ISF mechanics learning how to keep vehicles fit to fight

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WA RRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq - In any organization that relies on vehicles to perform its duties, maintaining those vehicles is of the utmost importance.

Mechanics from 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, with some assistance from the 506th Air Expeditionary Squadron's maintenance wing, have been providing maintenance classes to Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police mechanics on the civilian pickup trucks and military humvees used by the IA and IP.

Sgt. 1st Class William Harbert, a Westminster, S.C. native, and Sgt. Nathan Hinojosa, a San Antonio, Texas native, both mechanics with 1st Bn., 8th Cav Regt., joined with Air Force mechanics to provide classes to IP from the Dibbis and Sargaron police stations on Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, Oct. 12.

"The Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police have been given classes to assist them in achieving a more self-reliant maintenance program," Harbert said. "The classes have been centered on teaching the basic principles of operation for the Ford F-250 trucks, in which we discuss common problems the IA and IP are having and then conduct hands-on training in that area."

Harbert said they have taught classes on the vehicle's suspension system, brake system, and have now begun on the electrical system.

"So far, the training has gone very well. The IA and IP seem very interested and eager to learn the system," Harbert said. "These classes have been conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force here at FOB Warrior, but the training is not limited to the base."

Harbert said he and Hinojosa, and his maintenance crews have been on numerous missions to perform on-location training with IA and IP mechanics, as well as assist in troubleshooting the complicated vehicle systems.

"Hinojosa and I have always walked away from the training feeling the IA and IP were more capable of maintaining their fleet of [vehicles]," Harbert said.

In addition to the truck maintenance classes, Harbert and his mechanics have also been making sure the IA and IP humvees are fit to fight as well.

"In April, I began gathering information on the logistical status of the IA by talking with each IA battalion commander, executive officer, and maintenance officers," Harbert said. "I found that vehicle part requests were not being submitted, so I began giving classes to the IA leadership on how to procure parts."

Harbert said he began to attend the 12th IA Div. maintenance meetings to discuss possible solutions to fixing the problems with ordering replacement parts, and along with Hinojosa and his other mechanics, began conducting training on how to perform quality control and quality assurance inspections and service for the humvees.

"I broke down the QA and QC checklist and service packet and had it translated into Arabic and Kurdish to better assist the IA and IP in performing unit level maintenance," Harbert said. "I also had my standard operating procedures booklet translated and gave it to IA and IP leadership to assist them with setting up their humvee maintenance operations."

Harbert said he has also had the vehicle technical manuals translated into Kurdish and Arabic.

"All of this combined has lead to a more established maintenance program for the Iraqi national defense," he said.

According to Harbert, the training being conducted will greatly assist the IA and IP unit's vehicle maintenance programs.

"Prior to the classes, [IA and IP] vehicles received very little to no maintenance because of a lack of knowledge," Harbert explained. "Now, I am starting to see IA mechanics working on these vehicles and getting them back into the fight."

Harbert explained there were still some limitations in ordering parts for foreign vehicles, but the technical ability of their mechanics has far exceeded what it was six months ago.

"The intent is to set these units up for success. I want the IA and IP to be able to stand alone and sustain their equipment after our presence is gone," Harbert said.

With ISF mechanics increasing their skills, Harbert said they will be able to maintain their equipment and keep their units capable of conducting independent patrols and operations.