Stories from Iraq (Oct. '06 - Nov. '07) - Mechanics Play Vital Role in Mission Accomplishment
Posted: Friday, April 24, 2009
by Ryan Stroud
BAQUBAH, Iraq (Nov. 11, 2006) -- Movement is a major factor for Soldiers deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Vehicles, whether Humvees, tanks or Bradleys, are essential for Soldiers to accomplish their mission. When a vehicle breaks down, Soldiers lose their ability to successfully accomplish their tasks, and it's up to the experts of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division to ensure the units are mission capable.
"Soldiers now a day heavily depend on their vehicles," said Pfc. Greg Cooper, Headquarter and Headquarters Company, 3rd BSTB, and a native of St. Louis.
"Soldiers don't march everywhere anymore," he continued. "They take trucks, Bradleys and other vehicles. If something breaks down, without us, they might not be able to get to the destination they need to be at in time."
"For a lot of Soldiers to get from FOB (Forward Operating Base) to FOB, the only way they might be able to get there is in a vehicle," said Spc. William Curry, HHC, 3rd BSTB and the driver for Command Sgt. Major Arthur Swingler, 3BSTB command sergeant major.
"We depend on these guys' knowledge and we trust their skills," added the Seattle native.
To keep vehicles prepared and maintained, the mechanics perform routine Quality Assurance, Quality Control tests on every vehicle they see. This test allows the mechanics to check everything on the vehicle from loose bolts to cracked windows.
"The reason we do these check-ups is because people's lives depend on their equipment," he continued. "It's up to us to make sure they have the means to return home alive.
"If a Soldier goes out on a mission...and their vehicle breaks down, they are in a real bad spot. It's our job to make sure their vehicles are in the best shape," he said.
"Our Soldiers go through the vehicle to perform a QA, QC before and after a mission to make sure the vehicle is able and ready to perform at anytime it's needed," added Sgt. Ramon Lopez, HHC, 3rd BSTB, and a native of Hobbs, N.M.
"Safety is the number one key to our checks," said Lopez. "We have to make sure the Soldiers will be safe and can depend on their vehicles while out on their missions."
Curry said being able to depend on his vehicle is vital and that's why he brings his vehicle to be inspected before missions.
"I bring my vehicle to our maintenance section because they are extremely thorough," said Curry. "I have brought my vehicle in for a QA, QC and they have caught things that I have missed on my [Pre-Maintenance Checks and Services].
"My life depends on this vehicle, that's why I come to them," Curry said.
The Soldiers of 3rd BSTB have been spending hours everyday, working hard to ensure every vehicle they see is combat effective, said Lopez.
"It's important to get the vehicles out and moving," he said. "Repairing a vehicle and knowing the Soldiers in it are safe is extremely important.
"Our maintenance guys are doing a heck of a job out here. If it wasn't for us, these vehicles wouldn't be going anywhere and these Soldiers wouldn't be able to complete their missions," Lopez said.
"If it wasn't for mechanics, the whole Army would not be able to move," added Cooper.
Ryan Stroud is a military trained journalist who has served in Iraq with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, US Army. Prior to his military experiences, Stroud grew up playing, coaching, and refereeing soccer. Also, Stroud focused many years of his life playing, touring, and recording/producing local music acts. He has a wonderful wife of 4 years, a 2 year old son and a newborn daughter.
Stroud's biggest writing influences are Jim Butcher, Chuck Palahniuk, Edward Lee, Jack Ketchum, Christopher Moore and Ben Fox.
He currently resides in Huntsville, Al, with the 59th Ordnance Brigade at Redstone Arsenal.
Stroud would also like to take a moment to thank his friends who are currently in battle over in Iraq. God bless all of you.
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