Professor Hamid Algar of UC, Berkeley received this email and permitted me to cite it (I deleted names and specifics only):
"Dear Professor Algar:
....
We are seeking individuals with PhDs and Master's degrees in the Social Sciences, with a minimum of 2080 hours of paid quantitative and qualitative field research experience. There are several staff, senior and Team Lead roles available. Our client is interested in Social Scientists in the fields of Anthropology, History, International Relations, Politics, Ethnic & Cultural Studies etc. to serve in a consultative capacity to battalion commanders in forward operating units in Afghanistan. As "academic embeds", these scientists will help troops understand relevant cultural history, engage locals in a way they can appreciate, and incorporate knowledge about tribal traditions in conflict resolution. US military officers in Afghanistan have stated that the aim of the Human Terrain System program is to improve the performance of local government officials, persuade tribesmen to join the police, ease poverty and protect villagers from the Taliban and criminals.
We are searching for both Social Scientists (Cultural & Regional Specialists) and Human Terrain Specialists with GIS experience for these 100% travel roles in Afghanistan. Compensation and bonuses are generous given the strenuous nature of these assignments. After four months of training stateside, the scientists are deployed to Afghanistan for approximately ten months. Training class pay is in the $70-95k range and overseas pay once deployed is in the $140-165k range. US Citizenship is required for all positions.
I would be happy to provide further information on these opportunities and would be most grateful for any assistance that you might lend me in connecting with social scientist candidates. Please feel free to respond to this email address or to call me at ..."
