AR RAMADI, Iraq -- Fifteen members of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) conducted a combat patrol through a portion of the city here with Marines from 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment.According to Cpl. Patrick B. Finnigan, 3rd Squad’s squad leader with 3rd Platoon, Company C, the three-hour joint-mission was geared towards providing the ISF members with hands-on training in a combat environment and familiarizing them with the area of operations.“We’re taking them out with us today so they can practice their patrolling and get up to speed on the AO,” explained the 30-year-old St. Louis native. “We’re showing them ways to improve their patrolling capabilities so they can take over.”Finnigan said the ISF would eventually assume full responsibility of conducting security and stabilization operations in Iraq.“The sooner they can do it by themselves, the sooner the Marines can get off the streets and leave this place,” he said.Throughout the mission, the Marines continued teaching their ISF counterparts patrolling fundamentals.Corporal Richard A. Gutierrez, a team leader with 3rd Squad, had three ISF members in his team. The 23-year-old Salinas, Calif., native showed them proper dispersion, how to post security and set up other tactical positions. “They know our hand and arm signals,” the 2001 Salinas High School graduate said while giving the signal to halt during a portion of the patrol. “They are on top of things. They are performing well.”Having the ISF members along for the patrol served as a force-multiplier, Gutierrez said.“It’s a bonus having them with us because they are Iraqi and can talk to the locals,” he said. “The locals are more comfortable when one of their own are questioning them. The ISF can talk to them and find out if there are any insurgents and other threats in the area.”Gutierrez and other members of 3rd Squad patrolled the streets hunting for insurgents while giving their ISF attachments hands on experience.“Their combat situational awareness is up to par,” he said. “They moved fluently and paid attention.”The ISF members performed well in other teams, too, according to Cpl. Paul M. Odonnell, a team leader with 3rd Squad.“Their performance today impressed me,” said the 23-year-old New Burgh, N.Y., native during the mission debrief back at the Company C base, Camp Snake Pit. “I had no problem designating them to post security at strong points, avenues of approach and other danger areas. They are a squared-away bunch, and I don’t see any reason why they can’t assume control of safeguarding their city from terrorism in the immediate future.”