3rd Infantry Division Operations - Fort Stewart - U.S. Army

The Surge 51
with it a certain degree of respect. SoIs were taking part in the
renewal of Iraq. Each man suddenly had a regular job and he
could begin to lead a normal life. SoIs were protecting their
communities, their friends, and their families. Many hoped to
take jobs with police forces if and when they were offered by
the option by the government. Until then, the SoI were content
to cooperate with the Iraqi Army, the coalition, and the Iraqi
Police.
Cooperation with SoI led to the capture of HVIs, the clearance
of weapons caches, and the early identification of IEDs.
This allowed coalition forces more freedom of maneuver to
conduct security operations. The SoI population grew over
time to be nearly twice the size of MND-C's own U.S. forces,
numbering nearly 36,000. The emergence of SoI, grew to be so
important that their presence was considered a decisive effort in
the fight against the insurgents.