Marines pass special skills to Iraqi Army

By Guest Column —— Bio and Archives October 21, 2009

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CAMP MEJID — U.S. Marines and Sailors conducted training with IA Soldiers here to advance their skills in metal working and vehicle fuel systems. "We're giving the Iraqi mechanics lessons on how to better maintain and repair their vehicles," said Sgt. Nicholas Vincent, a quality control chief with Combat Logistics Bn 46. "Today, the focus will be fuel systems, where we'll take them through the entire fuel system of several vehicles."

The lessons included basics such as refueling certain vehicles and the paths and processes the fuel goes through inside a vehicle, as well as how to diagnose various problems inherent to fuel systems. "We want to help them understand these systems as thoroughly as possible," said Vincent. "They're going to need these skills after we leave. If we teach them well enough, they'll be able to pass on that knowledge." The Marines of eMiTT-7 brought over members of CLB-46 along with an actual oxy-acetylene torch kit, compressed gases and steel beams to be cut. Together, the Marines and IA Soldiers operated the welding equipment and ironed out common errors Iraqi welders were making. "It's good that the Americans teach us what we need to know; it's important," said IA Cpl. Jasim, a tire and undercarriage specialist. "We're proud to be part of the process of bringing our country into a new era and beyond."