|
Blackanthem Military News
|
Last Updated:
Feb 9, 2012 - 5:06:14 PM |
|
|
I-BIZ; Teaching skills for an independent Iraq
By Spc. Shantelle Campbell, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs, 1st Infantry Division
Oct 20, 2009 - 5:55:53 PM
|
Email this article
Printer friendly page
|
Blackanthem Military News
 |
| 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. The 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. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Shantelle J. Campbell, 4IBCT PAO) |
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, TIKRIT, 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 to see how the "Dragon" Brigade can help move the Salah ad Din I-BIZ to the next level.
I-BIZ facilitates are located throughout Iraq, located in areas close to or inside a U.S. military base. The I-BIZ provides opportunities for Iraqi business owners to create and sustain businesses, and this in turn provides valuable skills training and creates jobs.
In preparation for the withdrawal of U.S. forces, I-BIZ facilities are designed so that once Iraqi Security Forces take control of U.S. bases, the businesses located on them will be Iraqi owned and operated, rather than foreign businesses. The I-BIZ offers a "variety of businesses in secure areas to provide services and products to the coalition," while at the same time, "directing money into the Iraqi economy and stabilizing security through expanded employment," according to its Web site.
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 the 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."
Comments
NO Soliciting.
Comments with links to websites or soliciting services will be removed.
Please read our Terms of use for more information.
|
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
