1-64 troops make initial payment to concerned local citizens in Jamia

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.14.2007

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

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By Sgt. James P. Hunter
2nd BCT, 101st Abn. Div.

BAGHDAD, Iraq- It was a very joyful day for the concerned local citizens of Jamia, as troops with Company B, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), delivered their first month's salary, Dec. 4.

"It's very significant for (the volunteers) because most of them have been without jobs for so long, so it's going to definitely improve the neighborhood in that these men who were previously unemployed and maybe vulnerable to being persuaded by the insurgency to accept money for conducting attacks," said Capt. Mark Battjes, commander and native of Parker, Colo., with Co. B, 1-64th AR. "Now they are on the pay rolls as a security force. They are going to get a regular paycheck."

One Iraqi man, who approached a U.S. troop, said he appreciates the Americans for the payment. He was very sincere and thankful, almost emotional. One could see it in his eyes, for he was overwhelmed.

He said, "All the men are happy they have money to feed their families."

But it's the local citizens of Jamia who should be thanking the volunteers. They have already made an immediate impact in the community, said 1st Lt. John Rerucha, executive officer and native of Fredericksburg, Va., with Co. B, 1-64th AR.

"Anytime local nationals see an organized force for their security, I think that is a confidence builder for the people in the community as they see us moving forward," he said.

Nearly a month ago, they began filtering into the streets. There are approximately 500 volunteers in Jamia alone.

These men were chosen from a list of names by the Neighborhood Advisory Council and then by commander's in the Iraqi army.

Since then, they have been training with the troops of 1-64AR and the Iraqi army on how to properly search vehicles, man tactical checkpoints, and interact with local citizens at a traffic control point.

They also conducted weapons training, physical training, and drill-and-ceremony.

"We tried to instill a good sense of civil service," said Rerucha. "They are here to help the people. Eventually they will become (Iraqi Police)."

The volunteer's names have been submitted to the Iraqi Police Academy, where they will go as slots begin to open up.

Jamia is slotted for 600 IP's. Currently, there are none policing in Jamia, said Battjes. These men are key to Jamia's security and stability.

"What these guys will allow us to do is set the neighborhood up for long-term success," he said. "By standing these guys up, we are acknowledging that both (U.S. and IA troops) will have to leave this area someday, and we can hand over the responsibility of security to a trained force from the local area. The immediate impact will not be as great as its long-term affect."

A lot of the citizens joined the force because they've seen their communities in the state it's been in for far too long, said Rerucha. It gives them an opportunity to make a difference.

"The first thing is to serve my country, my neighborhood and the people of my neighborhood," said Capt. Ahmed Waqub about why he serves as a concerned local citizen in Jamia. "Secondly, I have to feed my family and feed myself. I was tired of sitting at home with no work.
"I am fed up with the situation in Jamia," he continued. "We want a more stabilized situation in Jamia."

He said the people of Jamia feel more comfortable with people from within their own community providing security. He is sure that deep inside these people's hearts, they are tired of the offensive actions of insurgents. They want change, and he wants to deliver that change.
In Waqub's opinion, 90 percent of the people within Jamia agree with and respect the volunteer's efforts.

He feels the other 10 percent are the criminals who never want change, who seek to wreak havoc on the daily lives of the people of Jamia.
But those insurgents will have to choose another day to wreak havoc, for this day belonged to the volunteers.

When they got paid, Waqub said the volunteer's tension and nervousness eased. The payment proves the good intentions of the American forces and the volunteers working throughout Jamia.