Posted on 07/31/2006 5:05:48 PM PDT by SandRat
FOB KALSU, Iraq (Army News Service, July 28, 2006) – With hard hats on, building materials nearby, and hammers and construction plans in hand, five 6th Iraqi Army Division engineer officers teamed up with their peers from Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 62nd Engineer Battalion, 16th Engineer Brigade.
The IA engineers took advantage of classroom education and learning new construction management techniques during the Engineer Officer Shadow Program June 17-23.
“The program provided an opportunity for IA engineer officers to actually get some hands-on experience, both with construction skills, and new equipment, and in working side-by-side with their fellow U.S. Army engineer officers,” said Maj. David Smith, operations officer, 16th Eng. Bde., who helped plan and coordinate the training.
During the shadow program, 62nd Eng. Bn. officers shared their knowledge and experience with IA officers during practical exercises that included: U.S. Army vertical and horizontal construction, quality assurance and quality control methods, concrete emplacement, roadwork and drainage, framing, electrical systems, Class IV yard operations and methods of inspections.
“Many of the IA engineer officers possessed a great deal of experience in other forms of construction, but we wanted to present our engineer construction methods and management techniques to enhance their engineer units and pave the way for future joint engineer operations,” Smith added.
Capt. Charlie Fagerquist, commander, Company C, 62nd Eng. Bn., said he felt the program was enlightening for each of the participants.
“The IA officers were very enthusiastic about training their soldiers and getting them to a professional level that will make them successful,” said Fagerquist. “The program gave us all the opportunity to realize the similarities we have as officers. As leaders, we share a common purpose.
“As U.S. Army engineers, our officers and enlisted have a team aspect or ‘efficiency’ with regard to construction, such as how to better disseminate the work load, and they were looking forward to teaching that to their soldiers.”
The weeklong program also gave IA engineers a preview of their enlisted soldiers’ upcoming shadow program in August, when an IA engineer platoon will join forces with Soldiers from Co. C.
The enlisted shadow program will allow IA officers to exercise leadership and construction management skills while enlisted soldiers implement classroom lessons and gain awareness of new techniques during an actual engineer project. With Co. C Soldiers in a coaching role, the IA platoon will build two Southwest Asia huts to house troops stationed at Forward Operating Base Kalsu.
The Iraqi officers were very impressed with the program and are looking forward to continued integration and partnership via the shadow program, said Col. Ahmed, 6th IAD engineer commander.
“The shadow program and partnerships with the U.S. engineers enlightened my officers and soldiers,” said Ahmed. “Before, under Saddam Hussein, we were taught that Americans weren’t honest and didn’t care about anyone, including their families. Due to our integration, we have learned those things weren’t true. We have continued to be impressed with the American Soldiers’ work ethic, their honesty and their willingness to share their knowledge.
“This training, sharing of ideas and continued integration gives us the skills we need and is preparing our engineer soldiers to ultimately move ahead and take full responsibility for our country,” Ahmed said.
(Ballog serves with the 16th Eng. Bde. PAO)
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