 U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert Allardice briefs the group of “think tank scholars” on the Coalition Air Force’s contribution to the Iraqi Air Force training program at Taji, Iraq, Feb.7. The group is traveling to key areas in the Iraqi theater to gain an understanding of situations in Iraq. Photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Erica R. Gardner. Cordesman, Flournoy, Kagan and Kagan visited Camp Dublin, home to the Italian Carabinieri trained Iraqi National Police. Italian Maj. Gen. Alessandro Pompegnani, NATO Training Mission – Iraq deputy commanding general, met with the group to educate them about their goals to help the Iraqi nation become stable. Next, the group visited the Besmaya Range Complex where Iraqi Army Col. Abbas, base commanding officer, provided them with a briefing about the complex. They then viewed the BMP1 Driver Instruction Course, M-16 biometrics process and the M-16 storage warehouse. “I am excited to see the progress made with the Iraqi Army,” said Cordesman. “I have heard about the concept of training effectiveness in Iraq and wondered how good the training is.” Dr. Kim Kagan participated in the BMP-1 Driver Instruction Course and learned how to start the engine of the BMP-1. “The opportunity to participate in the training is very cool,” said Kagan. The final stop for the group was Taji, where they met with several key leaders from Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, including U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert Allardice, Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, Directorate of Interior Affairs, to discuss Iraqi Air Force training and staffing updates. The group toured an Iraqi Air Force hangar, where they viewed an Iraqi Mi-17 helicopter, Iraqi Jet Ranger helicopter and an Iraqi Huey II helicopter. Iraqi Air Force Lt. Col. Jassim, Squadron 4 pilot, presented an overview of the Iraqi Air Force program. U.S. Army Col. Mark Morrison, Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, logistics and supply, discussed the need for equipping and sustaining the Iraqi forces while teaching them how to manage the process. The final presentation for the group was by U.S. Army Col. Alfred Dochnal, Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, Coalition Army Advisory Transition Team chief of staff, to discuss the future and training of the of the Iraqi Army. After the briefing, the group traveled to the Taji National Depot to view the Small Arms Repair Warehouse as well as the Humvee Repair Facility. An Iraqi Army officer also explained that the process of reaching the goals for a new Iraq has to be taken slowly to make sure they get what they want for the nation and for the good of everyone. (Story by Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq) |
