FORWARD OPERATING BASE KUNDUZ, Afghanistan - On the road, most motorists often dread one thing - their car breaking down. But what if it breaks down in a combat environment? While under fire? What happens then?
Enter the recovery mechanics.
Mechanic soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, recovered more than 40 military vehicles during their deployment in Kunduz province.
It's easy to only picture mechanics underneath maintenance bays turning wrenches, but these ones venture into hostile territory much like soldiers in combat military occupational specialties.
"I enjoy being a recovery mechanic because there is a higher standard for us. Not only are we to fix vehicles to standard, but we also have to know how to conduct infantry tactics in case we are in a combat situation while recovering a vehicle," said U.S. Army Pfc. Evan Plamondon, a Longview, Wash., native, now a recovery mechanic with the battalion.
Everyday, this team of seven soldiers inspects the battalion's vehicles.
"We check everything from electrical, to mechanical. We drain all fluids, check the brakes and take the wheels off. Were like a super Jiffy Lube," said Staff Sgt. Jason Spoors, a Fallon, Nev., native, now the squad leader of the battalion’s recovery squad.
For recovery missions, soldiers use an armored, tracked vehicle that can lift up to 55,000 pounds and a 90-ton towing block that can move any vehicle in the U.S. Army's inventory.
The mechanics received a recovery mission two months ago during the battalion's worst combat situation since the unit arrived here in early 2011. A mine resistant, ambush protected vehicle was pinned down by enemy fire. And though in a hostile environment, these mechanics answered the call to tow in the military’s damaged hardware.
This job calls for readiness 24 hours a day, and the need to recover a vehicle can arise at anytime in a deployed setting.
"Early in the deployment, it wasn't uncommon for us to receive a call at 2 a.m. to go get a vehicle," said Plamondon.
To prepare for these morning missions, soldiers conducted full vehicle layouts in the early hours.
"We thought at the time that it sucked, but after being in what we've been through, we understand now," Plamondon said.
"Maintenance plays a behind-the-scenes role in any combat operation. We had an old saying, 'We may not be the pride, but if we don't fix it, the pride don't ride,'" said Spoors.