By Cpl. Ryan Turnage
Multi-National Corps - Iraq

FALLUJAH — Iraqi’s independent security capabilities continued to expand throughout eastern Anbar province as the commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, recently turned over command of the battalion’s final entry control point, ECP 1, to the Fallujah District Chief of Police, Feb. 5.

Entry control points are manned security positions that screen persons attempting to enter specific areas for weapons, contraband and a criminal history. They are often used as a security measure around cities to protect the population.

Now that Iraqi Security Forces control all entry control points in the Fallujah area, Coalition forces will be seen less in the cities, said Lt. Col. Eric C. Hastings, commanding officer of 1/4. ECPs 3, 5 and 7 have already been signed over and are manned by Iraqi Police.

“We are still here for support. So when our assistance is requested, we will show,” Hastings added.

Coalition forces have been slowly stepping back from an overt security role in the Anbar province as Iraqi Police and Army units increase their own security posture and assume greater responsibility for the safety of their fellow citizens.

The passing of security operations from Coalition to Iraqi forces helps demonstrate the Iraqi Security Force’s increasing dominance over insurgent elements, explained Col. Makhmud, Fallujah District chief of police.

Iraqi Police have been gradually taking over operations, such as patrols, convoys, organized arrests, and now maintaining ECPs throughout eastern Anbar province.

“We have been preparing for independent operations for some time now, and it’s all falling into place,” said Makhmud.

Marines and Sailors who formerly controlled the ECPs have packed up, moved to surrounding bases and are contributing to another high priority mission – supporting Iraqi Security Forces.

“Along with a successful election, this ECP is another symbol of Iraq’s ability to conduct independent operations,” concluded Hastings.