Ever wonder exactly what types of non-military projects the U.S. Government is working on in Iraq? Soccer fields, popcorn for Scouts, aerial spraying of farms using helicopters, hybrid seeds, comedy plays, micro-grants, sewing centers, internet centers, prescription eyewear programs … all are types of projects undertaken to assist local Iraqis.

Below is a listing of just a few of the many projects undertaken recently by the United States Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) in Iraq. The PRT is a civilian-military cooperative effort that provides a connection between the local Iraqi government organizations and U.S. and coalition partners.

More then 800 members in 31 PRTs and 4 smaller provincial support teams now operate reconstruction and stabilization programs in Iraq’s 18 provinces.

* A Muhanna PRT met with the local Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sports and agreed to establish a network of 13 soccer fields and sponsor a home team for each field. Soccer jerseys, shoes, balls and other equipment would be provided. The Virginia Youth Soccer Association is one of the first American groups to ship soccer donations to Muhanna. PRT leader Paul O’Friel says, “The militias are targeting these kids - trying to recruit them as foot soldiers in their bloody campaigns. We want to give them an alternative.”

* The first comedy play performed in the Wasit Province since 2003 was sponsored by the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team, in coordination with the 214th Brigade Combat Team and the Iraqi Police Force. An estimated 1,500 people filled the hall (another estimated 3,000 were waiting outside) to watch the comedy performance depicting life in Iraqi villages during the 1950’s and 1960’s.

* A local PRT gave a $2,500 micro-grant to Abdul Jabar Abid Kasim to improve production on his fish farm near Baghdad. The grant provides cash for Kasim to repair his water pump, and buy more expensive, high-protein feed, which has already led to larger, healthier fish. 19 fish farms in the area have received grants.

* In Hawr Rajab, two farmers received 3,000 chicks to increase their poultry production. In the coming months, the PRT will distribute and feed more than 12,000 egg-laying chicks to an area that has suffered substantial losses from insurgents stealing chickens and destroying chicken houses. Another project hopes to refurbish a local poultry processing plant in Hawr Rajab.

* Twenty one medical residents from Samawa General Hospital traveled recently to Tallil Air Base for a day-long program of medical training, courtesy of two PRTs operating in southern Iraq. U.S. Army Brigade Surgeon Colonel Thomas Dove, a cardiologist, taught the seminar. This is the third training session organized by Dr. Dove. After one session, Dr. Hassan wrote to Dr. Dove, “We are doctors in competition with death, but today we know how important we are. Life has begun to flow in my medical body. It is again great to be a doctor. Thank you.”

* The Wasit PRT in March of 2008 started a year long project called the ‘Access to Information’. The program provides books and information resources to primary, secondary schools, universities and public libraries. Three internet centers with 10 computer stations, internet service, furniture, air conditioner and generator have been established. One, at a local high school, will service 1,000 students. The Open University internet center will serve approximately 1,000 professors. One of their programs will be a 14-week online course developed by the University of Oregon for instructors who teach English.

* A women’s sewing center was opened April 10 in Muafigiyah village providing both employment and training for local women thrust into the position of bread winners. Eleven women, who spouses had died and who had no other means to provide for their families, were initially chosen. They will also train 11 apprentices.

* In March, television journalists in the Kurdistan region attended a 2-week training program conducted by Professor Robert Hooper of the University of California - San Diego and sponsored by the Erbil PRT. Professor Hooper said, “They (students) readily revise basic concepts of news writing and journalism to the nuances of Kurdish culture … I found them to be some of the most engaging and inspiring colleagues I have met in over twenty years work in other nations.”

* The Babil PRT recently donated 1,000 date palm trees to Babil Province. The U.S. Agency for International Aid (USAID) has worked with PRTs in strengthening agribusiness. The Babil donation of palm trees was part a larger USAID program to establish 8 date palm nurseries with 4,500 trees.

* The Muthanna PRT has formed a local PTA (Parent Teacher Association) to work on a One Laptop Per Child program. Two English speaking Iraqis will go to Cambridge, Massachusetts for training in the use of laptops and practical electronic teaching methods. After training, the school teachers will start utilizing 200 computers in their Iraqi schools.

* In central Iraq, the Dubas Bug or the Date Palm Leafhopper can destroy an entire crop of dates. In May, 2008, with the various elements of the Iraqi government in the lead, MI-2 helicopters were used to spray the date palm groves …. 8,238 acres of land was sprayed from the air.

* Over 6,000 Kirkuk children from over 80 public schools completed a free prescription eyewear program that was operated by the Kirkuk chapter of Kurdistan Save the Children working in conjunction with the Kirkuk PRT. Free prescription glasses were provided to 275 vision impaired children.

* USAID, the local PRTs and Coalition Forces have doubled and tripled yields of many Iraqi farmers through a project to distribute hybrid seeds. Hundreds of farmers growing eggplants, green bell peppers and cucumbers have received modern agricultural training and have received record yields.

* Iraqis in the Fallujah District of Al Anbar Province are receiving solar powered water purification units. To date, seven units have been installed by the PRT and Marines of Regimental Combat Team One throughout the Fallujah District.