Sons of Iraq guards remain on job

Photo By Kenneth Griffin | Spc. Bryan Austin, a native of Sandusky, Ohio, and Staff Sgt. Jose Rendon, a native of San Antonio, both infantrymen assigned to 3rd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, post security in Tarmiyah, northeast of Baghdad, Sept. 30, 2008.  

TAJI, IRAQ

10.04.2008

Story by Kenneth Griffin 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

By Ken Griffin
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – 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 control, drawing pay from the Iraqi army rather than U.S. forces.

"We've registered 96 percent of our SoIs with the government of Iraq," Clardy said, also mentioning that under the GoI plan, many SoIs 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-Qaeda 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 SoIs 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 SoIs provide is not going away any time soon.

• Date Taken: 10.04.2008
• Date Posted: 10.05.2008 01:16
• Story ID: 24526
• Location: TAJI, IQ