Limestone, clay, sand and gravel may not seem like riveting discussion topics to some.  But for Iraqi engineers at Muthana Airfield in central Baghdad, the components of concrete are key to the country’s future.

Sgt. James Jones, a concrete squad leader for 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), 225th Engineer Brigade, and his squad, trained 6th Iraqi Army Engineers on how to conduct concrete missions on May 15. The training will give Iraqi Army engineers the skills to conduct concrete construction missions and make road repairs.  

“The Iraqi Army Soldiers seemed eager to learn, despite the language barrier,” Jones said. “By the end of the morning I felt confident that they had all mastered the basics.  They learned quickly.”  

The Iraqi Soldiers were quick to step up when the opportunity arose to get hands-on experience. They took turns operating the controls, getting on top of a concrete module to push the sand and gravel, and smoothing out the concrete in the holes.”  

“The Iraqis were really motivated to learn how we do things,” said Pvt. Ryan Doak, a concrete and asphalt specialist, 46th ECB. “After the first couple holes they were pretty much running the show.”

Once the initial training was complete, the equipment platoon of Headquarters and Support Company, 46th ECB, worked alongside Iraqi Army Engineers to set 24 bases for solar light poles on the road outside the gate to the airfield.  They worked in the blazing sun and finished in one day.  

After completing the training and solar light mission, Iraqi Soldiers invited the U.S. engineers to lunch to enjoy fellowship with their new comrades.  The Iraqi engineers prepared a curry chicken and rice dish that was a new experience for many of the American Soldiers.  

“It was nice to experience the local culture,” Doak said.  “I was impressed by their hospitality.”