Published: October 20, 2008
Sons of Iraq Transition of Authority Ceremony in Karadah
5th Bn., 25th FA, MND-B
FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq -Sons of Iraq, Iraqi National Police, and Iraqi Army held a ceremony transitioning control of the SoI to the government of Iraq in Karadah.
The SoI will be transferred to several positions within the IA and NP. Joining their Iraqi partners were Soldiers from 5th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, led by Lt. Col. Dennis Yates, battalion commander from Chesterfield, N.J.
Iraqi Brig. Gen. Amir, commander of the 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division, Dr. Mohammed Al Rubeiy, District Council Chairman and several other local NP, and IA leaders witnessed the transfer of authority. After several speeches the Iraqi flag was passed from Yates to Amir signifying the passing of control of the SoI over to the NP.
Traditionally, the SoI have been hired under a contract sponsored by Coalition Forces, explained Capt. Sean O'Brien, effects coordinator for 5th Bn., 25th FA. The SoI have worked as an augmentation force to the local police. The SoI program had been a stepping stone for many of the SoI into the police or army, he added. Traditionally the SoI have worked independent of the NP and IA with a common goal, said O'Brien, a Sanborn, Iowa native. However, this marks a change in the way business is conducted, he added.
Lt. Col Dennis Yates, battalion commander for 5th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad shakes hands with Brig. Gen. Amir, commander of the 43rd Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Div., after singing documents handing over the Sons of Iraq to the Government in Karadah.(courtesy photo)
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Amir stated during his speech "this will be the first step we take together to defeat terror in Iraq."
The SoI had mixed feelings over the transition. Mr. Salam Hanoon, a local resident stated that, "It's bittersweet to see my guys move on to (something) bigger. I am proud and sad at the same time to see them go."
The transition will merge the two forces together allowing the SoI to become part of the big picture towards a new Iraq, said O'Brien. While the SoI are anxious about the transition they understand the importance of the situation, he added.
One of the SoI, Amar Salman of Karadah, stated the transition of the SoI to the NP and IA will help the security in Iraq by allowing the people of Karadah to secure their own neighborhoods.
The transition also serves as proof positive that Iraq is becoming more and more capable each day of securing its own people and administrating their own country, explained O'Brien.
"It's great to see the Iraqi government taking more control of its security forces throughout the country, said Staff Sgt. Kendrick Keys, effects noncommissioned officer for Battery B, 5th Bn., 25th FA. "Events like this show how Iraq takes more steps every day to secure its own people while transitioning back to normal," said Keys, a Meadville, Miss. native.
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