Boy Scouts in Iraq

Courtesy Photo | Iraqi boy and girl scouts watch as Iraqi scout flag is raised during the Opening Ceremony for the Scouts held at Area 4.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.09.2008

Courtesy Story

3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command

By: 1st Lt. Aaron Pariseau
3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

BAGHDAD – Scouting in Iraq has taken many forms since the early 1920's when it first originated with the British Mandate of Mesopotamia. Throughout the years, the Iraqi boy scouts organization has changed hands and names numerous times. It wasn't until 2004 that scouting hit new heights in Iraq. Chip Beck, a former Navy commander, had the idea to restart scouting in the country of Iraq. Since Scouting was reinstated in 2004, the Iraqis have taken over operations exclusively.

Currently, the program is open to boys and girls of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. An Iraqi government building has been earmarked for the national Iraqi scouting headquarters. The Iraqi scouts are involved in community service helping with traffic control, cultivating cotton, planting trees, and helping during natural disasters.

Soldiers from the 398th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, have begun attending Boy Scout meetings on Victory Base. They learned about the Boy Scout program through a mass email that was sent out to all Soldiers. Iraqi children can join and partake in activities such as basketball, arts and crafts, pine box derbies, first aid courses, etc. They learn teamwork and discipline through these activities and build a relationship with the Soldiers who come out and support them by attending meetings. All of the participating Soldiers from the 398th believe that this is an outstanding opportunity for the children of Iraq. Master Sgt. Gerald Witte, native of Winner, S.D., Support Operations non-commissioned officer in charge, stated, "I think that the scouting program is a positive program for any youth. The scouts learn a lot about respect, responsibility and survival skills. This assists them with applying real life problem solving and leadership which is important in all societies." Scouting instills discipline, loyalty, respect and many other values that the US Army instills in their Soldiers during basic training.

Sgt. 1st Class Nevin Gordner, from Hughesville, Pa., Supply and Services NCOIC, feels he will "....have an opportunity to help strengthen the Iraqi scouting program. This could also help build a stronger Iraq starting with its youth." Both Witte and Gordner have been involved in scouting back in the States. Gordner has been a Scoutmaster of Troop 28 in Pennsylvania for the past three years. Witte and his son have been involved in Scouting in South Dakota the past for five years.

These Soldiers hope to make a positive impact on the Iraqi children during their deployment here on VBC. Through the help of Soldiers like Gordner and Witte, scouting in Iraq will grow to the numbers it once was and become a main stay in the Iraqi culture for years to come.

Soldiers are encouraged to attend meetings, which occur on VBC. Meetings are held twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The meetings on Tuesdays are held at the Victory Mayor Cell at 1900. On Saturdays they are located at Area 4 (near Sather) and meet at 1400 near the AL FAW Palace.

• Date Taken: 12.09.2008
• Date Posted: 12.09.2008 11:10
• Story ID: 27375
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ