AL KISIK, Iraq - Troops assigned to the 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, began training soldiers from the 3rd Iraqi Army Division on high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle electrical system maintenance at Al Kisik, Iraq, Oct. 25.
The “Rough Rider” mechanics, who deployed to U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn, taught a three-day maintenance class to 13 Iraqi soldiers.
The hands-on training focused on starting and charging the tactical vehicle systems.
“They asked a lot of questions and picked our brain for knowledge,” said Staff Sgt. James Handley, an all wheel mechanic and native of Phoenix, assigned to Company B, 27th BSB, 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div. “The IA were very eager throughout the training. It was a pleasant experience.”
During the training, the U.S. soldiers showcased their expertise in mechanical skills as well as the importance of safety and the proper procedures for trouble shooting their equipment.
The Iraqi soldiers learned vehicle maintenance skills and gained knowledge essential to the overall operational level of the 3rd IA Div.’s vehicles.
“The maintenance training provided the opportunity for U.S. forces to strengthen partnership efforts with their 3rd Iraqi Army counterparts,” said Sgt. 1st Class Charles Vanzandt, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the logistical transition assistance team, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 27th Brigade Support Battalion.
"The Iraqi army is very eager to learn and receptive to us training them,” said Vanzandt, a native of Lockney, Texas. “They stayed motivated while learning from us.”
With the help of soldiers from the 27th BSB, transportation units of the 3rd IA Div. now have a foundation to begin a new process on maintaining vehicles for the overall readiness of their mission.