Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. The Human Terrain System (HTS) is a new Army program designed to improve the military?s ability to understand the local socio-cultural environment in Iraq and Afghanistan. Human Terrain Teams help military commanders reduce the amount of lethal force used, with a corresponding reduction in military and civilian casualties. Allowing the commander to make decisions that will increase the security of the area, allow other organizations (local and international) to more effectively provide aid and restore the infrastructure, ensure that US efforts are culturally sensitive, promote economic development, and help the local population more effectively communicate their needs to US and Coalition forces.
HTS teams act as advisers to Army Brigades and Marine Corps Regiments. Will not engage in combat missions, nor does it collect intelligence.
Team will analyze data from a variety of sources operating in theatre (e.g. conventional military patrols, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, civil affairs units, special forces). Working as a social scientist on a Human Terrain Team offers a rare and unique opportunity to help reshape the military's execution of their mission by offering them a much greater appreciation of existing socio-cultural realities and sensitivities in the countries where they are operating. This position also offers an opportunity to develop new methods for data collection and analysis. Social scientists will be able to write about their experiences and otherwise contribute to the academic literature in their field after participation, subject to standard security review.
US citizenship is required and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. PhD (or ABD) in anthropology or related field such as sociology, political science, history, theology, economics, public policy, social psychology, or area studies Ability to undergo a 4-month training program at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, including orientation to the military/deployment environment, in-depth country briefings, and multi-disciplinary social science concepts and methods. The actual deployment lasts from 6 to 9 months.
- Experience living or working overseas for extended periods
- Comprehensive physical exam within the last year
- Ability to travel to Afghanistan and/or Iraq
- Team player with ability to work with social scientists from other disciplines
- An open-minded attitude towards a variety of concepts and methods
- Willingness to work with the military
Selected Candidate must be able to do all of the following on are regular and sustained basis. If it becomes questionable that the employee may not be able to perform all of the requirements, a physical agilities test may be required before an offer of employment is extended.
Adverse battlefield conditions ?
Heat well in excess of 110 degrees in the Summer, cold and freezing conditions during the winter
Rough Terrain including climbing rocks, mountains and fording bodies of water.
Hostile environment to include persons that may cause bodily harm, injury or loss of life.
Required to work at times with little sleep or rest for extended periods of time while producing both physically and mentally challenging projects.
Extended travel by foot, military ground vehicles and air transport into mountainous regions for extended periods of time.
Sleeping on the ground in environmentally unprotected areas from the elements, animals and
Required to lift 40-75 pounds of equipment and personal gear including protective equipment several time a day.
Required to carry 40-75 pounds of gear, personal protective equipment for 10-16 hours a day while walking in rough terrain.
- Experience living or working in the Middle East
- Arabic, Pashtoo or Dari language skills