I-BIZ:Teaching skills for an independent Iraq

Photo By Sgt. Shantelle Campbell | Electricians at the Iraqi-Based Industrial Zone on Contingency Operating Base Speicher, near Tikrit, Iraq, work on a colorful concoction of wires in the electrician shop, Oct 19. I-BIZ teaches useful skills such as plumbing, heating and air conditioning maintenance, welding, carpentry, mechanics and electrical wiring to local Iraqis to help them prepare to provide support services for Iraqi security forces as the U. S. Army begins to draw down in Iraq.  

TIKRIT, IRAQ

10.10.2009

Story by Sgt. Shantelle Campbell 

4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq — The Iraqi-Based Industrial Zone provides educational and job opportunities for Tikrit-area residents. Soldiers of 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division toured the center, Oct. 10, to see how the "Dragon" Brigade can help take the Salah ad-Din I-BIZ to the next level.

I-BIZ facilitates are located throughout Iraq, in areas close to or inside a U.S. military base.

The facilities are designed so that once the Iraqi security forces take control of U.S. bases, the businesses located on them will be Iraqi owned and operated, rather than foreign businesses; therefore providing opportunities for Iraqi business owners to create and sustain businesses.

According to the I-BIZ website, I-BIZ offers a "variety of businesses in secure areas to provide services and products to the coalition," while "directing money into the Iraqi economy and stabilizing security through expanded employment."

Sgt. Janelle Nesmith, the vocational educational representative with the 1320th Civil Affairs, a Reserve unit out of Queens, N.Y., attached to the "Dragon" Brigade, said local citizens are learning valuable skills at I-BIZ.

"When they finish with their training, they can go to a business course and put in for a micro-grant and open their own business outside of post," she said.

Classes at I-BIZ range from carpentry, construction, welding and plumbing, to electrical work and heating, ventilation and air conditioning maintenance.

"[The Iraqi people] can take these skills and go back home with them," said Nesmith, "because everyone needs an electrician, mechanic or plumber."

• Date Taken: 10.10.2009
• Date Posted: 10.21.2009 07:35
• Story ID: 40442
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ