GIs getting better intel on detainees

[unhappycamper]

GIs getting better intel on detainees
By Seth Robson, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Monday, December 10, 2007

BAGHDAD — Improved human intelligence along with biometrics, careful screening of sworn statements and data on some insurgents that goes back years mean soldiers detain fewer innocent Iraqis and those who are held stay in jail, according to U.S. soldiers operating in Baghdad.

There was a time when U.S. forces in Iraq rounded up large groups of young men suspected of being insurgents, and detentions were often made during raids in which soldiers smashed in doors before heading back to base with their quarry bagged and zip-tied.

“When we first went in there and things were very kinetic we screened a lot of people. Now we don’t do that as much. It is more selective. The Army can go back years in its files on detainees on occasions to determine if they are bad guys,” 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry (Stryker) Regiment commander Lt. Col. Rod Coffey explained last week.

The “surge” of U.S. forces in the Iraqi capital means insurgents there rarely challenge Americans to a direct fight. Recent detentions in Baghdad often involve soldiers simply asking people to accompany them back to base, he said.

“Eight out of 10 guys we are capturing are going to jail,” said 2nd Cav commander Col. John RisCassi. Tougher evidence requirements are one reason why so many of those detained are staying in jail, according to Coffey. After soldiers detain a suspect they often return to the point of capture, show neighbors a photograph of the person, and seek more information about them, he said.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50864



uhc comment: Reminds me of Vietnam.