United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Public Affairs Office
1st MARINE DIVISION
1stLt Eric M. Knapp

Contact: KnappEM@1mardivdm.usmc.mil

Release # 0507-04-1233

Marines, soldiers propose infrastructure upgrades to sheiks
May 06, 2004

AR RAMADI, IRAQ --
THE WAY AHEAD:

The 1st Marine Division is currently focused on destroying Anti-Iraqi Forces in the Al Anbar province. Simultaneously, the Marines are establishing patient, persistent presence in the key areas throughout the province while supporting the development of competent, trustworthy, Iraqi Security Forces and conducting civil military operations.

CIVIL MILITARY OPERATIONS:

Marines met with members of the Ministry of Labor in Ramadi today to finalize a contract and provide $56,200 to create job placement offices in the Al Anbar province. Another $16,700 was given for the employee’s salaries for the first month’s service.

“Today we signed a memorandum between the Coalition and the Ministry of Labor,” said Maj. Mark E. Stanovich, a civil affairs officer for the 1st Marine Division and project supervisor. “It was a big step for the Ministry of Labor. We want Baghdad to understand we have a big unemployment problem so that they can help fund and support us.”

The job placement employees will work out of offices in Fallujah, Ramadi, Al Qaim, Habbiniyah, Rutbah and Ana.

The jobs that Iraqis can apply for include electrician, engineer, computer technician, construction worker, auto repairman, and other manual labor. The job placement offices will also provide training for people to apply for selected jobs.

“Our intent was to find qualified Iraqis that are available for work, and the employment office will match up people who want to work with available work,” said Stanovich, 39, of Wilder, Va. “The Marines and the Ministry of Labor have many projects coming up in the future, and we want the labor office to help sort out the jobs”

By working with the Ministry of Labor to create employment for Iraqis, the Coalition seeks to reduce crime and attacks against the Coalition and Iraqi people, while simultaneously improving the living conditions and economic situation in Iraq.
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