Training sustains peace through empowerment Published July 25, 2008 BAGHDAD, Iraq (AFPN) -- The surest path to a sustainable peace in Iraq is through the empowerment of the Iraqi Army, and Airmen here are anxious to continue to do their part, Air Force officials said. Working from Joint Base Balad, Iraq, and tasked through the 5th Engineer Battalion, 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron, Det. 6 Airmen taught the first combined vertical construction class earlier this month. Partnering with the 5th Iraqi Army Engineer Regiment at forward operating base Khamees, Det. 6 Airmen taught basic vertical construction skills to two IA electricians and two IA plumbers. Led by Master Sgt. Matt Sanders, Det. 6 Airmen developed lesson plans, constructed training aids and provided hands-on training in conjunction with an infrastructure upgrade at FOB Khamees. "It was difficult to teach the IA soldiers the practices and techniques we use knowing that they will most likely not have the proper tools," said Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Heisinger, electrical craftsman. "We kept the training very simple, focusing mainly on the installation of basic circuits." Colonel Ra'ad, the 5th IA Engineer Regimental commander, said he was thankful for the unit's efforts and anxious for his soldiers to execute their own vertical engineer missions. The 5th Engineer Battalion and 5th IA Engineer Regiment will have a long-lasting impact on the future of Iraq, officials said. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page