The OIF GenerationA field guide to the Iraq War and the generation that fought it
Battles and Operations

Ramadi and the Anbar Awakening, 2006

Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry provide security during a foot patrol in Ramadi, August 16, 2006.
Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry provide security during a foot patrol in Ramadi, August 16, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy T. Lock (public domain)
Dates: March 15 – November 15, 2006. U.S. unit: 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division ("Ready First"), with Marine and Navy forces. Key partner: Anbar Awakening under Sheikh Abdul Sattar Abu Risha.

The problem

By 2006, Ramadi, the capital of Anbar Province, was among the most dangerous cities in Iraq, with al-Qaeda in Iraq dominating much of it.

Combat outposts

The Ready First Brigade moved off its large bases and established combat outposts throughout the city, living among Iraqis, building relationships with local leaders, and denying insurgents freedom of movement.

The Awakening

In August and September 2006, tribal leaders led by Sheikh Abdul Sattar Abu Risha turned against al-Qaeda in Iraq. Tribal members joined the police, and the Awakening spread across Anbar.

Valor

On September 29, 2006, Navy SEAL Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor covered a grenade with his body in Ramadi to save his teammates. He received the Medal of Honor posthumously.

Significance

Ramadi showed that combining outposts with local partners could reverse even a desperate situation. The model influenced the surge strategy of 2007.