Iraqi Army mechanics proudly show off the skills they've learned in a generator mechanic class taught by U.S. Soldiers, March 12-16. Photo by Spc. Allison Churchill, Multi-National Division – Center.

U.S. generator mechanics from the Ground Support Equipment (GSE) section, 41st Fires Brigade, conducted the training here, March 12 - 16.

“They’ve absorbed six months of training in a few days,” said Sgt. 1st Class Vernon Watson, GSE non-commissioned officer in charge.

The training began with classroom-style courses, March 12. The Iraqis quickly moved to hands-on training using several inoperable control boxes and generator parts in the shop.

“Once you tear a piece of equipment apart you get to see how it operates,” said Watson, of Brookhaven, Miss.

“We were able to show them on actual generators where wires go,” said Watson. “They also learned how to troubleshoot, perform preventative maintenance checks and services and perform voltage checks. Instead of us telling them a battery is bad, they can use the battery load tester.”

The Iraqis picked up the fine details of the generators so quickly that Watson expanded the class to other services the GSE shop provides, such as vehicle air conditioning repair and welding.

“They were willing to learn, very excited about it, and asked a lot of questions,” said Spc. Daniel Britton, a ground support engineer and air conditioner technician from Fort Worth, Texas.

“We got good information about generators – and we are having fun with this class,” said Sub-sergeant Yasim, a student in the class.