IU, Ind. Guard team up to train troops

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana University and the Indiana National Guard are joining forces to better prepare soldiers. The agreement may pay off in more federal money coming to the state of Indiana.

The War on Terror has taught the Indiana National Guard that so-called "hard power" isn't always the best way to win the hearts and minds of the people of Iraq and Afghanistan. Today's soldiers need to know language, culture and customs. That's where IU comes in.

If this new relationship works, the possibilities are endless.

"This expanded partnership will also allow IU to connect with other governmental agencies and private sector companies, resulting in expanded federal contracts, grant funding, and for additional economic development opportunities," Indiana University President Michael McRobbie.

In other words, IU stands to make money.

But Major General Martin Umbarger knows this partnership could be the key to actually winning the War on Terror.

"This is a different war, a war that takes different skill sets. There's not a linear line in the sand that says the enemy is on one side and the friendly forces are on the other," Umbarger pointed out.

Indiana University's resources are vast. IU has a massive language department and 14 different schools within the university. And the Guard now has new access.

"We look forward to continue to advance our ability to assist the Indiana National Guard and to all those responsible for securing this nation and our way of life," said McRobbie.

IU professors are already teaching Pashtun to soldiers at Camp Atterbury. They'll be working at Muscatatuck as well.