Courtesy Photo | Capt. Thomas Milton, a native of Shreveport, La., discusses an application with Col....... read more read more
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By Sgt. Matthew Vanderboegh
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
BAGHDAD – Soon, hundreds of Ghazaliyah's Sons of Iraq, or Abna'a al Iraq, will come under new management. In an effort to reorganize and integrate these concerned citizens, known locally as the Ghazaliyah guardians, they will fall solely under the control of the government of Iraq.
Though the change will be quite transparent to the citizens who cross these volunteers' checkpoints daily, it will have a profound effect on the direction and authority of the regions Iraqi security forces.
"Today we are transferring you from American authority to the Iraqi government," said Capt. Thomas Melton, a native of Shreveport, La., who serves as the commander of Multi-National Division – Baghdad's Troop A, 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Squadron, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), explaining to a group of Sons of Iraq officers. "You will still remain in the GG (Ghazaliyah guardians) but you will be under Iraqi control. The idea is to transfer you from GG to Iraqi army in the future."
The Ghazaliyah guardians, or simply the "GG," act as an armed neighborhood watch group. Just as the points on a compass, the GG are divided up into four regions.
In those regions they are largely responsible for internal security of the city by manning various checkpoints and safe houses. They have also served as an alternative for citizens that feel uncomfortable in approaching the Iraqi army for security issues. As they are comprised of a Sunni majority and the Iraqi army has a large amount of Shia, they have become a very valuable counterpoint in a city as sectarian mixed as Ghazaliyah.
When asked about how they felt about the transfer to the government of Iraq control, one of the Ghazaliyah guardians said, "This is unbelievable. We are glad to go to either the army or police. We regret not having signed up for the Iraqi army. This will be our opportunity to make a greater difference in Ghazaliyah."
"We do not have any influence or authority as GG's. We can only man checkpoints and did not have any power to patrol the streets or detain criminals," said another guardian. "The biggest question will be if the Iraqi army and Iraqi government treat us the same."
Currently, the transition is in its initial phase, said 1st Lt. Nicolas Caputo, a Boston native who serves with the squadron's Troop A as the fire support officer.
"The packets will be sent to squadron and then over to the Iraqi army. The Iraqi army will select individuals that meet the requirements for enlistment in the Army. The GG will have a choice if they would like to join," Caputo said. "So far, only a very small amount does not want to work with the Iraqi army for whatever reason. There are some that are ineligible by Iraqi law because they already receive a paycheck from the Iraqi government. For instance we have a retired Iraqi army general that would have to give up his pension in order to serve in the GG. There are plans to try and retain those individuals in some sort of contract or liaison capacity."
The Iraqi government will give these volunteers a trial period to assess their performance. In the end, most will become incorporated into the Iraqi army or Iraqi police force, Caputo added. They will assist in finding those not selected future employment.
However, there will be obstacles as this process continues.
"Initially there will be rough areas. There is a lot of nervousness, fear and lack of clarity. The GG feel that since they are a Sunni majority and the Iraqi Army are mostly Shia they doubt that things will be equal," said Caputo. "The Iraqi army feels that the GG's are undisciplined and it will take a lot to change that perception."
The Sons of Iraq in Ghazaliyah have mostly relied on coalition support; however, they will have to operate directly with the Iraqi army for those issues.
"Both the Iraqi army and the GG's will have to learn to act in unison to make this work," said Caputo.
Commander of the south Ghazaliyah guardians, Col. Suja, noted, "We have been promised a transfer of authority before. It really will be a great thing for the Iraqi people. Now we will be more of a force in the community and bring more of a balance within the Iraqi army."
Ghazaliyah is a city made known for its strides in reconciliation, and it is that same spirit that will be needed to unite the local Iraqi security forces and ensure an increased security presence in the region.
| Date Taken: | 09.23.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 09.23.2008 07:38 |
| Story ID: | 24021 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 168 |
| Downloads: | 105 |
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