Maj. Christopher Elam (left) observes an Iraqi air force pilot performing preflight procedures here prior to a helicopter mission using night-vision goggles Oct. 7, 2009, at Camp Taji, Iraq. The major teaches them how to operate, preflight and maintain NVGs. U.S. Air Force instructor pilots assigned to the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron train, advise and assist Iraqi helicopter pilots around the clock, helping them develop their own air force. Major Elam is a 721st AEAS Mi-17 pilot deployed from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. He hails from Evanston, Ill. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Johnny L. Saldivar