Disbanded throughout the country and barred worldwide in 1999, a result of Saddam Hussein's tyranny as he used boys in his war-fighting effort, Iraq's youth scouting program is now flourishing and locals will soon be managing the program on their own.
Under the guidance of service members Iraq has been rehabilitating The Boy Scout & Girl Guide program throughout the country. Americans have been progressively stepping back while Iraqis are taking the lead.
"The program is getting there," said Col Brian M. Pugmire, chief of plans, Multi-National Corps - Iraq, and one of the two co chairs of The Victory Base Council Scouts. "When we first started this we did everything. Six months ago Maj Raheem came to us. He took over one activity, then two. Our ultimate goal is to get them certified," Pugmire continued referring to the accreditation and validation needed by the World Organization of Scouts to be re-recognized worldwide.
Maj. Raheem, the VBC scout pack leader smiled as he watched his twin seven-year -old daughters move rhythmically to the thumping bass drum and the explosive mix of brass instruments played by the 56th Army Band from Fort Lewis, Wash.
"I really enjoy the games introduced to scouting by the Americans like football and archery," Raheem said through a translator. "But I mostly enjoy the connection I see between the kids here and the American Soldiers."
Although American scouting and Iraqi scouting are parallel programs, there are some differences.
"The Iraqi scouts is an organization run by the ministry of education, and the physical educations teachers are in charge of the program," said Navy commander Capt. Kincaid.
Pugmire said, what we're doing here is giving them a snapshot of what we do. They don't have to continue to mirror us. "Even if nothing comes of this, these kids will have a taste of what American scouting's about."
Maj. Gen Guy Swan, director of operation for the Multi-National Force has a 15-year-old son working on his Eagle Scout and agrees the program promotes a good partnership between American and Iraqi militaries.
"These kids are the future of this country, Swan said. This gives them a positive experience after all they've been through and I think it will survive long after we're gone. This is something they want and I can't think of a program more important to the future of this country than a program dedicated to the children of Iraq.
Iraqi children set up tents at a Boy Scouts & Girl Guides overnight April 24 on camp on Victory Base Complex, Iraq. Scouting is growing throughout the county as local Iraqi troop leaders are preparing to take full control of the currently American-led program.
Iraqi children help American service members prepare cabbage, beef and potato dish at a Boy Scouts & Girl Guides overnight on April 24 on camp on Victory Base Complex, Iraq. Scouting is growing throughout the county as local Iraqi troop leaders are preparing to take full control of the currently American-led program.