Iraqi troops edge closer to going solo

[unhappycamper]

Iraqi troops edge closer to going solo
By Sean Kimmons, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Friday, September 26, 2008

MOSUL, Iraq — The Iraqi soldiers exited their vehicles and quickly looked toward their U.S. counterparts for additional guidance.

Just moments before, the Iraqi unit had been briefed that they would lead the knock-and-search mission in eastern Mosul’s Wahda neighborhood. The U.S. soldiers were only there to observe and advise. It was first time these Iraqi soldiers were going solo.

"They’re so used to us being in the lead," said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Michael Smith, a platoon leader in 4th Infantry Division’s Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment.

That sentiment can be echoed in many parts of Iraq, where U.S. forces are handing over more responsibility to Iraqis. With the increased security of recent months, the focus has again turned to putting Iraqi troops out front.

Following some coaxing by the Americans on this night, the Iraqi squad began to enter and search homes by themselves. Iraqi 2nd Lt. Brosk then spoke to the men of the households to see if any had seen suspicious activity in the area.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=57668



uhc comment: What ever happened to the "When they stand up we'll stand down" meme?