Iraqi Air Force takes giant step forward

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Melissa Koskovich
  • U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AFPN) --  A fully certified aircrew takes flight and a single air base opens its gates. To Iraqi Airmen training alongside U.S. Airmen these feats represent giant steps toward independence and national security.

Since November, the Air Force has taken on the mission of standing up the Iraqi Air Force, allowing Iraqis to gradually take over operations and help secure their nation’s future.

“In only a few months (the Iraqi Air Force) has made significant progress,” said Brig. Gen. David W. Eidsaune, Air Component Coordination Element director. “We’re working closely with them on a plan for their future. We agree on where they’re going and how to get there.”

Iraqi Airmen agree progress has been made, but know there’s still a long road to travel.

“We are starting over,” said Maj. Gen. Kamal Barzanjy, Iraqi Air Force chief of staff. “America has given us a lot of help, and we have already accomplished many things, but we need to keep growing.”

However, building an air force is no simple undertaking. General Eidsaune said Iraqis will face many challenges.

“One of the major challenges for them is funding,” General Eidsaune said. “The whole country is really stretched right now as far as funding and commerce, and air forces are not cheap entities. It will take them time to build up their capabilities.”

To help, the United States gave Iraq a small fleet of C-130 Hercules. But funding alone is not the only obstacle the fledging air force faces. Recruiting the next generation of Iraqi Airmen will also be a challenge.

“Right now, most Iraqi Airmen come from the ‘old air force’ -- prior to the 1990s,” General Eidsaune said. “The Iraqis need to recruit more Airmen, and build up their air academy and staff colleges. There are already initiatives under way to accomplish this, but it will take time.”

Despite the growing pains, Iraq's air force is taking part in some coalition operations.

“The IAF is playing a limited, but effective, role in our operations,” General Eidsaune said. “Their current aircraft are kept busy transporting troops, supplies and distinguished visitors.”

In addition, the IAF plays a small role in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.

“Iraqi ISR assets are tasked by the local (Iraqi) army division to scan their local infrastructure, including pipelines and borders,” he said. “These assets bring back valuable intelligence to ground commanders, and are definitely making a difference.”

At first Iraqi air base -- New Al Muthana Air Base at Bagdad International Airport  -- opens March 7. The Iraqis will begin to take on ground and airfield operations of the airfield right away. 

“Mastering these functions is critical for survival as a defense force,” General Eidsaune said. “The Iraqis are motivated and eager to learn. They welcome our help -- our efforts are very much a partnership.”

General Barzanjy agrees.

“We are working together as one team,” General Barzanjy said. “Of course we still need support from our allies, but we are growing.”

General Eidsaune said the Iraqi Air Force is "small, but proud. One day they will be large and proud, like they once were.”