Few at Commerce Dept Want Iraq Stints

[VinceC]

Is there some kind of precedent for sending large numbers of non-military personnel into overseas military combat zones? Those with a high interest in combat environments can join the U.S. military or seek to accompany the forces as a private contractor. Those with a high interest in development work seek employment with international development agencies or nongovernmental organizations.

In a poll, what percentage of members of the Armed Forces do you suppose would be interested in working at the Department of Commerce? And of those, what percentage would be qualified for signifcant DoC positions?

Just playing devil's advocate. I recognize there is a need for non-kinetic specialties in combat environments. But in past conflicts, these specialties have been undertaken by people in uniform while the situation remained dangerous and fluid -- usually by those in some kind of reserve capacity who have civilian experience in the specialty in question. At the current time, these specialties are generally being contracted out. Not a perfect solution, but workable so long as the nation is not mobilized, which it is not.

I just find it difficult to imagine that someone seeking a meaningful career at the Department of Commerce ever once, for a moment, considered the possibility of doing that kind of work in a hostile, foreign environment such as Iraq. Someone interested in working effectively in those environments would have sought a career in a different agency or with an international organization.