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WASHINGTON D.C. (April 18, 2008) - Soldiers of the 101st
Airborne Division are working with Iraqi Army troops to help create
a Daughters of Iraq program to complement the work done by the Sons
of Iraq.
The Iraqi women in the program would be able to search other
females at security checkpoints, expanding the capabilities of the
Sons of Iraq currently manning the checkpoints.
The Sons of Iraq are an organization of volunteers who have
united to stand against terrorists in their homeland. They have
been credited with helping bring peace to much of Iraq.
Steve Martinez, a law enforcement professional attached to the
division's Company C, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, said
it became necessary to integrate women into security roles because
terrorists began using females to carry out suicide attacks against
Iraqis and Coalition forces.
Employing women at checkpoints, 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 Daughters of Iraq 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 the program 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 Daughters of Iraq 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."
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