Last "Surge" Brigade coming home

The 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade is "short." They will be heading home next month after serving their 13 month tour of the sand box. They have been operating in the Arab Jabour area of Southeastern Baghbad. Some of their accomplishments included lowering the various types of attacks from about 30 per week to only 1 per week, detaining over 800 suspects, and finding over 600 weapon caches. They also cleared 6,000 houses and destroyed over 500 IED's.

During their tour, 2nd Brigade soldiers’ main duties have included blocking weapons from entering the Iraqi capital, protecting the local population and quashing sectarian violence. The soldiers also have focused on making Iraqi security forces more capable, fostering the local governance and economy, and setting up Iraqis for long-term self-reliance.

Back in March 2008, I posted about an effort in Arab Jabour to recruit 300 men into the "Sons of Iraq." From that humble beginning, there are now 5,000 members. There are also neighborhood councils in the towns and cities, private clinics are opening, 25 schools have been built or repaired, and water and electricity are back in service.

“As we prepare to redeploy as the last of the five surge brigades,” Ferrell said, “it's clear that the government of Iraq has begun to shoulder a larger responsibility for the citizens in the area that we have operated".

“Furthermore, the capacity and capabilities of the Iraqi army has improved All these vehicles of change combined to generate momentum towards prosperity, security and self-reliance.”

Ask the men and women of the 2nd Brigade if the surge is working. I will bet that I know what their answer would be.

HELL YES!

I would recommend that you follow this link to read the rest of this great news story.