JAZEERAH — Although official provincial Iraqi control has only recently been applied in the al Anbar province, Iraqi Police in Jazeerah have conducted themselves as the area’s leading security force for some time.

Jazeerah Police and Marines with 1st Platoon, Company C, Task Force 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, have been conducting combined security patrols in the area since the battalion’s arrival in July 2008. This partnership was in place with other battalions in the area before 1st Bn., 2nd Marines’ arrival.

BAGHDAD — A group of American intelligence specialists held a panel discussion here, Sept. 18, for the first class of Iraqi women to attend the Basic Military Intelligence Course.

“We are in awe of your willingness to take your place in the Iraqi security forces,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Mary Legere, Multi-National Force - Iraq director for intelligence. “You will, along with the men and women of the Iraqi security forces, work with us to take the fight to the enemy.”

CAMP TAJI — The government of Iraq (GoI) has pledged millions of dollars to begin paying the ‘Sons of Iraq’ (SoI), the highly-successful, volunteer groups of citizens who have been instrumental in decreasing violence throughout the country.

Beginning, Oct. 1, 2008, American taxpayers will no longer pay to support the SoI program.