Posted on 03/25/2008 12:47:07 PM PDT by mdittmar
RAMADI, Iraq – Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, recently demilitarized Joint Security Station Steel.
Joint security stations are designed to embed Marines with their Iraqi Security Forces counterparts, and further develop a close working relationship.
This kind of integration has yielded many positive results and has helped the Iraqi Police take responsibility for protecting their community. This unified effort continues as they develop into an effective law enforcement organization capable of providing municipal security.
“We started out constantly patrolling when we first got here, mostly by ourselves,” said Lance Cpl. Chris Hopkins, a 21-year-old machine gunner. “After months of hard work alongside the IPs, they’ve taken the lead role and we’re serving more as advisors.” Demilitarizing JSS Steel will have a significant impact on the local economy.
“The people will have more freedom of movement and civil military operations projects will allow people to return their businesses to the surrounding neighborhoods,” said 1st Lt. Matthew Johnson, a Company executive officer.
As Marines cleared out of JSS Steel they removed the posts and barricades which had previously fortified the joint security station. Many Iraqis were confident, as the Marines prepared to leave, knowing their neighborhoods are safe with a strong local police force. As families return to their former homes, businesses will open back up .
“Just opening streets will affect the entire town,” said Johnson, who supervised much of the company’s civil military operations. “New stores opening will encourage people to come back.”
The demilitarization of JSS Steel is yet another sign of progress in the capital of the Anbar province. The demilitarization marks another progressive step in Ramadi – a source of pride for these Marines.
“We’ll continue our operations in the area,” said Johnson. “But, I’ll come back in a couple of weeks to see how much the area has changed for the better.”
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