Posted on 07/18/2008 5:02:52 PM PDT by SandRat
PATROL BASE JURF AS SAHKR — More than 1,500 members of the Sons of Iraq program met Coalition forces, July 10 - 15, to discuss current security issues in Jurf as Sahkr and receive their monthly pay.
Soldiers from Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, visited each SoI checkpoint to gain a better understanding of each area of responsibility.
“It was great to be able to talk to each individual checkpoint as a group and ensure they understand the importance of their job in making Iraq a safe place,” said Staff Sgt. Philip Gant of Annapolis, Md.
SoI members were received pay for their efforts and talked with Soldiers about the importance of their role in making Jurf as Sahkr a safe area. Soldiers also discussed taking action against insurgents taking up safe haven in Jurf as Sahkr.
“I think the SoI in this area are taking their jobs more seriously, and they now understand that if they do not provide security, there will be a lack of projects and reconstruction efforts,” said 1st Lt. Chris Blom of Gadsden, Ala.
The SoI leaders were very helpful organizing each of their checkpoints to come through in order for processing and pay.
“What we’re trying to do here, by paying each Sons of Iraq member individually is, accurately document by name, facial recognition and fingerprint who these guys are,” said Capt. Eric Tisland, commander of Co. A. “This will enable my Soldiers to (have quality control over) the SoI checkpoints and ensure the guys we’re paying are the ones pulling guard.”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.