COB ADDER, Iraq - Iraqi army leaders toured South Dakota National Guard's Bravo Battery last week to learn how to build and manage successful maintenance operations.

The Iraqi leaders from nearby Camp Ur toured Contingency Operating Base Adder to observe daily operations of U.S. forces.

The Battery B, 1st Battalion, 147th Field Artillery maintenance section was selected to demonstrate procedures to Iraqi leaders by outscoring all other maintenance sections at COB Adder and surpassing every maintenance benchmark set before them.

"Their visit demonstrates that the Iraqi army is taking an active role in improving its maintenance program," said Master Sgt. Jeffrey Butler, unit motor sergeant from Sioux Falls. "The Iraqi leadership is striving to enhance efficiencies and become more independent and self-sustaining."

Col. Subhi Abed Muthana, maintenance officer, and Sgt. Maj. Jwad Sharef Hussein, maintenance non-commissioned officer of the Iraqi army, examined B Battery's programs and learned organizational techniques and methods used to track maintenance performed on unit equipment. Soldiers walked the Iraqi officials through the unit's parts and tools tent and explained accountability procedures and their importance to mission success.

"It was a great experience to meet with Iraqi Army leaders," said Sgt. Matthew Bisson, a parts and tools sergeant from Dell Rapids. "The Iraqi army leaders were very open minded to the ideas we gave them."

Bisson and Butler, along with Sgt. 1st Class Wayne Lambert, a senior mechanic from Mitchell, explained through an interpreter Bravo's daily maintenance procedures. Both Muthana and Hussein understand and speak limited English but use an interpreter to avoid miscommunication.