Army, Air Force partner to improve facilities for Iraqi military Published March 5, 2009 By Kendal Smith Gulf Region Central BAGHDAD, Iraq (AFNS) -- Air Force and Army Corps of Engineers members joined forces to improve the training facilities for Iraq's air force cadets here. The $1.96 million rehabilitation project at the Iraq Military Academy Rustamiyah included five major components that will greatly enhance the learning and living environment for future Iraqi air force officers. The academy, established by the British in 1924, serves as the sole site for training Iraqi air force cadets. Cadets learn essential skills there, including English, before commissioning as officers ready for flight training. English is taught because it's the mandatory international language for aviation communication. Personnel from the Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division and the Air Force's 321st Air Expeditionary Training Group oversaw the rehabilitation of the academy's aging infrastructure. Work, which began in November, was largely complete in February and included expanding the air wing training building, renovating the campus water towers to provide potable water, repairing aging facilities, updating the existing cadet barracks, and constructing a new 300-person dorm from the rubble of an abandoned building. The academy's renovation is the first effort between Army Corps of Engineers members and the Coalition Air Force Training Team, said Capt. Mickey Jordan. Planners conferred jointly with Iraqi air force lieutenants and former Iraq Military Academy Rustamiyah cadets who helped identify more than 24 critical points requiring redesign. Additional features of the project included a dining facility, renovated barracks from the inside out, instructors' quarters, classrooms, a small theater and a large auditorium as well as new generators, air conditioners and audio-visual systems. In January, work was completed on renovated barracks. As Iraqi engineer Hamed flipped the switch, sending power to 33 heating units in the barracks, cadets cheered and rushed out to shake his hand. "I used to try to sleep freezing under two blankets, but now our lives are much better," commented one cadet. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page