Established in the spring of 2008, the SoI program creates jobs for local Sunni and Shiite citizens by asking them to maintain security checkpoints throughout their areas.

For the months of June and July, the 4th Company, 31st IA Bde., paid more than 3,000 SoI members approximately 276,000 Iraqi dinar (approximately $240) each for their services.

Soldiers of Echo Troop, 5th Cavalry Regiment oversaw the payments made to the SoI members on the Iraqi side of the patrol base.

"This is a great opportunity for the Iraqi government to show how they are following their word on paying the SoI and continuing with the program without our help," said Staff Sgt. Jason M. Watson, headquarters platoon sergeant, Echo Troop, 5th Cav. Regt. The Government of Iraq took over SoI payments from U.S. forces in March 2009. The SoI help to support their own government and minimize U.S. military assistance by providing security for the surrounding areas.