Several of the students, representing the Iraqi Army and Air Force, attended a basic class in March.
“It helps them sustain their own generators,” said Spc. Marcus Saunders, of Trenton, N.J., generator mechanic, Company B, 589th BSB. “Instead of replacing parts and spending money, they can fix the problem.” During the first class, the Iraqis, most of whom had been vehicle mechanics, learned the parts of the generator and how to recognize faults.
For the second phase, the 589th BSB Soldiers taught their counterparts how to repair the problems, as well as the basics of electricity.
“They’ve grasped the concept,” said Sgt. Julian Ming, of Boynton Beach, Fla., power generator repair technician, Co. B.
“I have used the skills I learned in the last class,” said Cpl. Arrak, 3rd Battalion, 32nd Iraqi Army Brigade.
“We had knowledge of maintenance. But they help us very much,” said Sgt. Rafid, 32nd IA Bde., headquarters, of the American Soldiers. The students graduated from the class by finding and repairing generator faults placed by the instructors. The test was taken individually, but it wasn’t timed because in a real-life situation, it can take days to find some problems, said Saunders.
“Don’t limit yourself to one part of the generator,” Ming advised the students while watching one test taker glance over a fault. “Check everything out. And when you think you’ve checked everything, check it again.”
The class earned the praise of the instructors’ leaders.
“My guys are really great at what they do,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Donnell Davis, of Baltimore, maintenance technician, Co. B. “I know the Iraqis use the knowledge and training given to them.”
