FORT STEWART, Ga. — The 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team commander, Col. Dan Hokanson, and other members from the brigade participated in an innovative Army training event at Fort Stewart, Ga., on June 18 involving an Iraqi sheik.
The training is conducted to provide Soldiers with cultural awareness training for their Iraq deployment, where building positive relationships is critical to mission success.
There are many tribes throughout Iraq that share the same last name and usually consist of around 2000 to 3000 people, said Sheik Riyad Diyaa Aldeen. He explained that asking questions, being polite and making an effort to understand Arabic customs and language is often the difference between individual tribes helping the U.S. military or not.
He emphasized that the Sheiks are at the center of tribal life; building relationships with them, keeping promises, and showing respect will go a long way towards winning the respect of a tribe, since the Sheik is a leader and decision maker who has influence over everyone.
"Working with foreign language speakers and cultural affairs role players is some of the most important training Soldiers will get before going into country," said Chief Warrant Officer (3) Veronica Davis, the liaison officer for the program.
Role players at the village take the training very seriously and work to provide a realistic atmosphere to include speaking in Arabic and using translators to communicate.
Foreign language speaker Alla Aljanabi said he does not do the training for money; he does it because it will help make Iraq better.
During the training, members from 2/162 Infantry Battalion moved in a convoy prior to the brigade commander's group to provide security at a simulated village where the sheik was located.
"When you go to a village you have to respect the social order. [W]e are here to help Soldiers and Iraq," explained Arabic role player Safah Aalsaid.
The highlight is a ceremonial feast served with chai tea and a variety of foods that included a lamb prepared and served according to Muslim customs. The Soldiers joined the sheik while abiding to customs in a tent with a traditional Arabic rug, lights, scents, and servers.
The event was organized and conducted by the Valbin Corporation which has 40 Arabic speakers to accompany many other role players at Fort Stewart who create realistic environments for training.
The Soldiers from 41 IBCT enjoyed music, dancing and friendly conversation during their training mission with the sheik and his followers.
"The training was great for cultural awareness, and I found out we have a lot in common. [T]hey want to get rid of the insurgents too and we should be building relationship to work together," said Lt. Col. Brian James, commander, 141 Brigade Support Battalion.
| Date Taken: |
06.25.2009 |
| Date Posted: |
06.25.2009 16:59 |
| Story ID: |
35627 |
| Location: |
FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: |
309 |
| Downloads: |
277 |
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