America's North Shore Journal

Today’s Bloggers’ Roundtable was with Major General Rick Lynch, Commanding General, Multi-National Division Center (MND-C). “Competent, capable, effective leadership” were the words that General Lynch used to describe the change in Iraqi security forces over the course of his deployment. He mentioned the NCO academies and other leadership training that local ISF has undergone. With 40,000 Sons of Iraq [SoI] in the field and in operation, the security situation is vastly improved. The vetting process for these civilian auxiliaries begins with the tribal chief, and a thorough check through the biometric database. The SoI are paid about $8 a day, and receive a badge and uniform. There is daily oversight by our forces. About 20% of the SoI are Shia, and the rest Sunni. As we progress in the region, adding patrol bases, … Read entire article »