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V CORPS BUILDS BUSINESS, RELATIONS WITH BAGHDAD NEIGHBORS

V Corps Public Affairs

Release Date: 06 May 2003

By Sgt. Amy Abbott V Corps Public Affairs Office

BAGHDAD, IRAQ -- Children darted from every alley and shop to meet and greet the camo-clad, weapons-toting strangers. Shop owners and other locals flocked to the group in droves to shake hands, say thanks and chat in broken English.

The strangers passing through the war-torn streets here were a multi-cultural mixture of Americans: soldiers from V Corps' Special Troops Battalion based in Heidelberg, Germany; a contracting officer; an Arabic translator, and their escorts from Fort Carson, Colorado's 59th Military Police Company. The entourage had a mission as diverse as their membership, too - to establish the first economic relations between the corps headquarters and the people of Baghdad, build partnerships, and instill hope in a skeptical society.

"This allows them to see our faces and to know that we're not tanks or destroying machines - we're humans," said STB's property book officer, Sgt. 1st Class Cesar Rodriguez, as he sipped freshly squeezed orange juice. The first stop of the day was at a fruit stand where Rodriguez, born in Mexico and raised in San Luis, Ariz., had warmly introduced himself and chatted with the locals.

As the group continued along broken sidewalks strewn with produce stands and small shops, they were bombarded with smiles and expressions of appreciation and hope from a people who have often been portrayed as hating the American military presence in their country.

Children with wide eyes and toothless smiles treated the contingent like celebrities. Many small hands reached out to touch the soldiers. Several youngsters begged to have their arms autographed, then proudly paraded about, comparing them with their playmates'.

This was clearly not just a trip to buy mops and brooms.

"We are not only putting money into their economy right now, but establishing trust," said the team's translator, Lt. Col. Frank Miskena of the 308th Civil Affairs Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve, Homewood, Ill. Miskena, a Michigan veterinarian when not on reserve duty, is uniquely qualified to help the team - he was born in Iraq.

Rodriguez is no lightweight in this field, either. During his career, he has had a hand in Army business affairs in some pretty far-flung locations. On previous missions he has helped establish economic ties for V Corps in Poland and Kuwait.

The first rule of business in these situations, Rodriguez said, is to set a workable currency exchange rate. Rodriguez, who is in charge of all nonexpendable properties for STB, explained that if local businesses charge too much for their goods, they end up hurting themselves, because average citizens will no longer be able to afford everyday items.

"From a logistics (standpoint), I want to make sure they are selling products at a fair and reasonable price," he said. Currently the exchange rate is 2,000 Iraqi dinar to one American dollar, but it is subject to constant fluctuation.

"We are teaching the Iraqi people not only how to interact with the military, but to keep their market at a price where they can still afford things," added Sgt. Javish Medina, the supply sergeant for V Corps' Headquarters and Headquarters Company. "We are also here to help their economy and provide jobs for the people."

The next step in setting up business for the corps is to explain the sometimes intricate Army purchasing policies and regulations to Iraqi merchants. One of the primary rules Rodriquez must explain is that the military is required to compare prices and vary vendors. It's up to experts like Rodriguez to make sure no monopolies are formed in doing business with U.S. forces.

While working with businesses here where Americans will go to shop for needed goods, the team also helps local merchants to bring goods to U.S. troops. Vendors must be screened for security before being allowed access to American camps to set up shop. But the simple meals and cold sodas they bring to soldiers' doorsteps are hailed like an oasis in the seemingly infinite desert of Meals Ready to Eat the troops have grown so accustomed to.

"It's a good way for me to finally get a soda, and in turn we're giving them money so that they can feed their families. That thought not only makes me happy, but fills my soul with joy to be helping," said Spc. Brad Young, a tanker with the 464th Armored Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, as he willingly forked over a dollar for a cold Pepsi at a the first booth of its kind set up outside the Presidential Palace here.

Despite the friendly trade that goes on between the team and eager merchants, this is still a danger zone. The team takes precautions - like its MP escorts -- and every area where they shop is okayed by counterintelligence experts before the bargaining begins.

But honey still gets more flies than vinegar, and Rodriguez knows a bright American smile and the few Arabic phrases he has learned - "Thank you" and "May I have some tea?" -- will go a long way toward forming trust and friendships.

"I get real close to people really quick, but at the same time maintain my professionalism. I show pictures of my family and make sure not to show signs of disrespect. Iraqi culture is in some ways very similar to Mexican culture," said Rodriguez. "All of this makes me feel closer to them, and that makes my job just that much easier."