Iraqi army takes over Sons of Iraq program

Photo By Pfc. Christopher McKenna | An Iraqi army soldier and coalition forces soldier with the 17th Military Transition Team stand with the Iraqi and U.S. colors during a Sons of Iraq transfer of authority ceremony from the coalition to the government of Iraq and Iraqi army, Oct. 12, 2008.  

MAHMUDIYAH, IRAQ

10.12.2008

Story by Pfc. Christopher McKenna 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

By Pfc. Christopher McKenna
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq – The government of Iraq and Iraqi army officially took over the Sons of Iraq program during a ceremony in the Mahmudiyah Qada, Oct. 12, 2008.

"The villages are safer now than they have been in a long time which makes this the best possible time to progress in the rebuilding process of our country," said Sheikh Khalaf Salos Salom Al-Zoba'I, Yusifiyah area SoI leader.

Over the past year there has been over a 90 percent decrease in criminal activity throughout the area, resulting largely from the implementing of SoI checkpoints.

"Security in the area has gotten much better," said Sheikh Hazim Ali Hussein Al-Jabouri, Al-Zaubraniya area SoI leader. "The IA has improved over the past year, and we trust them more to help in the future progress of Iraq."

The ceremony was hosted by the IA to commemorate the transfer of SoI control from coalition forces.

"It is a great day in the history of Iraq and the combination of the SoI's and IA will help keep our areas safe and secure," said Sheikh Hikmat Shaker Waji Al-Joubori, Lutifiyah area SoI leader.

With the transfer, the GoI will now be funding the SoI's, with the coalition forces only providing an overwatch partnership.

"It is a proud day for coalition forces to see the Sons of Iraq working for the government of Iraq," said Lt. Col. James Dolwick, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), deputy commanding officer. "Within the past year the Mahmudiyah Qada has come a long way as far as peace and prosperity go."

Over time all SOI's are set to be transferred into Iraqi security forces or technical specialty jobs.

"This day is like fruit ripening; the SoI's were created to fight criminals and they have provided unlimited support in doing so," said Sheikh Mahdi Abeid Josim Al-Qurairi, Lutifiyah area SoI leader. "My area was bad a year ago, but now with the improved security it is much safer. People can walk the streets safely for the first time in years."

• Date Taken: 10.12.2008
• Date Posted: 10.14.2008 14:04
• Story ID: 24971
• Location: MAHMUDIYAH, IQ