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November 14, 2002

The U.S. is increasing the use of actors in training it's infantry to deal with peacekeeping chores. This practice became common during the 1990s as more U.S. troops were sent to do six or 12 months of Balkans peacekeeping. With the possibility of war in Iraq, the same kind of training will be needed to deal with the aftermath of that war. Like the Balkans, Iraq is divided by religion, ethnicity and tribal loyalties. Training exercises with professional actors representing troublesome locals gives the troops some practical experience. More importantly, they can get that experience without risking their lives, for these peacekeeping confrontations can easily escalate to gunfire and grenades.