CAMP WALKER, South Korea - The 23 Soldiers from the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command acquired the very basics of preventive maintenance checks and services, or PMCS, after tactical classes lectured by logistics assistants at the motorpool, June 9.

The classes were taught to Soldiers who do not have high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle licenses including the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army, or KATUSAs. Soldiers learned detailed procedures of executing accurate PMCS to keep them safe on the road.

At the start of every week, "Team 19"' Soldiers gathered in the motorpool to conduct precise PMCS on their designated vehicles to fix any defaults which fosters combat readiness. This PMCS session differed from the others as the focus was on reinforcing the proper techniques for checking each vehicle.

Wade E. Shepherd, Area IV logistics assistance representative, was on hand to teach Soldiers a proper and thorough PMSC. Ensuring the equipment operates as designed is key to unit readiness and Soldier safety.

"Keeping the troop safe is the fundamental basis of this class. Everyone must understand the importance of PMCS," Shepherd said.

Shepherd started off his class by performing the beginning steps of lifting the Humvee's hood and checking out its engine. His hour long course also included procedures that many Soldiers easily overlook such as examining the fire extinguisher or searching for defects under the vehicle.

First Sgt. Franck A. Emmou, 19th ESC first sergeant, who is in charge of the formation at the motorpool, emphasized the importance of executing correct PMCS methods in the Army.

"At any moment, we have to be ready to fight tonight. We need to make sure the equipment is serviceable before alert situations occur," Emmou said.

KATUSAs also participate with their U.S. counterparts on weekly PMCS. Although KATUSAs cannot be qualified to drive in the unfamiliar vehicles they maintain and preserve, today's session encouraged them to boost their responsibility by helping them understand the significance of the PMCS process.

"It is an exotic experience to try out U.S. military vehicles as a Korean," said Pfc. Kim Tae-Hyun, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 19th ESC S-1 administrator specialist. "Through this class, I now acknowledge my role in keeping our unit safe and I am prepared for contingencies."

Routine training such as this strengthens both the alliance and the unit since all Soldiers serving in the formation have a better understanding of the role they play in organization's readiness and safety.