A key portion of my duties in Iraq include learning the culture of the people we are there to assist.  The learning curve is always steep and occasionally when I believe I have made a cultural breakthrough, I end up more confused than when I started.  Of all the things I have learned that has made this an unforgettable social experience, and perhaps the most important, is that Middle Eastern people are extremely patient.

This is hard for “Westerners” to fathom but an undeniable fact based upon centuries of waiting.  Unlike Americans, Iraqis have lived with situations that require the utmost in patience.  Occupied by the Persians, the Turkish, and the British, Iraqis have realized that with time, most find the land within their borders too inhospitable for even the toughest of armies.  Conquerors’ with grand notions of plundering the riches of these people eventually realize that their efforts are lost on a people who have little to give and a great understanding of time.  Even common terrorists who have come into this country have found that their resources eventually deplete and sustaining their manipulation of the Iraqi people eventually meets with failure.  The Iraqis use the tributes paid by the terrorists until there is nothing left and then refuse further integration of the terrorist because they have nothing left to offer.

Recently I was discussing such things with one of my many counterparts in the Iraqi National Police when he said something that struck a chord with me.  This Captain said to me that the American Army is the “Army for the World.”   When I heard this I was amazed at how insightful he was and I wished more Americans could understand the implications and the meaning behind it.

There are many different reasons why America is involved in a number of countries around the world and it is beyond my capability or position to discuss them with exception of one.  As a country the United States has always done what is the best not for only America but for the world as a whole.  We are truly the Army for the World; since our birth as a nation the world has looked to us as an example and to this day – despite our impatient citizens – we continue to do what is right for the entire World.

Iraqis will continue to accept the U.S. soldiers until after our work here is finished, for they are patient while receiving our gift of independence.  Iraqis know that the Army for the World is here to help and it is understood amongst many of us that only time will tell the full story of the good we do here.

Major Donald Green is a Whitley County native and a Columbia City High School graduate.

(Photos by Major Donald Green) At top, the lights of Samarra are beautiful from a distance at night. Below, center, a newly created irrigation ditch pumps water from the Tigris River about one kilometer inland for use in fields of wheat. At bottom, a view of a south Samarian village during a security patrol.  

By Major Donald L. Green , April 30, 2008

Tonight as I returned from the Shower Trailer, I looked to the East and viewed a sight that in any other place would be unworthy of mention.  The exception in this place, here and now, is change – constant change – and a story waiting to be told to the world that would never be heard otherwise.

I am often asked by family and friends “what is it like in Iraq” or “how dangerous is it now?  We see so much violence on the news.”  I find it hard to explain most particulars and generally come up with a canned response of “just another day in the desert” and “it’s pretty safe, much more than what you see on television at any given time.”  These are not lies, nor are they whole truths; the fact is that it’s easier than going into a list of details describing what it is like being part of a war located in a foreign country.  In reality, being a soldier can be a little inconvenient to your family especially when compared to a life that typical American families are used to.  As a soldier I made a cognitive choice to volunteer for this lifestyle and my family deals with that daily; furthermore, in a real perspective, I have very little to complain about, although my closest confidant may tell you different.

I generally avoid details about the talcum powder dust that permeates absolutely everything.  It is now a weekly experience and lately a bi-weekly chore to go through each item in my modified semi-trailer living quarters to remove the fine layer of powder resting on everything.  Electronics get a daily wipe down and if I am using a computer, every few hours of work requires a wipe down - else the static electricity build up will causing a dusty haze or sandy clogs in the keys.  This happens in a room with four solid walls that provide an environmental shield from the outside.  It is easy to imagine how much worse it could be for those without such benefits or the desire to keep the elements in check.

This of course leads to the washing of one’s clothes and linens on a much more regular basis than one would normally at home.  The dust holds more than one would expect, to include these pesky little things I believe are Sand Fleas.  I am no micro-biologist, but I do know that something is there and whether they are actually fleas or not I care less.  They bite; and having little bites that resemble chiggers on any part of your body is not a joyful experience.  More importantly it certainly cannot be healthy to feed them so much in bed linens that I may lay in, so doing laundry is a great deterrent.

These, of course, are minor things in comparison to what my family deals with but there is also a mission and the people we are here to help.  I look at the Iraqis who live in this very inhospitable land and wonder what makes them so strong to deal with the adversity found in their daily lives.  Their nation has been occupied, warred over, fought for internally, and rested in the turmoil of politics and religion for its entire existence.  Their entire existence is a result of the harsh land they live in and survival here has influenced their culture in ways that very few actually step back to see.  The harsh desert has influenced their dress, the food and their culture and how they deal with others, to include outsiders who don’t understand their predicaments.  The faces of the people grow old before their time and they treasure friendship and politeness above all.  Family is the strong tie that binds in every village, city and province.  With all these strengths there are many weaknesses, resultant of the last ruler and a political party that stripped its own nation of being properly educated and capable of freedom making them suspicious of anyone offering help in this difficult part of the world?

As the city of Samarra opens back up to commerce, the people have begun a long trip back to the great city it once was.  I watch the change and hope (Inshallah-God willing) it’s enough to conquer and dismiss the last generation’s worth of tyranny faced here.  As a soldier, I have followed my orders and I will make a positive impact on the people of Iraq - any way I can.  It is the right thing to do and it is a fine example of what our nation does best in a global sense.  Regardless of the naysayers, I see the value of what we do daily and why.  It speaks to the values learned during my upbringing and it upholds the same values used to build the United States of America .

Tonight my sight is lights in the city of Samarra shimmering some miles off in the distance.  These lights are the gleaming rays of progress in this one small corner of the world brought to bear by hard working, positive minded Americans and our daily partners in effort, the Iraqi Security Forces.  A few months ago the lights were unseen; now they shine with the possibility of being brighter in the future.  This story is truly worth being told.

Green is a 1985 graduate of Columbia City Joint High School and a 1995 graduate of Central State University, Ohio, and a career Army Officer.

(Photos provided by Major Donald L. Green) Above, a view of the market coming back to life because of an Iraqi National Police Checkpoint. Below, at top, Rizok Mosque, located in the center of Samarra, with local traffic flowing by freely nearby. Below, at center, a civilian designated garbage point was created to help get garbage out of the streets. Below, at bottom, citizens use their own tools, tractors and wagons to clean up the streets.

By Major Donald L. Green - March 14, 2008

I have now been in Samarra working with the Al-Askyrian Iraqi National Police Brigade for 100 days.  It has become apparent that there is much work to be done before this city and its people are ready to provide 100 percent of their own security; however, it is purely amazing the concerted effort that has been made to better the situation.

Samarra has been surrounded by an earthen berm and towers have been constructed to maintain 24 hour observation and security for the outside of the city to protect the inside as a whole.  Entry points into the city are manned by the National Police (equivalent to our National Guard) and checks are made of the people and items being brought into the city to ensure there are no weapons that can harm the people of Samarra .  Every vehicle is inspected and the people are generally willing to undergo the scrutiny for their own safet.  Concerned Citizen Groups (Neighborhood Watch Groups) have become very active, and assist the National Police and the Iraqi Police in keeping the neighborhoods free of weapons and outsiders who would like to do harm to the local tribes or security forces. 

The people of Samarra who formerly threw trash into the streets, have cleaned up their refuse and have also started using local designated drop sites to keep the city clean. This is done of their own accord while the city services are being developed and organized by a local government that to this point have been too scared by threats to act on the city’s behalf.  Streets that were formally impassable now have regular traffic and steady commerce has restarted in several local markets where Samarians are capable of buying any item needed for both survival and convenience.  Children are attending school on a regular basis and many of the city’s unemployed are now working with the Concerned Citizen groups instead of accepting funding from insurgents to emplace Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) that formerly wreaked havoc on the daily activities of the city.  There is a local bank opening and local goals include constant water and electricity services for the city before the end of the year. 

Much of the success in this area has been the result of hard work by different elements of the United States Army and specialized teams like mine that have diligently worked with all of the aforementioned elements to make a difference.  Most of the change was emulation, some was aggravation, and a great deal was perspiration by the people have become a part of the city regardless of their own cities they are absent from in the United States .  One of the local Sheiks says it is “Kaalahu –Wahid” or “together one” putting the subtle crowning touch of exactly what is happening within Samarra and its outskirts.  It is plain to see that the people, with the help of American Soldiers are becoming strong again and being “one” in creating a new future beyond what they have known for the last 5 years.

The local people and the Iraqi Security Forces are now smiling to each other and are friendly to the coalition forces. There is not a day that goes by where they do not give thanks with us for this newly realized freedom or are ask us to break bread and discuss our families, homes, wishes and desires.  They also say thanks to our families for the time we must spend away from home to do our work here.  They sincerely mean what they say as human beings and it is the most touching - human part of what we do. 

I revel in all of this experience.  Brought to me in a different culture and at the response of a drastic turnaround in events for a city and a nation in 100 days simply because someone knew it was the right thing to do for the people of Iraqi.  These are the things worth sharing – with my family and the world from a place most only know through the political media from a distance. 

Green is a 1985 graduate of Columbia City Joint High School, a 1995 Graduate  of Central State University, Ohio, and a career Army Officer.

By MAJ Donald L. Green - January 28, 2008

The Transition Team I am a part of has now been in the Samara area for two months, and much like our training foretold, we have become somewhat frustrated with the Iraqi systems.  There is a perception that desire in Iraq is short in supply and the Iraqi people’s determination to change things for the better may seem siphoned from their abilities due to their recent past.  In some Soldier's eyes, there is little understanding of the nation's past or social system which is why there is this perception, and like most Americans, perception is their reality.  This is not to fault the soldier, for any American faced with this problem would feel exactly the same way and that is exactly the main reason why success here in Iraq depends greatly on time.

Societies do not change in a month or a year; it takes decades and maybe generations to affect a change that will shift the ideals, morals, and focus of such a large number of people.  Many, if not all adults and military age men in this country have known nothing but conflict, war, corruption, secrecy, and limitations to their individual freedoms and it is my opinion that this has affected their ability to live their lives to the fullest.  Much of this societal “training” stems to the political and religious overtones within Iraq and the tyranny of a now defunct government that existed for the few and gave the remaining only what was needed to survive.  The elite lambasted in luxury unconstrained by laws and values while the common man lived in fear and near poverty.  The giving of money and items became the only means of survival and every gift cost the recipient a price that eventually would have to be repaid, mostly by loyalty to the regime.  Saddam Hussein’s Baath party was extremely good at using gifts and loyalties to divide and conquer the people of Iraq and this type of governance changed the face of this society making the people hide their belongings and only survive by being a part of the system.  This created a very large chasm between tribes and even religions that over time built a society of a ruling class with henchmen to do their bidding while the common man suffered or eventually assimilated into the system.  Ruling in this form since the late 1960’s Saddam created a society reliant on other’s for their well being and one that would use religion and “God’s will” to justify when things were not as they should be.

Today the “new” system is run by the same people who have been a part of this society for the last 30-40 years.  They know what the future could be and are trying to change the grip of the only system most Iraqi people have ever known.  The people who govern continue to appease tribal leaders and religious sects in ways that are common to all.  These systems of secrecy, homage, kickbacks and corruption are still very common in every form so as to make it difficult to accomplish what Americans may envision.  Most outsiders want to adapt age old concepts to American methods instead of understanding the Iraqi systems and assisting in a future where previous ways will not be accepted.  In short – we must teach the people and children of Iraq that to wish for an easy life is not the answer, but to be strong enough to deal with adversity is.  The change to date is small but the future is bright and with the help, like many other countries in history, the American soldier continues to lead the way.

My team quite often re-calibrates our thoughts and frustrations in the search for what will lead our counterparts out of the past and into the future.  We all check ourselves and our personal perceptions and return to our training for an understanding that will lead us to answers.  We look to our interpreter’s knowledge of their own society, guiding us down this path.  In the end we too must understand and be strong enough to get through the perceptions of a different culture and assist the Iraqi People in dealing with their own adversities.  It takes time but is worth our effort, now and for the future. 

Green, the son of Delbert and “Birdie” Johnson of Columbia City,  is a 1985 graduate of Columbia City Joint High School, a 1995 Graduate of Central State University, Ohio, and a career Army Officer.

I have spent a great deal of time in the last few weeks with the Iraqi people trying to define for myself the norms of their society and why the country remains in a state of distress.  This may be a lofty goal for one individual but it is essential for my own understanding in developing long term goals for our time here.  Fortunately, since my team's arrival, our eleven man number has grown to 16 with the addition of four Iraqi Interpreters and one Iraqi Police Liaison Officer (IPLO), who is a contractor working through the State Department to assist in our mission.

 

(Photo Contributed) From left to right is MSG Mark Kelley - Florida, LTC Andrew Lark - Mississippi, SFC Kelly Reid - Fort Knox, Kentucky, MAJ John Sullivan - Michigan, MSG Robert Wiatt - Bloomington, Indiana, SFC Larry Baltierra - California, MAJ Donald Green - Brandenburg, Kentucky (a Whitley County native), SFC Billy Ortiz - Florida, LTC Robert King - Colorado, SFC Alan Meador - Florida, and CPT Jon Howard - Utah. 

By MAJ Donald L. Green -- December 22, 2007

 

(photo contributed) Major Donald L. Green, a Whitley County native, with fellow soldiers serving in Iraq. Green says he's surprised to at just how small the world is after recently meeting two Kosciusko County natives serving alongside him in Iraq.

By MAJ Donald L. Green -- December 7, 2007

My team has now spent our first week in our new surroundings in Iraq located in the city formerly known as Babylon and most recently called Samarra (pronounced Sam-a-rah).  We were transported by air in two of the Army’s UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Brassfield-Mora named after two soldiers who gave everything they had during Operation Iraqi Freedom’s (OIF). 

Although we have spent some time learning the layout of the base we began to orient ourselves to the inner city area almost immediately.  This was done by making day trips by ground into the city and visiting our Iraqi Counterparts where they work and live.  We accomplish the travel by a three vehicle convoy of “up-armored” HMMWVs that provide protection from the small arms fire danger and provide a safe haven from most attacks.  On top of each vehicle our gunners scan for any danger and provide coverage for anything else that may endanger the crews.  In the time we have been here, there has been no use of this important equipment but we are all glad to have it – just in case.

I have to state this is the most interesting place I have visited in quite a long time and the variances to what a normal person would expect is amazing and can only be compared to something you would see in the movies.  What is most interesting is the Iraqi people’s constant will that shows even when they face daily adversity from outside elements.  As we traveled throughout the center of the city I was amazed by the smiling faces of the children and the friendliness of those we met.  There is so much that I could never understand about why things here could be so bad, yet within the first week I have begun to internalize some of their immediate dilemmas along with the realities I will have to face in order to accomplish our mission.

The current army and coalition operations involves everyone in the area to include the Iraqi Army, the Iraqi National Police (Iraqi National Guard), the Iraqi Police (local law enforcement), and even the civilians in the area.  Together they are creating “safe” zones where patrols are conducted regularly and where only authorized civilians are allowed to enter.  These “neighborhood watch” type areas are beginning to spring up everywhere in the city, allowing markets and businesses to re-open which in-turn spurs the economic development in the area.  This further ensures the local population has access to outside goods and services, something Americans take for granted.  Checkpoints are monitored for suspicious activity and a greater portion of the city which was formerly under siege by insurgents and thugs is now beginning to give way to a future other than poverty and harassment by outsiders.

The proof has been the daily changes visible within the streets that we pass through.  Adults and children alike give the local greetings of “Salam” (peace be upon you), “Mar-haba” (hello), “Sabah-il-khayr” (good morning), or “Ahlan-wa-sahlan” (Welcome).  People are taking the time to clean up months of refuse from the city streets, sweeping the sidewalks where they sell their goods in front of the stores that are open once again.  Lastly, the children continuously run up individually and in groups asking for basic items of necessity like shampoo, soap, and every Iraqi child’s favorite candy and soccer balls.  Coming from such a prosperous land like America to a place like Iraq will make anyone want to assist every kid possible and quite often the American teams here will make care boxes to drop off randomly.  The children will ultimately be the ones who will benefit from the work we do here.

I continue to believe that there are more similarities in the Iraqi people than differences from Americans and every meeting reinforces that thought.  In my first week here I have seen ancient civilization peeking through the ruins surrounding the city; I have also seen the present in the people struggling to take back what is theirs next to historical monuments like the Spiral Minuet and the Al-Askyrian Golden Mosque.  Things mostly seen only on television or on Google Earth.  Mostly I see the future in the Iraqi children that will eventually rebuild this city to its former stature.

To emphasize how small a world it can be, I met two soldiers serving here in the 101^st Division.  Specialist Bryan Thomas and Specialist Adam Young are both 2004 graduates of Warsaw High School, Warsaw, Indiana .  I wondered to myself why we could meet in such a foreign place, so distant from where we began, dedicating ourselves to a task so rich with rewards. I also wondered, more importantly, why more people could not support such a noble cause.  I know for sure that our up-bringing ensured we would at least make the attempt.

Today - I feasted on one of the best Thanksgiving meals I have had in a very long time.  The interesting aspect of the meal was it being my first meal on my first day in Iraq with a newly formed U.S. Army National Police Transition Team.  This is no slight to my family and friends, given the choice I would much rather be in their company; however, my family of immediate concern is here, an eleven member team of soldiers I am now living and working with for the next 356 days.  The family substitution is necessary for the time being and I hope that all will understand.
 

The Team’s specialties are broad for eleven men, each backing up the other as a second or third in tasks and knowledge.  Their base strengths lay in their key primary functions  consisting of an Engineer Officer, Military Police Officer, Intelligence Officer, Logistics Officer, Aviation Officer, Communication/Signal Specialist, Combat Medic, and four Senior Infantry Non-Commissioned Officers rounding out a very competent team.  These soldiers are some of the most tactically and technically proficient soldiers I have ever had the privilege to work with and most volunteered for this very special and important mission.
 

Transition teams are a critical part to the Department of Defense plan to improve the capabilities on Iraqi Security Forces in preparation for the eventual departure of U.S. Soldiers and governmental support.  Their mission is simply to advise and assist the Iraqi Army, National Police, and Local Police through training and mentoring in procedures and tactics that are similar to other democracies throughout the world - protecting the nation’s people without external help.  This training is crucial to self governing and becoming a nation by the Iraqi people for the Iraqi people.

Our team will spend the next year side-by-side with Iraqi counterparts conducting training and daily activities together in their country for their nation’s benefit.  During this time we will learn as much about them, as they do about us, both reciprocating the knowledge and sharing it with anyone we contact.  This eventually will lead to a much greater understanding of each other’s ways improving small portions of the big world we live in.

The mission is somewhat different than typical army missions as it requires a thorough understanding of the Iraqi culture, society, and people of whom we will work with.  Imagine going to a foreign country to teach graduate level theory without knowing the culture or language, then an understanding may develop of the gravity of our task.  We have been extremely fortunate to spend the last three months learning about the Iraqi/Arab culture and the Islamic religion and it’s affect on our mission.  The Army went to great length in exposing our team, and other teams like it, to the culture and language providing a better understanding of the people we will deal with as they have been struggling for true independence and national identity for quite some time.  Countless hours of training with Middle Eastern language specialists followed by realistic role playing under the tutelage of Iraqi nationals at Fort Riley, Kansas and Camp Buehring, Kuwait has made our training much more meaningful.  The people who we will work with may seem extremely different but in reality are more like us than we would like to believe.

Great things are happening in what is now being called the “Sunni awakening” but should more aptly be called the “Iraqi Awakening” as it is a national elemental movement versus a movement of individual favor.  These people want a better life (much like every free American) and are now taking back the country from the insurgent outsiders (Al-Qaeda) to make it their own.  With the help of the security forces that we are training, the Iraqis will control their own destiny and are expelling the outsiders who have hurt the innocent people they want to protect the most, their families.

The Iraqi people have a strong bond to family, community (tribe), and religion, the same social forces that drive our great nation.  Iraqi’s carry a huge importance in personal relationships and have great reverence for the extended family which impacts their daily lives.  It is more common for Iraqi’s to focus on the important factors of personal life before conducting any business.  When conducting missions, it is typical to spend a great deal of time discussing personal issues first and it would be considered rude and inconsiderate if they do not.  It becomes a great depicter of the kind of people that the Iraqis are and shows the inner workings of their society as perhaps an example to us.  This calling teaches the importance of family and individual that so often gets forgotten with today’s pace and methods.

Green is a 1985 graduate of Columbia City Joint High School, a 1995 Graduate  of Central State University, Ohio, and a career Army Officer.