First All-Iraqi Aircrew Shows Security Forces' Progress

Defense Link ^ | Dec. 7, 2005 | Sgt. Sara Wood,

[bnelson44]

First All-Iraqi Aircrew Shows Security Forces' Progress

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2005 – The first Iraqi air force C-130 mission with an all-Iraqi aircrew Dec. 5 is an indicator of Iraqi security forces' progress, a U. S. military official said here Dec. 6.

In addition to this, elements of the Iraqi army's 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 9th Division, completed gunnery qualifications in preparation for operations in western Iraq, the official said, speaking on background.

More than 214,000 members of the Iraqi security forces are engaged in operations to secure the country for Dec. 15 elections, the official said. The Ministry of Defense has about 100 battalions of troops, one-third of which are leading operations with U. S. and coalition forces in support, he said.

Ministry of Interior forces also are progressing, with more than 112,000 members in operational units, the official said. Units include special police battalions, border patrol, highway patrol, dignitary protection and civil intervention forces, he said.

About 73,000 local and provincial police are in Iraq, which is about half of what will eventually be required throughout the country, the official said. Each Iraqi unit has a coalition transition team with it, and coalition advisory teams are helping the ministries of Defense and Interior, he said.

The U. S. has about 156,000 troops on the ground in Iraq, the official said. That number will stay fairly consistent through the December elections, toward which they have been working, he said.

"As we help the Iraqis plan and prepare for the upcoming elections, there are some very positive indicators of wide-spread voter participation," he said. "Still, security preparations are ongoing, and there are multiple operations ongoing in an effort to disrupt terrorists and other enemy forces from what we believe will be an effort to interfere with the electoral process. "

Terrorists have threatened and attacked Iraqi security forces, but despite a campaign of intimidation, Iraqi forces continue to grow and progress, the official said. Operations with U. S. and coalition forces have resulted in the capture of many terrorists and the discovery of weapons caches, he said, but just as importantly, they have given the Iraqi people confidence in their forces.

"This type of progress is occurring across the country, as every day Iraqi security forces march toward the day when they will be able to secure their people and their nation," he said.

[Cobra64]

Tom Daschle is saddened. Deeply saddened.

[ExcursionGuy84]

I've got $0.85 that sez it's a "Spectre" ship.

[bnelson44]

Probably just a cargo run. Gotta walk before you blast the hell out of the enemy :)

[A.A. Cunningham]

You lose $0.85

Spectre is not an export model Herc.

[NEMDF]

I didn't see where it said they actually have a plane. ??

[ExcursionGuy84]

I take it then that the IARQI's can't just torch some holes and stick a few M134 Vuclan miniguns through them, can they.

[bnelson44]

Thought as much.

[ExcursionGuy84]

Or, in their case, accelerate to V1 airspeed.

[bnelson44]

They will have at least 3 H-130Es by Jan:

An all Iraqi aircrew flew their first solo mission aboard a C-130E from Ali Air Base to New Al Muthana Nov. 28.

The nine aircrew members are part the 23rd Iraqi Squadron, which have been receiving training at Ali AB. They performed an engine running on-load prior to returning to Ali AB.

"The flight marked a major milestone achievement by showing Iraq’s capability of providing its own military transport," said Air Force Capt. Jerry Ruiz, Forward Operations executive officer at New Al Muthana.

New Al Muthana is the only Iraqi Air Base in the country and will be home to three C-130E aircraft. The 23rd IS will move to their new home here in January.



Source : MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.blackanthem.com/TheAllies/military_2005120202.html

[bnelson44]

Make that C-130Es

[Tijeras_Slim]

Atleast they have a better spare parts pipeline than the Iranians.

[Tommyjo]

No. Not that simple. The Iraqi's will purely be using their Hercs in a transport role.

[Dont_Tread_On_Me_888]

More than 214,000 members of the Iraqi security

Really?

Then why is it that it is the Americans that are getting blown up in military action? The only Iraqis we hear getting blown up are the victims of homicide bombers at Iraqi police recruit stations, etc. We rarely hear anything about the death toll of Iraqi security forces getting killed doing security work. Oh, maybe a checkpoint roadside bomb here and there, but actual military action where Iraqis get killed is as rare as a RAT speaking the truth.

[bnelson44]

Then why is it that it is the Americans that are getting blown up in military action? The only Iraqis we hear getting blown up are the victims of homicide bombers at Iraqi police recruit stations, etc. We rarely hear anything about the death toll of Iraqi security forces getting killed doing security work. Oh, maybe a checkpoint roadside bomb here and there, but actual military action where Iraqis get killed is as rare as a RAT speaking the truth.

Iraqi forces are dying on the front lines every day. You will have to ask the MSM why you are not hearing about it. But until they come around visit Threats Watch blog often.

Also read the archives of The Fourth Rail to catch up.

Another interesting blog to watch is the Military Outpost and of course, The Mudville Gazette