Photo By Sgt. Amber Latham | Members of the 8th FER were very active in classes, answering questions with ease due...... read more read more
CAMP ECHO, Diawiana, Iraq- As the words "Group Atten-tion!" in English, rang out, observers watched as the formation of Soldiers from the 8th Field Engineer Regiment and the 401st Multi-Role Bridging Company, an Army Reserve Unit, from Oklahoma City, Okla., snapped to attention in complete cohesion. The purpose of this combined formation was to celebrate the graduation of 8th FER Soldiers from two training courses taught by various Soldiers of the 844th Engineer Battalion.
Preparing their Iraqi Partners for the eventual withdrawal of US Coalition Forces, the 844th Engineer Battalion (Task Force 844), an Army Reserve Battalion based in Knoxville, Tenn., 194th Engineer Brigade headquartered in Jackson, Tenn., has taken a major role in the education and training of the 8th FER into their hands.
The Commander of Task Force 844, Lt. Col. Adam S. Roth, has established a strong partnership with the 8th FER Commander, Col. Aqueel, with a commitment to provide as much practical knowledge in the area of engineering. Training ranged from Combat Engineering to Communication Aspects. When the 8th FER identified special training needs the 844th ENBN responded by developing training programs that focused on both the systematic process of construction management and bridge installation, removal and maintenance.
The 8th FER Soldiers participating in the training were very receptive to the program and maintained a strong interest and participation throughout both training events. The project management training consisted of four days, while the bridge training encompassed a ten day classroom and field exercise.
One Iraqi Soldier commented that, "it's good to understand how the American Soldier thinks and we are benefiting from their knowledge." Another 8th FER Soldier commented that, "this training will develop and improve the Iraqi Soldiers' abilities." The course instructors were pleased to see that the 8th FER Soldiers were very grateful and eager to learn. Maj. Andy Woommavovah (instructor of the project management course) commented, "I guess I did not know what to expect when we started but as soon as I saw the interest in ALL of the Soldiers I was motivated to give my very best". Maj. Woommavovah also stated that he, "was very impressed by the loyalty that these Soldiers had and their eagerness to provide their newly acquired skills to make their new Army [the Iraqi Army] a better Army."
The instructors of Task Force 844 worked for weeks developing the extensive training programs in conjunction with the Army Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Careful detail ensured that the technical information was translated and presented in a manner that allowed the 8th FER Soldiers to have a full comprehension of the course material.
When asked about the planning process of the courses, the assisting Language Advisor commented, "I studied the tasks given to us, taking in account the different levels on both educational backgrounds and experience among the Iraqi Soldiers. Then I determine the level of translation and terminology needed to ensure understanding. Presenting some examples from my own professional experience and employing multiple training techniques in order to keep them engaged with the lecture. I am happy to read the Soldier's' comments which reflect the success of this course."
The Soldiers of Task Force 844 will continue to focus on their Training Partnership with the Engineers of the 8th Field Engineer Regiment throughout the remainder of their time in Iraq. Future training is currently being coordinated in order to provide the most up-to-date course information on bridging and various other topics. Lt. Col. Roth and Task Force 844 are committed to the success of the Iraqi Engineers, their Partners, and maintain the goal of Engineers Working Together.
| Date Taken: | 10.31.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 10.31.2009 05:20 |
| Story ID: | 40901 |
| Location: | DIWANIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 842 |
| Downloads: | 684 |
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