4.3

CAMPUS

The Norwich Guidon
October 16, 2003

Following an assignment to help PA teams:

Maj. Rivers returns from Active Duty assignment at Fort Bragg

By Jeff Dunshee
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

Maj. Joyce A. Rivers recently returned from a six-month mobilization to Fort Bragg, N.C., where she worked with Public Administration (PA) teams and JAG Officers to set up PA teams in Iraq.

Rivers had two goals to accomplish in the eight months, spanning from February to September.

During the first five weeks, she spent her time in the Special Warfare Center Library researching Muslim customs and comparing political structures.

Taking the information gathered in the library, Rivers then advised JAG officers about how to set up public administration teams in Iraq.

She also worked with numerous civil affair units, both European and American.

According to Rivers, the main goal of the civil affairs unit was "to keep commanders from interfering with civilian populations and to keep civilian populations from interfering with military operations."

Rivers noted the differences in cultures and how that made setting up a new government and working with the old one a difficult task.

The Norwich Guidon is a twice-monthly student newspaper distributed at Norwich University. It provides laboratory experience for students in the Communications program. Claims asserted by letter writers, editorials and other articles do not represent the positions of Norwich University. The Norwich Guidon welcomes signed letters to the editor. They should be no longer than 300 words. Unsigned letters will not be printed, but names may be withheld upon worthy request. All letters are subject to editing for length and good taste. Mailing address: The Norwich Guidon, Communications Center, Norwich University, Northfield, VT 056632. www.norwich.edu/guidon. If you have any questions or comments about the paper, please contact Professor Ken Bush at kbush@norwich.edu.