TRAM course available to non heavy equipment operators

Photo By Cpl. Jacob A. Singsank | Cpl. Travis V.C. Nauta, warehouseman with Supply Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, 22, from Tamuning, Guam, uses hand-signals to ground-guide a Tractor, Rubber-tired, Articulated steering, Multi-purpose vehicle during the TRAM course that started Oct. 19 at Camp Pendleton, Calif. The 20-hour TRAM class requires Marines to pass a written test and operate the vehicle.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

10.19.2009

Story by Cpl. Jacob A. Singsank 

1st Marine Logistics Group

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Marines are required to learn the jobs of the men and women they work with so they can complete the mission in their fellow service members' absence.

Six Marines in various units and jobs, other than heavy equipment operators, throughout the 1st Marine Logistics Group, participated in the Tractor, Rubber-tired, Articulated steering, Multi-purpose vehicle course that started Oct. 19 at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

"I instruct Marines around the base on how to operate the TRAM if their unit doesn't have a licensing non-commissioned officer," said Cpl. Jason E. Bush, heavy equipment operator/licensing NCO with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st MLG.

The 20-hour TRAM course requires Marines to pass a written test and operate the vehicle. During the operation part, Marines had to change the fork and bucket attachments, move palletized boxes and ground-guide, all while being graded by their instructor on performance and safety.

"Safety is a number one priority," said Bush, 25, from Springfield, Ore. "Not only personal safety, but safety of others and equipment."

Prior to operating a TRAM, the students are required to inspect it first for preventative maintenance every time they work with the vehicle.

"The heavy equipment Marine instructor teaches the same way he was taught at military occupational specialty school," said Staff Sgt. Jose A. Quinonez, platoon sergeant with Engineer Company, 7th ESB, 1st MLG, 41, from San Jose, Calif. "We want the incidental operators to have the same knowledge that heavy equipment operators receive at basic school."

The TRAM is widely used throughout the Marine Corps. It's used to load gear and equipment on ships, aircraft and trucks. The TRAM is also used to move earth, dig ditches and build forward operating bases deployed and in garrison.

"Because I work in storage, I'll be able to move gear around with the TRAM instead of requesting an operator from another unit," said Pfc. Phillip J. Sena, a warehouse clerk with Supply Company, 1st Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st MLG, 19, from Pueblo, Colo. "This training will make me a more valuable asset to my shop both back here and while I'm deployed."

To find out information or to sign up for the next class, contact Cpl. Bush at [phone].

• Date Taken: 10.19.2009
• Date Posted: 10.27.2009 17:31
• Story ID: 40759
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US