Major Milestone

" Let's get back not a big news of the hour today all US combat troops are withdrawn from major Iraq cities. -- much of the nation's security now in the hands of Iraqi forces. Right now approximately 130000. Ever brave men and women in uniform do remain in Iraq. Many more recently served there since 2003 when the war began. More than 4300. Men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice. So what does today mean to our bats let's bring in one he had sat. He served in Iraq from 2000 by 2006. If the current chairman of vets for freedom that was last in Iraq in September of last year as a journalist Pete thanks so much for joining us. So while what does today mean for the men and women who are currently serving them there and that's about."

" What does today's media. Well it it means a great deal to me personally and I know it means a great deal. And hundreds of thousands of those who put on the uniform. For that country and stood alongside Iraqis -- very difficult times. It's an important -- historic day it's a testament not only to the success of the surge that changed the dynamics on the ground and provided. Iraqi Government and Iraqi Security Forces the breathing room they needed. To take over on a day like this but it's also a testament to your right as the of the folks that does tore -- that the statue of Saddam. Who who who fought in the battle of Fallujah another major encounters all of that led to the conditions that we have here on June 30 2009. -- where we're handing over responsibility of the city's -- Iraqi Security Forces who I believe having seen them recently. Can be and should be and will be capable of patrolling the streets and ensuring that you know write it. Dramatic rises and sectarian violence don't occur in the Iraqi Government fills a void that American troops leave behind."

" we talked about this earlier that some US troops I've spoken with are certainly concerned about the role that they will have a certain Iraqi units for example. I US trainers may go out with these Iraqi troops as they patrolled the sitters are -- lot of grade and some of those US men. Our concern about Iraqis potentially turning their guns on them."

" While that's that may be concerned that some happen and those were training Iraqis. Are always. An odd numbered in that sense of the few American trainers going out with a Rockies into the field a but there's also an intense bond that comes with serving. In uniform. Against the common any enemy like al-Qaeda. Are radical islamists those Iraqis that are out there those hundreds of thousands in the Iraqi Army they are allies of ours that we have trained them stood beside him shoulder to shoulder in the battlefield. And I know having served them that I felt. Confident that they were going to stand alongside me dated -- have the same kind of equipment. They were as well trained but they want their country back to -- I would not underestimate that now faction being the sons of Iraq which with the Sunnis that we paid. And trained to protect their neighborhoods that's an important part we need to pay attention to it does the government Iraq which is largely Shia. Integrate them and and and provide a place for them an Iraqi Government that will be a big determining factor as to whether or not the violence remains where is but as far as our -- and Iraqi troops. What we need to stay engaged them continue to train and support them. And I think that relationship will bear fruit even more fruit down the line in a democratic Iraq."

" Pete let's take -- take a look at some of the pictures of when usurped and Iraq I want to ask you about that there's some remnants of al-Qaeda certainly in Iraq. This particular up in Mosul. How are we going to get the intelligence that we need to help crack down on these guys -- guys. Don't have boots on the ground every single day patrolling the streets talking to the Iraqis like they used to be able to him."

" Heather you're you're absolutely right the boots on the ground as most of -- important component -- any counterinsurgency we were on the ground. Talking to people that when we got created the relationships they garner the actionable intelligence we needed to sit through friend and phone environment with the enemy as he said does not wear uniforms. But Iraqis inherently are better at gathering that type of intelligence especially when they're fully invested in the mission it's their city it's their streets to patrol. I think you know they know the language they know the cultural nuances they know who should be there who isn't who's four who isn't those with type things myself from my men didn't know just one interpreter. So I like that I believe that through the system we've set up. Iraqis are more in in a much better position to gather that kind of intelligence to take it on themselves. But we need to stay engaged and make sure they're using that. Intelligence and an efficient manner."

" Pete how this works that US troops will be posted not only in the desert but near Baghdad airport of the Iraqis need their support. Call lament that Colin. A military unit to help help them out if they do need help."

" Yeah there are liaisons. That we've always had and -- am sure will we'll have even more of them to these Iraqi units yet they've just call up and say we need support. An XX or Y location because of an enemy engagement our particular situation and only then allowed troops going in support them. But that's it it's not a new relationship that's something that's been going on for months this. June 30 as an important date but we've been drawing back here for months already so it isn't in and of itself. That everyone's leaving today we've already been -- sort of setting the system in place that they need as we can be there but this is one step. In us pulling our troops out and in a couple years and Iraqis having control that completely themselves."

" All right he had -- a big thank you to you and your fellow men and women for all the work you've done there. And getting us to this point I remember being in Iraq. Or write in Jordan when the war first started adding going to Iraq twice and that the amount of violence that was taking place at that time. Staggering can't remember a 150 or so attacks per day and now we're looking -- something more along lines -- ten attacks per day so. Our congratulations to you and your fellow servicemen and women. Well Douglas that's still there."