New leader supports SOI program

Photo By Staff Sgt. Lyndsey Prax | Col. Todd McCaffrey, native of Hudson, Ohio, and commander of 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Staff Brig. Gen. Hussein, commander of 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division and Col. Tawfiq al Janabi, chief of police at the Tarmiyah Qada police station, listen intently during a meeting with leaders of the Sons of Iraq (Abna al Iraq) program at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, July 14.  

TAJI, IRAQ

07.21.2008

Story by Pfc. Lyndsey Prax 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – During the past few weeks there have been several transitions and changes, not only with coalition forces, but the Iraqi forces as well.

There are rumors circulating the Soldiers from 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division are moving into the Tarmiyah area. This rumor is not true, however the 37th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, who currently operate in Tarmiyah are being replaced by the 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division.

Leaders of 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad met with leaders from both IA units as well as Iraqi police and Sons of Iraq (Abna al Iraq) at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, July 14.

The groups met to iron out the issues and address concerns about the flourishing SoI program in efforts to help in a smooth transition of forces.

There is concern on how this transition is going to affect the SoI program and whether or not the 36th Bde. will be as supportive as the 37th Bde.

"The 37th Brigade has worked very successfully with the SoI and the people," said Capt. Calvin Kline, native of Cincinnati, and planning officer for 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, "Golden Dragons," 2nd SBCT. "They have made a significant effort to connect with their local populous."
During the past few months there has been a noticeable decline of insurgency activity, due to the efforts if the Iraqi security forces.

IA Staff Brig. Gen. Hussein, commander of the 36th Bde., 9th IAD was welcomed to the meeting, and he presented himself as a very prominent leader instilling competence in all that he is supportive of the mission to provide security to the local populous and in turn, he will support the SoI.

"[Staff Brigade General] Sa'ed did his best to support you and I will do my best to support you as well," Hussein said to those in attendance of the meeting.

He also encouraged the people to vote and have say in their future.

"Gen. Hussein was very comfortable with the SoI and handled them with political savvy, while the SoI seemed to accept Hussein as a leader that will continue to support them," said Kline.

Hussein was not the only one with encouraging words. The meeting ended with a final commentary by Col. Todd McCaffrey, native of Hudson, Ohio, commander of 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div. "There is no issue that can't be solved without cooperation," he stated. "The Iraqi army is the legitimate security authority for the area and coalition forces will continue to support them as they need our support."

• Date Taken: 07.21.2008
• Date Posted: 07.21.2008 11:54
• Story ID: 21697
• Location: TAJI, IQ