On 3/20/07, Manago, William M <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Thank you Thomas Nield for your prompt reply:
>
> I recently came back from Afghanistan. One of the many jobs I did over
> there was serve as the S6 (Information Management Officer) for a
> Provincial Reconstruction Team. What type of records are you asking
> about?
>
> We obviously do not want to get into any classified areas.  At that time,
> Congress felt that the Department of Defense did not adequately maintain
> required records.
>
> However, it is in the national interest and in the best interest of our
> fighting forces that adequate records be kept of the war/conflict.
>
> So, in general, what efforts and guidance were made regarding the
> management of records created/received/collected while deployed?


This kind of "stuff" is best asked of Congress and the various branches of
the Military.  They determine what information is formally gathered, and I
can just about guarantee you, they aren't talking.  And while you say you
"do not want to get into any classified areas" to provide a response as to
what data is routinely collected WOULD be getting into a classified area.



>  I am
> probably more interested in organizational records rather than
> individual service member records.  Were you able to collect records?
> Were you prevented from collecting records?  Lack of time?  Lack of
> infrastructure?
>
> I don't even know if I am asking the right questions.


I guess I'd be curious WHY anyone would ask this question? Unless it's a
simple case of morbid curiosity, I don't understand what value this
information would have in a forum like this.


I think it would stand to reason that no one on the front lines would know
what records they're supposed to keep unless they're ordered to keep them.
From the majority of what I've seen going on in these current "conflicts"
the majority of our service people are under such severe strain to protect
each other's lives that the last thing they would be thinking of is "I
better write that down, it seems record worthy"

Generally, this is not front-line duty... the numbers and reports are kept a
field HQ and back line operations, and they keep the numbers they're ordered
to keep.  The numbers you mention above that WEREN'T KEPT  (...requested
copies of their personal records about battle field activities and
conditions...) are PERSONAL records, which aren't "records" at all, in a
military sense, they're hearsay, because most soldiers aren't equipped to
gather accurate data, and those that are are "wired in" and the data is fed
elsewhere and maintained by others.

Just my thoughts on the issue...

Larry

-- 
Larry Medina
Danville, CA
RIM Professional since 1972

List archives at http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/recmgmt-l.html
Contact [log in to unmask] for assistance