Sons of Iraq briefed on transfers

BAQUBA, Iraq, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Tribal elders from Iraq's Diyala province and leaders from the Sons of Iraq militia met with U.S. officials to discuss the transfer of control to Baghdad.

Around 50 top commanders from the Sons of Iraq security force and Diyala elders were briefed on the transfer of payments and command from U.S. forces to the government of Iraq, the U.S. military said in a statement Wednesday.

Sons of Iraq members were instructed on how to fill out their registration forms to ensure proper payment once the transfer is completed. Military officials also vetted SOI members to identify possible vocational skills for later employment.

Baghdad said it would provide permanent employment to the members of the Sons of Iraq who are not selected to transition into the national security forces. Training will be provided for those who lack adequate skills, the U.S. report said.

"The central government has the ability and willingness to execute this transition," said U.S. Brig. Gen. James Boozer with Multi-National Division-North.

Baghdad province was the first to witness the transition in October, with Diyala, Wasit, Babil and Qadisiyah provinces scheduled for transfer in January. Remaining provinces with Sons of Iraq forces will transition by mid-2009.