There is a lot of news about the low level of confidence American troops have for Iraqi National Guard (ING) soldiers.  Performance has been spotty.  There are serious differences in culture, work ethic, education level, training, motivation and discipline amongst the ING which have hampered their performance.  Many ING troops, if not most, see joining as little more than a job to put food on the table.  On the other hand, some are quite dedicated to the prospect of a new future and look to us for guidance and support. 

If you have read news reports on Iraq over the last week you probably noticed that the ING are getting hit hard around the country.  VBIED attacks are taking their toll across Iraq as the election date draws near.  One paid us a personal visit this week and took the life of an ING troop who works with me and several of his colleagues.  He died doing his duty as a soldier to defend the base.  As a result, no US troops or Iraqi local nationals (LN's) were injured.

I got a front row seat to the whole event.  Working a bomb scene is not a pleasant experience.  Many of the ING were distraught at the loss of comrades while others were just plain scared for themselves.  Never the less, troops came back to work again the next morning.  Not all, but the ones who were there were more determined.

I have made a point to speak with the ING leadership and let them know how we appreciate their work, have empathy for their losses, and to encourage them to press on.  They will ultimately be called upon to keep this country together and need all of the help and support they can get right now.