Army Maj. Kristine Coan was second in charge of the mobile
training team dispatched from the Defense Information School at Fort Meade,
Md., to train Iraqi ministry workers in public affairs, journalism and media
relations. She said the classes were successful in bringing people together who
may not have otherwise spoken to one another due to cultural backgrounds and
differences. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Joel I. Huval, USN
(Click
photo for screen-resolution image); high-resolution image
available. |
Twenty-two Iraqi ministry workers graduated from a 14-day public affairs course
July 21 at the Convention Center in Baghdad.
A mobile training team of six instructors from the Defense Information School,
a Defense Department school that teaches journalism and public affairs to U.S.
service members, government employees and foreign nationals, arrived in Iraq
June 26. The team's mission was to teach students from nearly every ministry in
Iraq's government practical knowledge of democracy, public affairs, media
relations and journalism.
"The main goal of this program is to train Iraqi public affairs personnel, who
have never been trained in formal public affairs techniques, and provide them
with public affairs procedures and knowledge," said Army Col. Hiram Bell,
DINFOS commandant, who deployed to not only support the team, but to provide
assistance to senior public affairs officers in the theater of operations.
"This is a unique opportunity for DINFOS," he said. "We have a history of MTTs,
but this is the first time in a combat zone. This team is doing the best they
can in making a contribution to the progress here."
While only expecting about 24 students and having ordered enough supplies to
support that number, more than 30 people showed up for the first morning of
class, making it clear to the team that a second iteration and possible future
ones would be necessary.
"(The number of students) proved to me this mission had purpose," said Army
Maj. Robert H. Tallman Jr., DINFOS instructor who was in charge of team. "There
was no longer a question in my mind of whether or not we would have students to
train. Some of these students are risking their lives to be here and understand
the enormous impact this course can have on the Iraqi people. There is a need
to begin placing Iraqi faces with what is going on in this country versus
Americans telling their stories."
Once the class began, students were immediately confronted with homework and
questions regarding their ideas of democracy and other aspects of government.
"This class has taught me that the (U.S. military) is really here to support
the Iraqi people," said one student, who wished not to be identified. "The
training is meant to give us information to build new Iraqi ideas about
democratic ways."
Although students may have developed an understanding of open communication,
classes meant to improve teamwork and interaction between the students were
included in the course.
Army Maj. Kristine Coan said the classes were successful in bringing people
together who may not have otherwise spoken to one another due to cultural
backgrounds and differences.
"The teamwork exercises set the stage for the course," said Coan, second in
charge of the team. "The students were able to express their opinions openly
and learned to use techniques to work through disagreements."
"After the teamwork exercise I felt more confident," said a female student, who
did not want to be identified. "I feel more encouraged in facing interviews and
working with the media."
One message the team wanted the students to grasp and never forget was one of
credibility and the impact dishonesty can have on an agency. "One of the most
important classes during the course was public affairs ethics," Tallman said.
"Based on the way the Iraqi government used to be run, ethics is incredibly
important."
Other classes included how to write basic press releases, how to respond to
media queries, and setting up and executing press conferences, all of which
culminated in a staff exercise the last day of the course.
"In addition to a need to understand ethical considerations, the students
needed to learn how to communicate with intent," Tallman said. "This was
accomplished through basic journalism and media training. The staff exercise
brought all of this together."
Armed with their DINFOS graduation certificates, the students placed the
training in high regard. "All of the lectures were useful, and we are
thankful," said one student. "This course has given us the skills and knowledge
so as to serve our ministries, and most importantly, Iraq. (The military) can
be seen as having a direct or a not direct relationship with the Iraqi people.
I felt a direct relationship."
(Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Joel I. Huval is assigned to the Defense
Information School, Fort Meade, Md.)
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