An Iraq C-130 Aviation Advisor Mission and Lessons for the Future

A Headquarters Air Force integrated product team recently reviewed a Coalition Air Force Transition Team proposal to build Iraqi airpower over the next two years. While the team looked at all aspects of the plan, this paper focused on the establishment of a dedicated pre-deployment training center for aviation advisors, development of a flying training capability inside Iraq, and implementation of training pipelines for Iraqi pilot candidates and maintenance supervisors. A review of lessons learned from the initial Iraq C-130 advisor mission provided insights into challenges stemming from differences in United States advisors and Iraqi airmen in language, culture, and living environment. It applied these lessons in recommending initial steps the Coalition Air Force Transition Team should take in establishing flying training and technical training pipelines to avoid similar problems. It also reviewed pre-deployment training of general purpose forces and the integrated product team's plan to co-locate a permanent training center with the Air Force's Common Battlefield Airmen Training Center. In the end, the paper recommended the Air Force reconsider the alternative of locating the permanent center at Hurlburt Field, Florida to take advantage of the co-located advisor and cultural training centers of knowledge and greater potential for long-term success.