Sons of Indiana in Iraq

Joe Hornaday
Greensburg Daily News

May 16, 2008 02:46 pm

— Col. Kenneth Newlin, Greensburg resident and the deputy commanding officer of the 76th infantry brigade, wakes up in Iraq every morning knowing what he does is really making a difference.
When Commanding General David Petraeus began implementing his Iraqi-Based Industrial Zone (I-BIZ) initiative, Newlin chose to be a part of the program immediately. Now, he is the project director at the biggest logistical support base in Iraq.
The mission of the I-BIZ program is to provide a base perimeter for Iraqi businesses that will use Iraqi workers and foster economic development and prosperity, according to Newlin.
“Essentially, we are attempting to provide a base for business opportunity in a secure environment,” he said. “I see it as one opportunity for change and to make things better in the lives of some Iraqis and change their standard of living.”
Newlin noted that the program, which is in its early stages still, is being received very well by the native citizens.
“We’re trying to educate them on how to do good business,” Newlin said. “Some of that business will be done with coalition services.”
In the army’s attempts to stimulate the local economies in Iraq, they also seek to decrease the number of convoys that traverse the roads every day.
“Our brigade has about 540 gun trucks that go up and down the roads,” Newlin said. “Every day, there is an inherent risk associated with that travel.”
Newlin added that he always remains concerned and weary of rocket attacks and improvised explosive devices.
“We like having the goods nearby,” he said. “That lessens the requirement of our forces.”
The I-BIZ project is divided into several different parts that all work toward the same goal. The first is what Newlin referred to as the host-nation business center, which will provide training for some Iraqi businesses that will compete for work and be afforded an office suite that will be equipped with an Internet connection and enable the groups to compete for contracts.
The second aspect of the program involves soliciting for a company to operate a service center for civilian vehicles that would perform routine maintenance. Newlin noted that this part of the initiative was still in the working stages, and jokingly referred to it as an “Iraqi-Quickie Lube.” I-BIZ will select a local Iraqi business for the project.
“We’ve got 600 vehicles that need routine maintenance,” Newlin claimed. “They’ve already got a good customer base.”
Newlin believes this part of the program will generate significant revenue and jobs for the area.
“A lot of this is about creating jobs,” he reiterated.
The third aspect of the I-BIZ project includes the establishment of a vocational education center, where the focus will be on installing the blue-collar skill set. Upon graduation from the center, the Iraqi civilians will receive a certificate from the Iraqi government.
“When they graduate, they will have options,” Newlin said.
As Col. Newlin’s base works closely with the I-BIZ project, those stationed there gain added security from the close proximity and the Iraqis are afforded a guaranteed customer base. With both sides of the coin benefiting, the program is likely to gain more influence.
“It’s gaining popularity now,” Newlin claimed.
He added that many soldiers from other brigades visit the base to see how the I-BIZ project works so that they can start it where they are stationed.
“It’s beginning to take off,” he said. “And we’re at the point of the spear. We’ve all taken a year out of our lives to see this work.”
With the revenues being generated and increasing job opportunities on the horizon, Newlin looks forward to the next day every day.
“It’s about building relationships and credibility, and that’s where we are now,” Newlin said. “I’m very pleased with it. It’s a way we can make a difference, and when you meet with the people, you find out there are things they haven’t experienced yet. We’re trying to generate excitement and hope. It’s a way to make things better.”

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