 During more than eighteen months of continuous, full-spectrum combat operations, the Raider Brigade successfully conducted nine brigade-level operations and more than 550 battalion- and company-sized operations throughout the Baghdad Northern Belt and in Diyala Province.The brigade's actions, in conjunction with Iraqi Security Forces, defeated Al Qaeda-affiliated insurgents in the brigade's battle space, suppressed Shia extremist militias, bolstered Iraqi civil government and security force capabilities, and protected critical infrastructure.These efforts provided space and time for the Iraqi people to take control of their own destiny and begin the process of reconciliation, rebuilding, and self- government.