Working Partnership Between Washinton D.C. and JMRC

Photo By Sgt. Rebecca Call | U.S. Army Spc. Chisom Udoye, a wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 74th Troop Command, 104th Maintenance Company of the D.C. National Guard fills a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) with transmission fluid at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center near Hohenfels, Germany on June 14, 2023. Soldiers of the D.C. National Guard's 104th Maintenance Company conducted their annual training 2-week in Germany and provided critical maintenance support to the Joint Multinational Readiness Center. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Rebecca Call)  

HOHENFELS, BY, GERMANY

06.15.2023

Story by Sgt. Rebecca Call 

Joint Multinational Readiness Center

HOHENFELS, Germany— Washington D.C. National Guard Soldiers of the 74th Troop Command, 104th Maintenance Company provided maintenance support during their two-week annual training at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) near Hohenfels, Germany, in June 2023.

The group of 43 Soldiers packed up their gear, gathered paperwork for customs, and shipped off to Germany to gain hands-on work experience in their fields of military expertise.

“Based on our motto, we never fail. We always tackle everything head on and make sure we accomplish the mission,” said Capt. Patrice Haney, company commander. “We are a support maintenance company, so in order to improve overall readiness, this seemed like a great opportunity to work overseas, help out, and sharpen our skills.”

Mission essential equipment, from two-ton vehicles to M4A1 Carbine, require regular maintenance in order for JMRC to provide U.S. military units, NATO allies and partnering nations the highest quality training. Professionals from the Washington D.C.’s National Guard such as mechanics, armorers, and small arms repairers are needed to JMRC resources fully mission capable.

“Now I’m working with active duty, who do things differently than National Guard, and it gives me more of a real feel for my work.” Said Spc. Anyya Jones, a small arms repairer with the 104th Maintenance Company.

National Guard units like the 104th regularly support JMRC, and in turn, the National Guard troops are supported by German civilian workers as well as active-duty personnel in JMRC and the 1st Battalion 4th Infantry Regiment, giving guidance and offering support when needed.

“They kind of want us to go and figure it out ourselves, but if we need any help, they’re always there to support us, letting us know we’re doing a good job, and giving us small adjustments,” said Jones.

Outside training, Soldiers had the opportunity step outside JMRC to experience German culture by exploring the cities, eating authentic cuisine, and meeting local citizens. Reserve units and national guard units, like the 104th Maintenance Company, incorporate a cultural day to the nearby cities of Regensburg or Nuremberg.

“When you’re stuck on base, it doesn’t feel like you’re in Germany. Then you get out there and realize, wow, I’m in a whole new country!” said Jones.

With the success of this annual training Washington D.C.’s National Guard, the 104th Maintenance Company hopes to return to JMRC for future training events.

• Date Taken: 06.15.2023
• Date Posted: 06.26.2023 06:03
• Story ID: 447256
• Location: HOHENFELS, BY, DE