Campus Security in Iraq
US Forces help Create Security Department at Mosul University
December 31, 2004
No nation on the planet boasts better university campus security programs and departments than the United States. In the fledgling, democratic country of Iraq part of the overall security and police training operation is the creation of campus security forces at Iraqi universities. This is just one of the untold stories of US nation-building efforts in the war on terrorism.
Soldiers from the 416th Civil Affairs Battalion's higher education team are working to improve security around Mosul’s schools. The team handed out thousands and thousands of dollars worth of security equipment such as body armor, megaphones, flashlights, reflective vests and metal detectors to the security guards from Mosul University. The 416th, an Army reserve unit based in Norristown, Penn., arrived in northern Iraq in February and is working with the Iraqi people to improve living conditions in the local area.
Maj. Wayne Bowen, the higher education team chief, recommended the project for funding through the Commander's Emergency Response Program, in response to requests he got from the campus security guards.
“So far the campus has been less violent than other universities in the country,” said Bowen. “But terrorists have tried to get onto the campus and there have been a few drive-by shootings outside the university.”
To protect the guards, Bowen ordered body armor vests for the guards who work at the gates of the university. The guards will also be able to search people who come through the gates more effectively with the new metal detectors. The megaphones will be used to control riots and demonstrations on campus. During the night shifts, the flashlights and reflective vests will allow the guards to operate more safely.
There are approximately 300 guards at the university for almost 30,000 students. The university has three campuses and other satellite facilities throughout the Mosul area.
After giving the equipment to the guards, the civil affairs Soldiers trained them on how to effectively and safely use it.
“This equipment will give the guards a greater sense of confidence in what they do and more tools to perform their job to the best of their ability,” said Bowen. Coalition forces are continually working with the Iraqi people to promote security and stability in Iraq.
As part of the security guard training, Civil Affairs Soldiers demonstrated the most effective way to perform each security task while maintaining officer safety at all times. “We’re hoping to continue this over the course of the time we’re here, for the whole time we’re here and expand on it a little bit. With practice they’ll get better and better.”
Higher education is an important factor in shaping the future of Iraq, but according to studies by the United Nations, one in four students in Iraq today does not attend school out of fear of terrorism on campuses. Coalition forces are working with leaders of the district to change this by improving school and campus security.
Eventually, all universities in Iraq will possess well-trained and well-manned security departments as the deadline for free elections draws near.
