Training Iraqi transporters.

Expanding a world with possibilities, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Soldiers are helping Iraqi Soldiers in Camp Habbaniyah get hands-on transportation experience.

Dedicated to facilitating change in a war-torn nation, SDDC troops are assigned to the 13th Sustainment Command's Military Transition Team, Motor Transport Operations, in an effort to open the door for a new generation of Iraqi Soldiers within the reformed Iraqi Army, according to Maj. Henry Johnson, unit team leader.

"We're assisting the Iraqis in independently delivering sustainment stocks (multi class) in support of the 1st Iraqi Army Division, as well as developing self-reliance to ensure preservation of their country," Johnson said, adding that he and his fellow SDDC Soldiers are forming bonds with local troops that will leave lasting impressions for a lifetime.

Tasked by Headquarters Department of the Army, the team provides advisory support and trains the Iraqi's 1st Iraqi Army Motor Transport Regiment (MTR) on all aspects of organizational establishments and management, transportation operations and tactical logistics, as well as provides an overall understanding of all classes of supply utilizing U.S. doctrine at the company through division level.

Pulling together a team from SDDC-aligned reserve component units from across the country, the SDDC combined seven officers and three noncommissioned officers from the 1395th and 1192nd Transportation Terminal Brigades and SDDC Fort Eustis G7 shop, to form a multi-functional/active and reserve component entity. The team is also joined by local-national linguists and U.S. Army multifunctional, multi-component Soldiers.

Making history as the first U.S. Army Military Transition Team (MTT) to report for processing at Fort Hood, Texas, fully staffed with the appropriate grade and specialty for their unique and diverse mission, the 1st MTR/MTT began its tour in Iraq in June following training at Fort Eustis, Kuwait and Iraq.

As team leader of the SDDC 10-man, multi-functional team, Johnson said he faces unique challenges in overseeing three separate functions daily. Understanding cultural differences plays an integral role in the success of the team and its mission.

"Normal days consist of internal staffing functions supporting the team, advising the 1st IA MTR command and staff and advising the MTR company commanders," he said, explaining that this can often make the entire process complex, difficult and complicated due to diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Additionally, Johnson pointed out that the Iraqi Army tour of duty differs greatly from U.S. or Coalition forces service members; however, these differences in work ethics and international viewpoints contribute to his Soldiers' own worldly experiences, as the team shares teaching and learning, discusses loading and distribution, and builds friendships.

Johnson stressed that the camaraderie between his team and the Iraqi soldiers always proves that any and every effort they extend is well worth it and that teaching the Iraqis is rewarding beyond all measure.

"They are very receptive, eager to learn and very protective of my team," Johnson said. "They sincerely believe we are the answer to all of their problems and are very hopeful and confident that they can make a difference for the future of their country."

Observing the progression of the Iraqis in their transportation operations and tactical logistics knowledge and abilities because of the team's input and training simply validates their mission on a daily basis, Johnson said. In fact, their efforts were rewarded when the IA MTR conducted its first convoy from start to finish without the team's direct participation.

"My team and I are proud to be a part of this training platform that is crucial to the overall mission," said Johnson, proudly citing his team's pay-off. "We have seen the 1st Motor Transport Regiment transform from a crawl, into a walk, into a run in the functional distribution system, operating independently with limited or no coalition support within the time allotted for training."

And it's that type of success and teamwork over long days and nights, working side by side with their Iraqi counterpart, that beckons SDDC Soldiers to go above and beyond the call of duty, according to Johnson.

by Jennifer Sanders

SDDC Headquarters, Fort Eustis