B36 News - 20 Jun 2006

B36 News is going to be undergoing some changes while I'm on R&R. To compensate for the cool Google Earth function I'm going to be posting additional stories of success from Iraq.

Little-Known Facts of Victory

• The assessment of Iraqi Security Force status is done on the following scale
1. Independent - At this level the unit conducts operations independently of the Coalition. This is the desired endstate for all Iraqi Security Forces.
2. In the Lead - At this level the unit is responsible for planning and conducting operations and is supported by the Coalition.
3. Capable - At this level the unit participates in operations that are planned and conducted by the Coalition.
4. Training - At this level the unit is just forming and is being trained.

• In a four month period between October and February, the number if Iraqi Army battalions assessed at levels 1 & 2 rose 32% to a total of 53. This means that these units are responsible for securing their country, not the Coalition.
  - article about unit transition from level 3 to level 2.

• In a poll conducted during the same period, it was shown that more than two thirds of Iraqis believe that the Iraqi Security Forces are winning the battle against terrorism. TWO THIRDS OF IRAQIS THINK WE'RE WINNING!!!

  

• Over a 10 month period, actionable tips from Iraqi citizens rose nearly 800% from 483 to 3840. The Iraqi people realize the dark future in store for them if the terrorists win and are helping the fight.

All of this information is contained in a report that was presented to Congress in February 2006 and can be found online here.