Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Scott Parham (right), a team chief with 1st Platoon, Battery A, 1st...... read more read more
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Story by: Staff Sgt. Christopher Santos
BAGHDAD—On a quiet day at Forward Operating Base Prosperity, the phone rings, grabbing the attention of a group of noncommissioned officers discussing their training plan for the upcoming weeks. On the line is the Baghdad Operations Command Advisory Team Chief of Operations. He explains that the personal security detachment, the security element for senior leaders with 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center, is needed immediately. There is no time to search for equipment, to have a vehicle down, or to have a malfunction on any equipment. This is no time for mistakes.
Preventative maintenance checks and services, pre-combat checks and pre-combat inspections are a constant in the Army, especially in deployed environments where vehicles and equipment endure constant wear and tear. PMCS, PCC and PCI routines are driven into soldiers’ heads from day one in the Army.
On this particular day, it is plainly evident to the BOCAT PSD—soldiers with the 1st Platoon, Battery A, 1st Bn., 7th FA Regiment—why their NCOs have stressed PMCS, PCC's and PCI's since long before their deployment to Iraq from Fort Riley, Kan.
“I stress PMCS on vehicles and [PCCs] to my soldiers in garrison because it creates a routine that won’t be forgotten it when we are downrange—it is important to know how to do proper preventive maintenance on your equipment,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Tressider, a team leader with 1st Platoon, Btry. A, 1st Bn., 7th FA Regt. “I want to build my soldiers’ muscle memory on PMCS and PCC's—that way they are prepared and I know I have done my job as a leader.”
Every morning before a mission, soldiers are out working on their vehicles well before they are scheduled to leave FOB Prosperity, located in the International Zone in Baghdad. Preparing their vehicles and ensuring that they are functional has become routine as the soldiers understand that their success is dependent on their equipment.
Second Lt. Donald Gillilan, platoon leader with 1st Platoon, Btry. A, 1st Bn., 7th FA Regt., believes that success of the platoon stems from the days when there is no movement scheduled.
“It is important to stay on top of PMCS and PCC's,” he said, before adding, “I talk with my NCO's and they know that on days where there is no movement scheduled, those are the days when we can accomplish vehicle and weapons maintenance.”
Perhaps the greatest effect of the repeated practice of PMCS, PCC's and PCI's is manifested in those soldiers who take it upon themselves to ensure their equipment is readily accessible and their weapon is functional.
“I don’t want to let my unit down and I don’t want to fail,” said Spc. Sylvan Ray, a vehicle gunner with 1st Platoon, Btry. A, 1st Bn., 7th FA Regt. “I need to ensure that I have all the gear I need for a gunner, all the [ammunition] is tied down in the vehicle, and the night before I clean my [weapon] to ensure its functionality. I want to be ready when that call comes down that we need to move, and I want my battle buddies to be ready as well.”
When a soldier has the ability to teach others and take ownership of the PMCS, PCC and PCI process, it is the result of hard work and dedication by noncommissioned officers. The trickle-down effects of this process result not only in a stronger, more combat-ready unit, but ensures that those future noncommissioned officers will be ready to take the mantle of leadership when their time comes.
| Date Taken: | 01.23.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.22.2011 07:53 |
| Story ID: | 65863 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 128 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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