Maj. Christopher Elam (left) observes Iraqi air force pilots 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 AEAS train, advise and assist Iraqi helicopter pilots around the clock, helping them develop their own air force. Major Elam is deployed from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., and hails from Evanston, Ill. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Johnny L. Saldivar)