The Iqaqi Air Force marked another milestone as new Iraqi pilots graduated from the 2nd rotary wing and 5th fixed wing classes, at the Iraqi Flight Training School on 1 Feb. The 17 new pilots completed rigorous training that included classroom time, simulator sorties and practical exercises in flying training devices. Four of the fixed wing graduates also qualified for T-6 training.br /br /The excellent performance by these pilots is good for Iraq, but the small number is just one indicator showing why it will take many, many years before the country can stand on its own. The US military presence in Iraq will have to be there to support them from the likes of Iran and Syria for many more years–if we don’t want to see all this success thrown away.
