Photo By Maj. Lorraine Januzelli | SoI volunteers participate in registration procedures on Sept. 18, 2008, at Joint...... read more read more
By Maj. Lorraine Januzelli
Multi-National Division - Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad calls them "Sons of Iraq." Their countrymen call them the "Volunteers." Both are fitting namesakes for the 28,000 Baghdad residents who formed citizen militias last year, in coordination with the Iraqi security forces and MND-B, to protect their communities against al-Qaida in Iraq and other violent extremists.
"They risked their lives and fought a common enemy," said Col. Richard Welch, Reconciliation and Engagements team chief, MND-B, who has been involved with the Sons of Iraq program since its earliest days and watched it grow and change.
The latest change in the Sons of Iraq program is a direct result of its success. Security gains, achieved in part by SoI contributions, have reduced the need for the program. As such, the government of Iraq will take control of the program on Oct. 1, 2008.
The Sons of Iraq – in concert with the increasing size and capacity of the ISF, the coalition forces surge and the willingness of Baghdadis themselves to provide tips on caches and extremist activities – have been paramount to the reductions in violence across Baghdad, which is down 90 percent since the high point in August 2007, said Brig. Gen. Robin Swan, the deputy commanding general of MND-B and the 4th Infantry Division. The key to successfully transitioning the SoI program into GoI control will be to maintain these security gains.
"The GoI is committed to making this work and get it right the first time," said Swan, in recognition of the angst generated as the program transitions. Swan also reiterated MND-B support for the GoI as it takes the reins of the program.
Under the new initiative, the GoI will assume the payroll for the SoI. To ensure a seamless transfer, MND-B and the GoI are undertaking deliberate but paced efforts, beginning with the registration of SoIs for the GoI payroll. Registration is taking place at joint security stations throughout Baghdad.
Lt. Col. Monty Willoughby, commander of the 4th Battalion, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, MND-B, presided over registration efforts at JSS Washash in West Mansour. Scores of Sons of Iraq volunteers waited patiently for their turn to register. The actual process was led by Sons of Iraq leaders, who carefully registered participants five at a time.
"Registration acts as a verification process to ensure proper payroll payments after the transfer to GoI control," said Willoughby. Because of the importance of paying the SoI properly, MND-B will assist the GoI with payroll operations as transition goes forward. The smooth operations at JSS Washash were a positive harbinger for the future.
Willoughby also noted that while the transfer will take place Oct. 1, the SoI transition into other duties and employment will be more phased.
"The SoIs will still be on patrol under the supervision of the IA," he said. "This won't be anything new for them. The IA has always supervised them in our area."
Swan said he is optimistic about the success of the registration process. To date, 15,000 of the 28,000 Baghdad SoIs have registered during the past five days. Registration is set to conclude Sept. 25, and all SoI who want to register with the GoI will be given the opportunity.
The transfer opens the door for the SoI members to apply their hard-won skills to alternate forms of employment, including military or police service. Approximately 20 percent of SoI will be absorbed into the IA or NP.
Beyond that, the GoI and MND-B, working together, are developing several paths for the transition from security operations to other training and employment, said Swan. Positions and job-training within local community service centers and powers stations will be available.
The legacy of the Sons of Iraq, or the Volunteers, reflects a more secure and stable Baghdad. The legacy of their future may be equally bright as they march forward into their communities and city armed with such a remarkable success.
| Date Taken: | 09.18.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 09.18.2008 18:15 |
| Story ID: | 23840 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 181 |
| Downloads: | 163 |
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