Photo By Joseph Coslett | Tech Sgt. Merry Hopkins, 467th Expeditionary Intelligence Squadron advisor, poses for...... read more read more
BAGHDAD -- An airman set out as part of a joint team to advise the Iraqi intelligence community and started a female intelligence advisory program to increase their capability to share information to help keep Iraq secure.
Tech. Sgt. Merry Hopkins, Intelligence Capacity Building Team non-commissioned officer in charge and advisor, regularly goes outside the wire with Army Capt. David Salazar, ICBT officer in charge, and their interpreter to foster communication within the Directorate of General Intelligence and Security.
“We suggest ideas to them that might benefit them,” the joint expeditionary tasked airman said. “We don’t try and make them do it our way. Our goal is to help them do it their way better. We meet regularly with the other agency liaisons to see how we can better interact with each other to build the IIC to better support the Government of Iraq.”
According to Hopkins, a lot of the agencies don’t realize how they can work together. For example, the imagery and mapping directorate or IMD has a lot of maps and they are very quickly learning how to use technology to produce high-quality maps. A lot of other intelligence agencies had no idea what they were producing and how they could help them.
“We just help them communicate with one another and bring other agencies to IMD to show them what they do and how IMD can assist other agencies,” the Webberville, Mich., native explained. “All of the sudden requests start coming into IMD for different products.”
Now, when Hopkins first arrived, the farthest thing from her minds was helping shape one of the major intelligence directorates.
“A volunteer opportunity came up, they needed people in support of a unique mission and there wasn’t a lot in information given,” she emphasized. “I thought ‘what the heck, I’ll try it!’”
When she arrived with her new unit she was informed she would be a part of a liaison team working directly with Iraqis. She did not realize how she was going to help them right away.
“The biggest challenge with the mission was figuring out exactly…how…we were going to help the Iraqis,” said Hopkins, currently stationed with U.S. Central Command, Tampa, Fla. “Even though our leadership knew where they wanted us to be by the end of 2011, the way to get there was not as clearly defined. This was kind of uncharted territory.”
Her experience as an imagery analyst allowed her to start mapping the uncharted territory.
“She was uniquely able to give greatly needed guidance, mentorship, friendship and professional advice to her female counterparts in the imagery and mapping division at DGIS,” Cmdr. Helen Furbush, Intelligence Capacity Team officer in charge. “This wouldn't have been possible for a male to do, and the female-to-female analyst program wouldn't have developed if she didn't have an imagery analysis background. She was the right person, in the right place, at the right time.”
Her attitude and experience was recognized when she was requested by section leadership.
“The director of IMD realized this and he asked if she could mentor the women,” Furbush said. “The female analysts are talented, but lack confidence in the Iraqi male-dominated workplace to step out with their ideas and insights. Hopkins made great strides in encouraging their progress and supporting their analytic capability.”
In the beginning, the females were very timid and they would hardly say hello. Then suddenly the breakthrough came in the form of regular conversations.
“I have noticed, over time, that they are quietly becoming the cornerstones of their sections,” said the 467th Intelligence Squadron imagery analyst. “They are always there and the section chiefs know that whatever jobs they give to them, they will get done quickly and well.”
Even though they are not always afforded the same training opportunities as men they manage to train themselves, she continued.
“She is very smart and knowledgeable in her imagery skills,” said an Iraqi analyst. “We would constantly test her and she was quick to respond. She was a happy and enjoyable person to be around.”
For the ICBT’s efforts, they were accepted as part of the family.
“The high point was interacting directly with the Iraqis and being accepted as a member of their family,” said the long time resident of. “They take very good care of our team and when they get a report of an attack against the base or the embassy, they are always happy to find out we are okay.”
She knows she is part of something special but it is hard for her to describe the experience.
“We have been privileged to have the opportunity to be in Iraq right now,” she said. “Now is the time to be a positive part of the history here. Just as many Iraqis believe in strong relationships in their everyday lives, we need to believe that we can help build a strong relationship between the U.S. and Iraq for the future.”
Salazar expressed his gratitude for Hopkins’ efforts and the lasting impression she is leaving in Iraq.
“I appreciate your hard work and dedication that you put into this tour,” he said. “I know it is difficult to be away from your family helping citizens of a country on the other side of the world. But they appreciate it and will remember you far after you have departed. You are a warm face that represented your military Service and your country with distinction and honor. I wish you the best in your career and future.”
| Date Taken: | 03.02.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.02.2011 10:18 |
| Story ID: | 66329 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 129 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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