|
|
K-State Research and Extension teams with Fort Riley First Infantry CommandKansas It's not unusual for neighbors to work together toward a common goal, and Kansas State University and the First Infantry Division at Fort Riley are doing just that. The assignment: To work with Iraqi citizens to help strengthen their communities and agricultural operations, said Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks at a recent training session where agriculture and community development specialists from K-State Research and Extension discussed an array of topics with top officers in the First Infantry Division, headed to Iraq. Those topics included the challenges of working in a government structure very different from the United States', growing crops in low rainfall areas, and retaining and distributing water on a small and large scale. The Fort Riley team also met with officials from the city of Manhattan, Kan., for insight into how local governments operate. "Iraq faces three main challenges when it comes to agriculture: No. 1--water, No. 2--water, No. 3--water," said K-State emeritus professor of agronomy Richard Vanderlip. He noted, however, that the region has a "rich history of agriculture production" and that it is one of the oldest agricultural areas in the civilized world. Crops traditionally grown in Iraq are barley, cotton, rice, dates, wheat, fruits and vegetables. "Do something small and make sure it works," suggested Joe Aistrup, K-State professor of political science. "Be competent, be inclusive, be gone" is how Maj. Chuck Dodd described his vision for the soldiers' mission in Iraq. Drawing on years of experience not only from previous deployments to Iraq but also as a missionary in Africa, he added that it's important for Iraqi citizens to take the lead. That way, when something doesn't work properly once U.S. support is gone, the citizens will have the ability to rectify the problem.
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2011. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
