Kansas State Univ Gets 1st Hand View of Iraq

K-State witnesses Iraqi progress at Mittica Training Center in Nasiriya
  by Pfc. Khori Johnson 4th ID

NASIRIYAH, Iraq – Leadership from Kansas State University visited with the 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division on a guided tour of the Mittica Training Center, near Camp Adder Nov. 11 to see the progression of southern Iraq in person.

As part of its partnership with the 1st Infantry Division headquartered at Fort Riley, Kan., the KSU leadership spent a few days in United States Division-South in order to witness the efforts of the provincial reconstruction teams throughout southern Iraq.

The Mittica Training Center is a small base located just outside of Camp Adder, where the PRT and its Iraqi partners work together to organize classes, facilitate conferences, conduct scientific and medical research, and provide various services for Iraqis. Everything done at Mittica is aimed toward giving Iraqis the tools they need to progress as an independent society.

“We wanted to come and try to understand what some of the PRTs are doing here,” said Kirk Schulz, KSU president. “It’s very impressive to see what they are trying to accomplish with a limited budget, limited personnel, and so much to do.”

The Dhi Qar PRT encourages guests to the region to visit the Mittica Training Center. They are always willing to show what they have in the works, be it their developing medical program, surgical conferences, or chemistry and biology labs.

“The people need to know what is happening out here,” said Dr. Anna Prouse, Dhi Qar provincial reconstruction team leader. “Usually you only see one side of Iraq, and here you see the human side of Iraq. I think that Mittica is a place where people can interact in freedom with Iraqis. Everyone feels safe, and everyone feels at home. It’s good that people see this and not only judge Iraq by what they see on television, which is not always the best way to see this country.”

Since the beginning of its tour in southern Iraq, the 3rd AAB has worked closely with the PRT to assist the government of Iraq improve the quality of life for its people.

“We’re in full collaboration with our Iraqi counterparts. It’s not us doing it, it’s us, together, doing it,” said Prouse.

The KSU leadership was impressed with the Iraqi progress and the combined efforts of the PRT and U.S. forces.

“It’s inspiring to see the people and the commitment they have to making a better Iraq,” said Schulz.