ANAD trains Stryker mechanics

By Mrs. Jennifer Bacchus (AMC)June 5, 2015

ANAD trains Stryker mechanics
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Six Soldiers with the 7th Infantry Division trained at Anniston Army Depot May 18-29, learning firsthand to repair various Stryker systems.

Three components had been identified by the Army as critical for the Soldiers to learn - the Remote Weapon System, Height Management System and the Full Up Powerpack.

These Soldiers were part of a pilot program to test the depot's capabilities of training future Soldiers in repair activities.

For most of them, it was their first time on a depot.

"Most of our troubleshooting is done on the vehicle itself, so, seeing the way the Remote Weapon System was inspected here was informative and a great learning tool," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mario Alvarez.

Instruction, to a degree, went both ways, as the Soldiers were able to show the depot's civilian workforce how they disassemble parts and diagnose issues in the field.

One benefit of the training for Spc. Cheyenne Rakestraw was learning not only how to repair something, but also why certain parts were exchanged for new ones.

"The employees would say, 'We're replacing this manifold and this is why we're replacing it, because it's been sitting in hydraulic fluid,'" said Rakestraw.

The fact the training was hands-on enabled the Soldiers to put each lesson into practice as they were learning.

Currently under their regulations, when repairs are needed for an engine or transmission, the entire powerpack is replaced.

Now, with this training, Soldiers will be capable of dismating the engine from the transmission in the powerpack and diagnosing the location of the problem.

"We worked on everything except the internals of the motor with the powerpack," said Sgt. Anthony Duval. "It was really hands-on."

Each Soldier said they gained information from depot employees which would help them improve the quality and longevity of their vehicles.

"This type of training is different. It's not standardized training; it's on-the-job training. So, we are going to use it again," said Alvarez.

Alvarez also noted that he appreciated knowing depot employees would be here and willing to help with questions he had once he returned to his post.

The next group of 7 ID Soldiers slated to train on the installation will arrive late this summer.

Depot Chief Warrant Officer 3 Adrian Pubill has been instrumental in establishing the training for each group.