I suppose most people in the United States who follow news from Iraq know that June 30 is a big event here.  It is for Iraqis — they have declared it a national holiday. 

CPT Joe Thames is just one of the 314th PAOC Soldiers in Iraq. Here, he takes a moment to relax outside the CPIC before returning to his duty as the OIC for the Iraqi Media Engagement Team.

On Tuesday of next week, according to the security agreement signed between the U.S. and Iraqi governments, U.S. combat forces will withdraw to Forward Operating Bases outside the cities nationwide.   This will enable the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) to provide security and stability for Iraqi people.

We also have been handing over facilities and bases throughout the country to ISF.   Many of the ones where we remain are now joint bases with the Iraqis commanding there. 

Finally, any counter-terrorism or security operations conducted by U.S. Forces will be done in conjuction with ISF or at the explicit request of the Government of Iraq.  

I don’t think most Iraqis are necessarily happy that our combat forces are leaving the cities – because  most of the ones I meet seem to like Americans, whether it is us personally or the opportunities we bring to exercise their freedoms or make a better living.  Rather, I think they are happy because this is a first step on the path to normalcy by their own nation accepting responsibility for a big part of their national security after six years of war and military occupation.

Added all up, it means that in many key areas the Iraqis are in charge starting on Wednesday.   It is a sign that the U.S. presence here is drawing to an end.  No, it won’t happen overnight, but it is happening (and ending by January 1, 2012, unless something unexpected happens as a result of the January 2010 elections here).

There has been some news that the celebration on Tuesday may be tempered by an increase in violence.  Only time will tell about this.  There has been an “uptick”, as military leaders say, in the bombings here in Iraq, including Baghdad.  Recent news over the past two weeks has included bombings at markets in different parts of the city — areas that are far from the 314th.  But, what does all this change and news mean for you, the loved one of a 314th Soldier (or just a curious blog reader)?

According to Geoff Morrell, a Pentagon spokesperson, such a spike in violence is to be expected, “based upon the pattern of behavior that we’ve seen over the past few weeks, and, frankly, historically in Iraq, leading up to seminal dates, whether it be elections or other significant dates, of an uptick in the operational tempo of terrorists and insurgents.”

Most likely the uptick will subside soon after June 30, like it has after other key events, like the national elections earlier this year.

With that in mind, the 314th has redoubled its communication to Soldiers to stay focused on their surroundings.  The risk to our Soldiers compared many others is greatly decreased since they live and work most of their days here within the walls of Forward Operating Base Prosperity.  Additionally, when they do leave the FOB they travel in areas that have historically been considered safe and under U.S. control (and that is expected to continue past June 30).

Throughout this deployment, LTC Ignacio Perez, the unit commander, has also implemented security measures to protect all Soldiers.  Some are just good practices no matter where someone is — like always traveling with a “battle buddy.”

The bottom line is that 314th PAOC Soldiers, now and after June 30, are safe, and they are all looking forward to returning home to all of you in just a few more months, knowing that they have played a role in bringing peace, freedom and stability over here.