Posted on 10/06/2008 4:36:54 PM PDT by SandRat
CAMP TAJI — It’s business as usual for the volunteer security force known as the Sons of Iraq (Abna al Iraq) in Tarmiyah, northwest of Baghdad, as they patrol their city streets day and night.
As Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, “Golden Dragons,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad conducted a routine SoI checkpoint recon, Sept. 29, 2008, they saw what they always see: SoI guards manning their posts, doing their jobs.
“There hasn’t been any change,” according to Spc. Bryan Austin, a 23-year-old Golden Dragon squad leader from Sandusky, Ohio. “They don’t seem to mind that they’ll be paid by the Iraqi Army instead of us, and they’re still out providing security.”
Although the entire SoI organization is in a transition phase, their mission remains the same and is unlikely to change in the near future, said Capt. Jeremy Clardy, brigade planner, 2nd SBCT. Next month, the security force will fall under government of Iraq (GoI) control, drawing pay from the Iraqi Army rather than U.S. forces.
“We’ve registered 96 percent of our SoI with the government of Iraq,” Clardy said, also mentioning that under the GoI plan, many SoI would transition to Iraqi security force positions and possibly civilian jobs.
The Sons of Iraq began in Anbar province as the Awakening Council, formed by Sunni Sheik Ahmed Abu Risa and other tribal leaders who were tired of the unnecessary violence and crime al-Qaida had forced on them. The movement rapidly spread to other provinces, making its way to Taji Qada.
Many analysts, civilian and military leaders have recognized the SoI as a key factor in increased security throughout Iraq, and key 1st Bn. 14th Inf. Regt. leaders agree.
“The Sons of Iraq have not only provided security in Tarmiyah, dropping attacks from a few a day to a few a week, but have given the local populace hope, peace of mind and a return to normalcy,” said Capt. Calvin Kline, information operations officer, 2nd SBCT. “They deserve security positions where they’ll be able to continue to provide security … they’ve made great sacrifices and have proudly served their country.”
In recognition of those sacrifices, 2nd SBCT will continue to monitor the transfer and facilitate a smooth transition, said Kline. In other words, the deterrence against terrorism SoI provide is not going away any time soon.
Under no circumstances can we let Obama be CIC.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8QcpdUtxNQ
How about Obama openly campaigning for his communist cousin Odinga who signed a pact with Muslims to enact Sharia Law if elected and started riots when he lost. Obama campaigned for an openly Anti-American candidate in a foreign country in 2006 at taxpayer expense.
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