Iraqi Air Force - sidebar

Courtesy Photo | TIKRIT, IRAQ (December 21, 2005) -- The 101st Aviation Combat Brigade hosted members of the fledgling Iraqi Air Force's 3rd Squadron today. The objective was to share the two unit's capabilities and see each unit's aircraft.  

TIKRIT, IRAQ

12.23.2005

Courtesy Story

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

by Spec. Lee Elder
133d Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
21 December 2005

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, IRAQ (December 21, 2005) " Iraq's Air Force is slowly becoming a player in the nation's overall security forces.

Currently, the Air Force is used primarily to support ground forces by performing reconnaissance and transportation missions. However, it is emerging from the Army's shadow to stand alone as a separate and viable force.

"Our mission is to build an independent and viable Iraqi Air Force so that we can go home," said Lt. Cmdr. Dave Schlesinger. "Right now, they are doing pretty well."

Schlesinger is head of the Coalition Advisor Support Team in Kirkuk that assists the Iraqi Air Force's rebuilding effort in that area. He is a member of the Coalition Air Force Transition Training Team, a new command that is headed by an Air Force Brigadier General.

"We're just training and trying to get more manpower," Schlesinger said. "There are only about 300 personnel total in the Iraqi Air Force, but they are starting a recruiting program to try to build them up."

Equipping the airmen is also a challenge. The Iraqi Air Force, according to a recent report has only 38 aircraft of which six were functional.

The Iraqi Air Force now boasts four squadrons, Schlesinger said. There are two reconnaissance squadrons, a helicopter squadron and a C-130 squadron.

One of the reconnaissance squadrons is based in Kirkuk. It's under the command of Staff Col. Ali Salim who said he is grateful for the support he has received.

"Because we are new, we have to learn many things," Salim said. "We have professionals to help us for so many things we need."

It's up to the new Air Force to ensure ground commanders know they can get support for their missions. The Iraqi Army will benefit from this coalition.

"They are going to be working for the Army," Schlesinger said. "Their job is protecting the northern pipeline and protecting the electrical infrastructure."

• Date Taken: 12.23.2005
• Date Posted: 12.23.2005 22:00
• Story ID: 4188
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ