Advising the Iraqi Air Force

  • Published
  • By Maj. Tim Stevens
  • 49th Fighter Training Squadron
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  I recently returned from six-month deployment to Iraq and was asked to share with the BLAZE Team at Columbus AFB a bit on my experiences serving as an advisor to the Iraqi Air Force. Deploying to Baghdad as an advisor was perhaps the most interesting, challenging, and rewarding mission of my 10-year Air Force career. Our goal was to facilitate the growth of a credible and sustainable Iraqi air force. Specifically, I had the opportunity to work directly with more than 20 IAF officers in the Iraqi Air Operations Center (IAOC). The IAOC is the command and control hub for all IAF flying operations, both training and operational.

Interesting barely describes life as an advisor to a foreign country. There is no such thing as a standard day when working with a fledgling air force; limited resources, and the constant balancing act between base security and the need for increased Iraqi access and control. On any given day, an advisor could be involved in any of the following activities: flying on an MI-17 (Russian made helicopter) with an Iraqi pilot, constructing a wall in the new Iraqi AF headquarters, running a teleconference with an international company supporting an Iraqi AF contract, advising how to effectively produce the Iraqi Master Air Tasking Order (IMATO), or acting as the sole US escort for an Iraqi prisoner transfer across base. Because the Iraqi IAOC is the IAF command and control center, many Iraqi issues were discussed or resolved within its walls. Therefore, the advisor team influenced a wide range of important matters.

Work as an Iraqi air advisor provided some of the most challenging situations I have dealt with in my career. Many projects involved coordination between the five IAF bases, eight airframes, and two distinct cultures. I found the cultural differences in how we approach complex problem solving, communication, and individualism took more effort to overcome than any disparity in religious beliefs.

Here is one example. It was the day before the first-ever IAF Hellfire missile-launch, representing their initial kinetic air-to-ground capability. A trailer-sized target was convoyed into a remote bombing range in Western Iraq, and video cameras setup to document the significant event. Less than 30 minutes after target placement, surveillance aircraft, and the ground cameras themselves, filmed the first unexpected challenge. Bedouins found the trailer, broke into it, pushed and pulled it by truck for over half a mile in the sand, and ultimately disassembled it for scrap metal. The next day, no trace of the trailer was found. So much for the well planned target. The next six days saw a continuous escalation in effort, involving U.S. and Iraqi helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and ground security forces, all dedicated to the first Hellfire launch from an Iraqi Cessna 208. Multiple shot attempts were disrupted by the restricted range-wandering Bedouins on their motorcycles and small trucks. After range security was finally established, the aircrew performed flawlessly, and the missile scored a direct hit. The IAF took a major capabilities step forward, and as an unplanned additional benefit, took part in a large joint and multi-national operation.

In the Iraqi culture, before a good working relationship could be established, a friendship founded in trust was required. Therefore, drinking chai, an Iraqi tea, discussing families, or even playing soccer was vital to effectiveness as an advisor. Once this trust was established, the hard work of producing results in a fledgling air force, with sometimes very limited resources, could begin.

Despite, being outside my comfort zone and the never ending obstacles, working with the Iraqi officers was an incredibly rewarding experience that I will never forget. It was an honor to share in the professional triumphs, the personal joys, and even some sorrows with my Iraqi friends. I have no doubt that the personal friendships built at every level will be the catalyst that leads to a significant strategic partnership in the Middle East. I am thankful I had the opportunity to be involved with the Iraqi AF at such a crucial time.