CAMP TAJI, Iraq - From September 2008 through February 2009, the 68th Transportation Company, out of Mannheim, Germany, served as a Logistics Training and Advisory Team with the mission to train, advise, and mentor the Iraqi army's General Transport Regiment.
As the only theater-level transportation unit in the Iraqi army, the GTR has the tremendous task of transporting critical supplies and equipment to and from various depots, multiple ports of embarkation, and 12 location commands throughout Iraq.
Within this six-month period, the 68th Trans. Co., 419th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, planned and executed an intense, month-long certification exercise that trained and certified the GTR to conduct logistic patrols throughout Iraq. The unit also provided extensive maintenance training, which enabled the GTR to keep its fleet of more than 350 vehicles on the road.
Most notably, the 68th established a Driver's Training Academy to train and license the vehicle operators assigned to the GTR. As a result of the company's training and mentoring, the GTR now operates their own DTA with no assistance from coalition forces. To date, the cadre at the GTR's DTA has trained and licensed more than 100 Iraqi Soldiers on the Regiment's fleet of vehicles. This is a significant accomplishment, particularly considering that the GTR's DTA is run by Iraqi army non-commissioned officers. Since the Iraqi army's NCO Corps is not as developed as the U.S. Army's NCO Corps, this was a huge gain for their Corps.
Additionally, the 68th mentored the GTR during 50 real-world missions. The unit shared essential technical and tactical knowledge with the Soldiers and leaders of the GTR. As a result of the company's diligent efforts, the GTR successfully accumulated more than 12,000 miles transporting in excess of 1,500 pieces of equipment throughout Iraq. As a result of the GTR's outstanding performance and the increased need for transporters to sustain and support coalition forces throughout Multi-National Division-Baghdad, the 68th Transportation Company was directed to resume their transportation mission.
On March 1, the 68th returned to doing what they do best, driving trucks. "I liked partnering with the GTR, it was a good experience" said Pfc. Brandy Kallio, a Fayetteville, N.C. native. "I enjoyed learning about a different culture, but I am excited about returning to the road."
Since resuming the truck mission, the 68th Transportation Company has executed numerous missions in support of 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment and other Multi-National Division - Baghdad customers. The company will continue this mission until they redeploy in June 2009.
| Date Taken: |
04.13.2009 |
| Date Posted: |
04.13.2009 04:37 |
| Story ID: |
32318 |
| Location: |
TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: |
869 |
| Downloads: |
342 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, 68th Transportation Company On the Road Again, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
