CAMP TAJI — The government of Iraq (GoI) has pledged millions of dollars to begin paying the ‘Sons of Iraq’ (SoI), the highly-successful, volunteer groups of citizens who have been instrumental in decreasing violence throughout the country.
Beginning, Oct. 1, 2008, American taxpayers will no longer pay to support the SoI program.
The United States currently pays SoI members $300 a month. By the end of November, the Iraqi Army will pay SoI members in Iraqi Dinar, said Maj. J.D. Highfill, deputy team leader with embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team Baghdad – 5, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division.
Approximately 13,000 SoI members man checkpoints and keep watch in the 1,300 square miles of 2nd SBCT’s operational area. This means in that area alone, approximately $4 million per month will now come from GoI funds instead of U.S. funds.
“When this happens across the country, this will mean a lot of money that stays in taxpayer pockets,” said Maj. Gus Waterhouse, a native of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and civil affairs officer in charge, 2nd SBCT.
But as may be the case with most transitions, there are potential growing pains involved.
“This is not about the money,” Highfill said, adding the GoI has the resources to adequately and continually pay the SoI members. Highfill said he’s more concerned with the massive administrative challenges the transition presents.
The U.S. Army’s method of tracking SoI membership and activities is new to the Iraqi Army (IA). If not turned over properly and executed properly, it could jeopardize the efficiency of the pay process.
“The Iraqi Army has a daunting administrative role ahead, but they are starting to get the right systems in place to administer this process effectively,” said Maj. Jim Craig, a native of St. Louis, Mo., operations officer for 2nd SBCT.
To mitigate this issue, U.S. and IA Soldiers are performing pay missions together to ensure the transition goes smoothly.
Though the GoI will face challenges, Waterhouse said this is a huge step forward for the government.
“They are becoming more involved in taking charge of their security issues – taking responsibility for those who help in security is a step in the right direction,” he said.