U.S. to hire more Iraqis for coalition base jobs

[unhappycamper]

U.S. to hire more Iraqis for coalition base jobs
Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, March 7, 2009

U.S. officials in Iraq are expanding a program designed to hire local Iraqis for more jobs on coalition bases in the country.

Base jobs have long been held by “third-country nationals,” contractors hired from outside Iraq to complete tasks ranging from maintenance to cooking to translation. But at more bases, locals are being hired.

The latest effort is being undertaken in Ninevah province, at places such as Contingency Operating Base Adder and what the Americans call Q-West. Base officials held a February job fair.

“This area is a farming community and has been hit very hard by the drought for the past three to four years. ... We won’t be able to help everyone, of course, but every little bit helps, and employment opportunities foster the great working relationships and security for this area,” Lt. Col. Alan Dorow, commander of the 181st Brigade Support Battalion, and the Q-West base mayor, said in an Army news release.

Officials also are working with local sheiks and civic leaders to develop list of locals with skills to fill base jobs.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=61164

[disndat]

1. Obama walks on water

Repeat that 10 times. Obama is a one-man peace movement. Change we can believe in.