Photo By Maj. Lorraine Januzelli | A team of engineers conducts a site survey, April 25, 2008, for the Jihad Civil...... read more read more
By Maj. Lorraine Januzelli
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – "Tipping points are the levels at which the momentum for change becomes unstoppable," wrote Malcolm Gladwell, in his bestselling book, "The Tipping Point."
To illustrate his point, Gladwell offered a string of alluring examples – such as Paul Revere's ride from Middlesex County, Mass. – each of which owed their success to an epidemic-like phenomenon. Not surprisingly, his concept of a "tipping point" enjoyed years of excitement and debate.
Nearly a decade later, the validity of Gladwell's thesis has waned, yet the concept itself of irreversible momentum remains a goal in places where struggle and strife have given way to hope and progress.
The idea of "irreversible momentum" is a central tenet of lasting stability in Baghdad, where a fragile security only recently replaced sectarian violence. To further this objective, the 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, is establishing 32 Civil Service Departments throughout the city.
CSDs are a partnership between MND-B and local Baghdad municipalities. Their mission is to train military-aged males in apprentice-based programs that directly support municipal public works. The program has the potential to train and employ 6,100 individuals.
Though the programs are community based, their impact is considerably broader.
"CSDs have two primary goals that support a much bigger picture," explained Brig. Gen. Robin Swan, a Pittsburgh, native, who serves as a deputy commanding general of the 4th Inf. Div. and MND-B.
"The first is to assist the Government of Iraq with transitioning many of the Sons of Iraq from armed service into successful civilian government or private sector employment," said Swan.
The second goal is to train them in the high-demand technical skills that will provide a sustainable workforce for public works and essential services needs for the Amanat, Baghdad Governate and private industry, he said.
The resulting combination has multiple reinforcing and enduring benefits, to include improved essential services delivery – power, water and sewer – and increasing the capacity of the GoI and local municipalities to manage their public works infrastructure.
No less important, CSDs provide SoI and other military-age men with marketable job skills and access to numerous employment opportunities which, in turn, reduces the motivation to engage in illegal or insurgent activity.
Capt. Tim Tehan, a Providence, R.I., native, and Economic Development Team chief with 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion, attached to MND-B, has been working on the division's CSD program for nine months in coordination with brigade civil affairs officers.
"Each program is tailored to meet local needs and priorities," said Tehan, who noted that local and city administrators are integrally involved in the planning and implementation process. The training itself is conducted by contractors who have been carefully screened to ensure their capacity to provide effective on-the-job training as well as provide quality work at the end of a project, said Tehan.
The improved security situation has enabled the first 10 CSD programs to gain footing in their local communities, said Tehan. The remaining 22 are contracted and will be operational by the end of December with similar successes expected.
There are two types of CSD programs: large, multi-function departments that serve the general public works needs of the surrounding community, and small teams that address specific public works needs.
MND-B's flagship program, Jihad CSD Training Facility, located in the West Rashid District of Baghdad, is an example of a robust long-term program. Currently, 294 individuals, of which 176 are SoIs, are being trained on-the-job in a full complement of public works and civil service trades, such as medical training, clerical and administration training, telecommunications, civil and mechanical engineering, vehicle maintenance and commercial driving as well as other vocational courses.
The training at Jihad lasts approximately 90 days; afterward, graduates transition to permanent employment with the private sector or other municipalities. At other long-term CSDs, most graduates will remain with the departments and continue working on essential service projects within their communities.
"CSDs bring many benefits to the community," said Tehan. "Not only are they growing a skilled workforce, but students also train on real-world projects, leaving behind an improved infrastructure and quality of life."
Electrical line refurbishment projects in Taji, Tarmiyah and Abu Ghraib are examples of specific short-term projects that dually address critical local needs while providing on-site training for students.
According to Tehan, training at the CSDs is funded by a combination of Civil Service Corps funds and Commander Emergency Response Program funds. In the past, Joint Technical Reintegration funds were applied to the CSD program. In fiscal 2008, funding for the program totaled approximately $37 million.
The CSD program budget seems modest in comparison to the resources the program brings to bear in the fight for stability and security in Baghdad.
Recently, Gen. Ray Odierno, the top general in Iraq and commander of Multi-National Force – Iraq, expressed his concerns on the subject.
"The security situation has the potential to either become more stable or deteriorate based on the Government of Iraq's ability to meet the essential service needs of the populace," said Odierno.
Community Service Departments, as a tool for gainfully employing military-age men and for reinvigorating essential services, has the potential to irreversibly tip the momentum in favor of lasting stability and prosperity in Iraq's sprawling capital city.
| Date Taken: | 11.05.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 11.05.2008 13:32 |
| Story ID: | 25960 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 219 |
| Downloads: | 213 |
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