Ramadi

Here I am, sketching at COP Falcon in Ramadi.

I was out with members of the 4th CAG (Civil Affairs Group), as they conducted a CMOC (Civil Military Operations Center).

During a CMOC, Iraqi citizens can come and wait at a designated spot for a meeting with the CAG staff, which provide services which perhaps the local officials can't yet provide.

People can come tell their troubles, air their grievances against the Americans, receive recompense for any damages by Coalition Forces, or receive help with basic things like heaters or school supplies.

The day-to-day efforts of the CAGs, though not well publicized back in the States, are making a marked improvement in the reality on the ground, truly winning the hearts and minds of the citizens, as they see the Coalition actually keeping its word and helping Iraqis (unlike the Insurgents, who simply use them as pawns and cannon fodder).