Posted on 05/08/2008 5:05:07 PM PDT by SandRat
BAYJI, Iraq – The Sons of Iraq are quietly making large strides in the northern Iraqi city of Bayji, along with soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
Although more often than not, changes here go unrecognized, Bulldog Soldiers are quick to recognize the transformation of their battle space.
“Without witnessing what goes on in our cities every day, it’s most likely that someone wouldn’t understand the importance of these seemingly small changes,” said Capt. Michael Sykes, battalion adjutant.
Sykes said numerous roads have been opened, easing travel restrictions and making commuting to work possible since the battalion arrived in theatre in October 2007.
“There has also been a dramatic drop in improvised explosive device craters, which disrupts travel and places a burden on many honest, hardworking people here,” said Sykes.
The Bulldog soldiers credit the SOI for the dynamic change here.
“The Sons of Iraq’s presence alone on the streets here are directly corollary to the drop in attacks in our area,” said Maj. Brad Mock, the battalion’s executive officer.
“These men have changed the way our enemy operates.”
Other contributing factors to the reduction in violence are multiple cache discoveries and the capture of key insurgents in the area, said Mock.
“For the first time in a long time, the people of this area are beginning to worry less about security and more about the economy,” said Sykes, who sees the free flow of traffic as a major sign of progress.
“The first step was to allow a limited flow of traffic through the area,” said Sykes.
Under the regulation of the Iraqi police, Sykes said the flow of traffic through the Bayji area has eased strains on commuters.
Work is also underway to improve the battle weary roads in the area by pouring fresh concrete.
“Fewer roadside bombs have persuaded the government here to spend its resources on repaving roads. Previously, they would have been deterred because extremists would have just destroyed them with IEDs,” said Mock.
However, with the continued improvements in the area, Bulldog soldiers are not letting up and recognize there is much work to be done.
“We all know that when we leave here, the Bayji area will be a better place than when we arrived, and we couldn’t be any prouder than that,” said Mock.
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