24489 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 275 |
| Downloads: | 262 |
This work, Strike troops help Iraqis turn wrenches, by SSG James Hunter, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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