As U.S. forces in Iraq prepare for their eventual withdrawal from the country, the fruit of the time and effort spent working in partnership with Iraqi forces is beginning to show.
The mechanics of “Enforcer” (E) Company, 121st Brigade Support Battalion work alongside their Iraqi counterparts from the Headquarters Support Company (HSC) and all five Iraqi Army Brigades that 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment is partnered with.
“A” Combat Readiness Team (CRT) works with the Iraqi maintenance personnel on a regular basis.
“The partnership is working pretty well. The mechanics all have a good working relationship,” said Staff Sgt. Ed Brown, CRT team chief, from Pennsylvania. “The Iraqis are pretty good mechanics, and they appreciate the help that they receive from our Soldiers.”
Sgt. 1st Class Gary Parks, maintenance control sergeant from Louisville, Ky., said the planning can be a challenge, and the CRT has worked long hours with the Iraqis. Still, the interaction has been rewarding.
“[The partnership] offers a great opportunity for the Soldiers to interact; not only through our cultures, but also through our work ethic,” said Parks.
Vehicle mechanics Sgt. Jimmy Hibbler from Caruthersville, Mo., and Spc. Clayton Fesender from Longwood, Fla., were called upon to provide assistance with a humvee oil change and some other basic services.
“The Iraqis are good people,” said Hibbler. “Sometimes it is difficult to communicate with them, but they are easy-going and easy to work with.”
Enforcer Co. is currently working on a more in-depth joint training schedule with their counterparts from Sparrowhawk, an Iraqi training base nearby. The company is looking forward to doing more training and establishing stronger relationships to help them and their Iraqi partners achieve success now and in the future.
