Daughters of Iraq !

Iron Rakkasans welcome Daughters of Iraq

By Capt. Mike Starz, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT)

YUSIFIYAH, Iraq – The organization known as Sons of Iraq, which has brought peace to much of Iraq, is taking a bold step in its evolution with the addition of Daughters of Iraq (DoI).

On April 17, Col. Aman, commander of 4th Battalion, 25th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division met with leaders from Company C, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) to discuss the creation of the first DoI program. These women would be able to search other females at security checkpoints, expanding the capabilities of the SoI currently manning the checkpoints.

Steve Martinez, a law enforcement professional attached to 3-187th Inf. Regt., said integrating women into security roles was necessitated by insurgents utilizing females to carry out suicide attacks against Iraqis and Coalition forces. Employing women, Martinez said, would “provide a complete and thorough search of suspect females with the utmost respect for the individual and local customs without compromising the safety of others.”

The DoI will search other women in and around Yusifiyah to help prevent trafficking of weapons, explosives and dangerous materials.

In addition to the significant security gains that these women will bring to the checkpoints, there are other advantages.

“The Daughters of Iraq will facilitate female empowerment and the creation of the group represents a significant step towards a properly functioning democratic society,” said Sgt. Jason G. George, Company C intelligence noncommissioned officer. “While the group may face criticism from traditionalists, ultimately, their success will demonstrate their value to the populace.”

Another benefit of the creation of DoI is the opportunity for some of the more disadvantaged women to receive benefits, most of whom have been specifically targeted to join the program.

“We have been working to assist the impoverished women and, particularly, the widows in the area. There are limited employment opportunities for women widowed by insurgent violence and burdened with supporting their children,” said 1st Lt. Chris Hafner, Company C intelligence officer. “This program is ideal for these women.”

The details for DoI contracts are being finalized and will start with 30 women.
“Integrating patriotic Iraqi women into the Daughters of Iraq is a huge step in the right direction of freedom for the Iraqi people,” said Staff Sgt. Thai A. Starkovich, military transition team noncommissioned officer in charge. “With the cooperation of the Iraqi Army and the Sons and Daughters of Iraq, the safety of Iraqis is a goal that is now visible on the horizon.”