[...]Although there have been some grumblings from journalists that illiterate ISF have been hired, there is a literacy standard for the Iraqi police. I have seen literacy tests administered in Anbar, for instance [...] Meanwhile, an increasingly capable ISF is being formed from the available men and women in Iraq [...]Michael's had an opportunity to view several stages of the development of the ISF, and notes that although issues remain, there's definitely been progress:
[...] It’s been more than three years since I first started watching ISF up close, and there is no mistaking that there are more ISF, and their quality is improving. They fight well and courageously, taking far more casualties than we do. Iraqi soldiers and police are increasingly adopting the habits of the Americans they work with. So I will say with certainty that the Iraqi Army is getting better, and fast, because I have seen it firsthand across Iraq [...]His latest "RUBs" dispatch is well worth the read; check it out here.
Also, Michael did an interview on NPR today - audio here and here.
Labels: Blogwatch, Good News, Iraq, Michael Yon