Major Robert Smithers discussed terrorism and his experiences abroad with the Young Republicans Club, Friday, at Princeton Regional High School.
By: Jessica Beym
Whether he’s wearing a business suit or dressed in fatigues, Cranbury resident Robert Smithers is working to help keep America safe.
His job as the CEO of Miercom, a local telecommunications consulting firm, isn’t much different than his other position as major, HHC commander, for the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion for the U.S. Army.
In both roles, Maj. Smithers, 38, helps people and businesses survive and, in some cases, get back on their feet. "Homeland defense starts here," said Maj. Smithers, who returned home in August after serving a year in Iraq. "There’s a lot we can do to support the efforts abroad. We need to be vigilant, not paranoid, and be proactive, not reactive."
Maj. Smithers, who spoke Friday at the Young Republicans Club meeting at Princeton Regional High School, described his experiences in Iraq and offered ways to stay involved, informed and safe here at home.
Michael Stehn, a junior at PHS and the co-president of the Young Republicans Club, invited Maj. Smithers to speak to the group of about 20 students.
At Miercom, which is located on Princeton-Hightstown Road, Maj. Smithers and his staff provide information to businesses on how to strengthen their security using new technology such as proper networking, firewalls or tamper prevention. On a consumer level they help people prevent identity theft, establish better home security and minimize risks.
This set of skills is what Maj. Smithers brought with him to Iraq as part of the Civil Affairs’ objective to help the country safely rebuild. Maj. Smithers said the soldiers in the Civil Affairs unit are quite often just like himself people who bring everyday skills that can help the Army re-establish Iraqi infrastructure by building businesses, setting up telecommunications, restoring power or supplying electronics.
According to the Civil Affairs Web site, the specialists, who are familiar with the culture and language of the country, support military commanders in many ways, including minimizing civilian interference and locating necessary resources.
But more importantly, Maj. Smithers said, the goal of the soldiers in the Civil Affairs unit is to establish a strong line of communication and trust between the United States Army and the people they are aiding.
"If you look at history, most conflicts are caused by miscommunication and lack of understanding. Civil Affairs bridges that gap and helps the Army communicate and also build and restore the government," said Maj. Smithers. "It’s our job to interface with the local people and be more sensitive to their culture and their needs."
During his deployment, Maj. Smithers organized toy and clothing drives to give much-needed items to the Iraqi families and children who have lost their homes or family members in the war. But rather than have American soldiers deliver the items, he had the Iraqi army bring them.
"We want them to feel safe and protected by their own army and we wanted to put that Iraqi face on the effort to help re-establish them as trustworthy," said Maj. Smithers.
"I can’t tell you how important it is to win people over. When you put a smile on that child’s face, you just sold it to the parents. That’s the message we’re trying to send."
Unfortunately, Maj. Smithers said, these efforts are the ones that Americans don’t hear about on the news or read about in the papers. He said the media focus on stories of violence, death and constant criticism.
"Don’t believe everything you see on the news. Their job is to make it exciting and usually that means showing the violence," said Maj. Smithers. "They look for things that sell. New schools, power plants, phone lines those stories don’t sell."
Maj. Smithers said the negativity on the news and lack of support at home is what fuels the insurgents overseas. He said it is important to help America further democracy and improve homeland security by staying involved and informed, supporting the president, regardless of political views, and participating in legal channels.
"Insurgents love to hear us not unified. They’ll say we lost our will," Maj. Smithers said to the students. "People are extreme in their beliefs and they use aggression to push forward those beliefs, and I’ve had a few blown up vehicles to prove it. Sure, there is a lot of fighting but there is a lot of good going on, too."
Instilling democracy and ridding Iraq of terrorism is part of that mission, Maj. Smithers said. But part of his duty was to teach the Iraqi army, the government and the civilians ways to avoid violence and vulnerability and provide safety and security.
"Without a doubt, we have reduced the risk of terrorism. We are establishing a safer world, not just the United States," said Maj. Smithers. "In a way, I felt as an ambassador for us. Showing them a better way of life is a big part of our mission."
To help the children and families in Iraq, Maj. Smithers said, donations of money or school supplies can be contributed through the Iraqi Children Assistant Network at www.operationican.com.