December 9, 2011
K-Staters support training for Army Female Engagement Teams
Army Female Engagement Teams, or FET, are comprised of women soldiers who will deploy from Fort Riley and work with local women in Afghanistan. Created in 2010, these teams are an effective means of advancing social and cultural initiatives in contexts where male soldiers are restricted.
On Dec. 7, 50 FET members donned civilian attire and gathered in Hale Library for a daylong seminar conducted as part of their pre-deployment training. Topics covered included Afghan culture, traditional medicines, information support, Afghan history and women in Islam.
Presentations were made by Diana Farmer, content development librarian; Sydney Carlin, state representative for the 66th District; Walter Schumm, professor of family studies and human services; Daryl Youngman, faculty/graduate services librarian; and Craig Beardsley, program administrator for the Biosecurity Research Institute. Steven Graham, assistant to the dean of the College of Agriculture, and Capt. Yadira Gamio also contributed to the success of the program.