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One month ago, the U.S. military transferred control of the Sons of Iraq to the government of Iraq. Under U.S. control, the social movement operated like a neighborhood watch committee and became an enormous success, leading to a dramatic drop in violence in Iraq between the summer of 2007 and 2008.

Under Iraqi control, the SOI have continued to improve and have become more streamlined and uniform. The success and the ease of transition was a great surprise to Iraqi army officers and officials, most of whom expected problems and perhaps a rise in violence.

Instead, the SOI accepted Iraqi army direction and embraced association with Iraqi soldiers. At the direction of the army, the SOI members are less casual, complying with the policy of wearing the SOI standard tan uniform.

The SOI operate more checkpoints in longer shifts, creating the feel that they're out in force. At checkpoints, Iraqi soldiers and the SOI are working together, and the SOI seem eager to be near soldiers and their equipment.

Though minor problems occassionally occur between the soldiers and the SOI, the two groups work together well on a whole.  Even still, local sheik councils strive towards progress with one of their goals being to increase professionalism of SOI checkpoints.

After the transfer of authority, payday procedures were remarkably smooth as well. The SOI reported to nearby Iraqi army bases and received the pay they expected on time. The Iraqi army embraced the payday operations as the fighters' power and control were demonstrated and solidified.

Once Iraqi Army officers might have focused their opinion of the SOI on the members who formerly fought as enemies.  Now the same Iraqi Army officers are more likely to focus on the SOI who have degrees and formal technical training who could better serve the country working civilian jobs than by standing guard on the roadways all day for easy money.

With recent progress, the future seems sure that the Iraqi army and national police will absorb some of the SOI into their ranks while other SOI forces elect to return to their professions rather than live a soldier's life.

Instead of the SOI failing, as some predicted would happen as a result of the transition, the program has flourished. Now, it stands as an example to other groups and militias, and attests to the benefits of working with the government rather than against it.

Perhaps "the Awakening" movement, which started the SOI program, will improve and spread, ensuring greater security to more areas as Iraq moves ahead with progress.

Rich Connaroe
Captain, U.S. Army
RICHARD.CONNAROE@US.ARMY.MIL
The thoughts and opinions in this article are that of the author alone and are not meant to represent the U.S. military. Any errors contained therein are that of the author, aside from the printed version, which contains factual errors of the editor.

This post was originally printed in Virginia section of the Roanoke Times on 24NOV2008.  The printed version contained factual errors created by the editor.  I have reverted back to my version for this posting in order to ensure accuracy.

To see pictures of SOI payday, refer to my post on 14NOV08:  http://blogs.roanoke.com/rtblogs/iraq/2008/11/14/14nov08-sons-of-iraq-payday-by-pictures/