Local Iraqi nationals wait in line in order to register themselves as members of the Sons of Iraq at Forward Operating Base Gabe, Dec. 4, 2008. Photo by Spc. Opal Vaughn, 14th Public Affairs Detachment.

“It’s been a great turn out,” said Col. Burt Thompson, brigade commander, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. “And it’s really good to see both U.S. forces and the Iraqi Army working together as a joint force to ensure the registration of as many local Iraqi nationals to become registered members of the Sons of Iraq.”

Not too long after the registration commenced, local Iraqi nationals began to flood the registration site wanting to register themselves as SoI members.

“I think it’s great,” said Maj. Erick Salisbury, 18-5 Brigade Military Transition Team chief at FOB Gabe. “We’re definitely on the road toward transferring the SoI over to the Iraqi Army.”

The SoI registration is implemented by CF leaders Brig. Gen. James Boozer, Brig. Gen. James Nixon and Col. Burt Thompson, along with Staff Lt. Gen. Abdul Kareem Khalaf and 5th IA Division deputy commander Brig. Gen. Bayaz Ahmed Ramaden, which they spoke about at a pre-registration rehearsal and meeting held Nov. 26.