Site Essentials
- » Site Introduction
- » Comment Policy
- » Stryker Brigade 101
- » FAQ
- » Thank The Troops
- » Support Our Site
- » Contact Us
- » Terms & Conditions
In Memoriam
Browse Archives
Search Archives
Subscribe to SBN
Browse Our Shop
Awards
By Sgt. Armando Monroig, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
BAQUBAH, Iraq – Strykers provide the U.S. Army with the means to project combat power anywhere throughout central and northern Iraq, but that capability would be impossible without the mechanics that maintain and repair the combat vehicles.
That’s where Soldiers of the 296th Brigade Support Battalion’s combat repair team come in. It is their job to make sure the vehicles keep rolling for members of the 3rd “Stryker” Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis, Wash. Their job has become even more critical since the 3rd SBCT began operations in Baqubah in mid-June.
Members of the CRT realize that mission success and the lives of their fellow Soldiers depend on how well they do their jobs.
“It’s probably one of the most important jobs,” said Sgt. Matthew Garver, acting shop foreman, Company B, CRT, 296th BSB. “We have to keep them running and rolling.”
Garver’s team consists of 23 personnel who stand ready to provide maintenance and repair services anytime, anywhere. Recovery teams are on standby at all times in case one of the vehicles can’t return to base.
Sgt. Steven Johns, a gunner with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, said he appreciates the support provided by the CRT.
“It’s extremely important. It makes our life easier because when we do get in contact with (car bombs) or (roadside bombs), or just have regular maintenance issues, they’re here on the dot. These guys are good to us,” he said.
CRT members say they are just doing their job.
“We get the truck back in the fight,” said Spc. Scott Johnson, a light-wheel mechanic with the CRT. “That’s why there is an emphasis on the promptness of fixing the vehicles. We rarely leave a vehicle in the bay overnight. If a truck comes in at three in the morning, we’ll come in and fix it.”
The CRT can fix dozens of vehicles in one day, depending on the repairs required, said Johnson. Maintenance can include anything from replacing an exhaust fan to replacing a “pac,” which is a self-contained unit that includes the engine, transmission, and radiator. Repairs can also include fixing Strykers that have been severely damaged by roadside bombs.
In addition, the CRT in capable of producing modifications designed to make the Stryker safer. It’s provided ballistic sheet metal and windows to protect against gun fire.
Garver said he knows of 15 Soldiers who witnessed a round hitting ballistic glass his team added, which could have killed them had the protection not been there.
He said it’s nice to hear the Stryker Soldiers express their appreciation.
“When they come up to me and say, ‘Hey, thanks for putting the glass up on my truck …Your window just saved my (platoon leader’s) life,’ I’m just speechless.”