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When is the Iraqi army ready to take over?

Jun-29-2005 » Filed Under: 1/25 SBCT

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By Jim Maceda, NBC News

QAYYARAH, Iraq — On a recent day, some of the 2,000 soldiers of the 1st Iraqi Army Brigade patrolled a violent neighborhood in West Baghdad, while more than 200 miles to the north, soldiers of the 1,500-strong 3rd Iraqi Army Brigade were on a raid near Mosul.

They represent two different Iraqi units and both are backed by the U.S military. The 1st Iraqi Army Brigade works with the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division in Baghdad and 3rd Iraqi Army Brigade trains and works with U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division near Mosul. [...]

Last fall, entire battalions cut and run in clashes with insurgents south of Mosul. Undisciplined and under daily attack, the mostly Sunni brigade disintegrated.

But today, it is fighting back and was recently a key part of a joint raid on a local Sunni leader, suspected of arming insurgents in Mosul.

Some Iraqi soldiers were visibly uncomfortable with bedroom searches for weapons, but were no longer hiding their faces, or their uniforms.

What accounts for the turnaround?

“The only way I can explain it is that we found two or three leaders who are genuine and capable,” said Maj. Kevin Murphy, of the U.S. Army’s 25th ID.


Comments For "When is the Iraqi army ready to take over?":

While this story is positive overall, it is misleading. Entire battalions of Iraqi soldiers never fled firefights. It was the Iraqi Police who took off running. For the most part, the Iraqi soldiers have been pretty solid throughout the Mosul area. Glad to see they are finally getting some kudos.

Posted by: Sminklemeyer | June 29, 2005 9:30 AM

What I find amusing is how the mainstream media only tells half the story. True, recruiting is down, BUT reenlistments are EXCEEDING their goals. So what does that say? The soldiers who are in the thick of things are more than willing to serve their country, knowing full well the cost.

Posted by: Cheri | June 29, 2005 1:16 PM

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