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

80 3rd Infantry Division Operations
risons and stations, Joint Security Stations (JSS), and patrol
bases. Confidence, competence, and capabilities grew over
time from continuous operations and training. Understandably,
shared sweat and danger inspired mutual respect and admiration
among soldiers from both armies.
The 8th Iraqi Army in the south, the 4th Brigade of the 6th
Iraqi Army nearer Baghdad, and the 1st National Police Brigade
east of the capitol improved their capability every day.
The Iraqi people responded positively to their soldiers and the
return of authority to their military forces. Doubt and skepticism
was replaced with confidence and pride. Tribal elders met
and settled disputes peacefully and then allied security forces
against extremists. Young men formed long lines to volunteer
their service. Citizens provided tips and intelligence. Since
Iraqi security forces were taking more of a role, it was possible
to release some former combatants into the general population.
Freed detainees returned to their communities under the watchful
eyes of tribal “guarantors” who ensured that they would not
return to their criminal ways.
In February and March, millions of pilgrims streamed to
the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala in peaceful celebration of
Islamic holidays. Attack rates on Iraqis and coalition forces
dropped from a high of 25 per month in May to under five per
month. By March of 2008, the rate of effective attacks against
coalition forces was near zero.
Iraqi soldiers and police formed long lines at coalition-run
military schools. Aligned with brigade combat teams, scores of
Iraqi soldiers competed for the opportunity to train under their
counterparts – American officers, NCOs, and Soldiers. Culturally,
few armies in the world place as much value on the role
of NCOs as the services of the U.S. military. The Task Force
Marne NCO Academy opened in February to imbue each Iraqi