Instructions for American Servicemen in Iraq during World War II

Looking in the USA Today and finding a section on "Etiquette", I was surprised to find a review of a manual first published in WW II for our Service men stationed in Iraq.  Like many Field Manuals of bygone times, our Military always had an orientation guide to the manners and customs of the country we were to serve in.  I remember ones for Korea, Vietnam, Germany and other countries I could be expected to be stationed in or travel in frequently.

What make this interesting, is this time around all it needed is up-dating for our current situation, as this part of the world doesnt really change too much do to the very rigid enduring traditions and customs passed down over centuries.

The point of this book is that good manners "start" with with a "good hand shake" and it seems so easy as to be overlooked and underestimated.

 The book could be found on:  http://www.press.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/hfs.cgi/00/251757.ctl  and is worth a look if you have a loved one in the service or about to deploy.  Could make a nice stocking stuffer.

The other thing that struck me is the similarity between what is written here and the Win their hearts and minds we tried to use in Vietnam.  I can honestly say that these G-5 type programs can actually work if done sincerely and without the sarcasm so many Americans take overseas.  I have had some wonderful experience overseas and I really did enjoy my travels while in service, appreciate our Troops who are now serving overseas as liberators, and peace keepers in our national interests.

Our men and women in uniform represent us as a people and a nation, and not just as the military mission they are there to fulfill.  They may very well be the best ambassadors we have in that part of the world.  Those among them that take the lessons related in this an similar manuals for neighboring countries, can and do more good then is ever reported. and it would take the reading of personal journals to learn of much of what interaction takes place of any real value to the effort to gain the public trust of the different sects within a given country and to win the peace is often times much harder for us, then it is to win the battles and the war.

The coalition has won the battles, the war, and now the really hard part, is to win the hearts and minds of the population and the Peace that comes with that accomplishment.  I really appreciate the common sense approach they are proposing in this manual.  Good Manners, Politeness and courtesy, Practical, timeless and always in vogue.

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