USAF training UAE personnel at Emirate Air Defense Warfare
Center
The United States, working with United Arab Emirates, is now
training future Arab air force leaders. Iron Falcon, a monthlong
exercise held at the Emirate Air Defense Air Warfare Center in the
United Arab Emirates, is upgrade training for mission commanders.
Plans are set for all members of the Gulf Cooperation Council to
eventually participate in the exercise.
“At Iron Falcon, students learn about orchestrating air
power assets and how to work with other nations,” said Lt.
Col. Terry Ford, U.S. Central Command Air Forces exercise
planner.
Iron Falcon was developed by U.S. officials in cooperation with
United Arab Emirates officials for multiple reasons. One reason was
to keep proficiency at the highest possible level.
The concept for this training was developed during operations
Northern and Southern Watch, Colonel Ford said. “While
deployed to those operations, pilots would fly combat air patrols
for 90 or 120 days, but weren’t able to continue
training,” he said. “Air Force senior (leaders) wanted
a training program in the region where pilots could keep their
proficiency at a peek.”
Another reason for the exercise is the diplomatic benefit.
Americans build personal relationships, which can result in better
relations with people of other nations and more effective use of
coalition military resources, said Bill Richardson, CENTAF project
officer at the center. The training usually involves captains and
majors.
“We’re looking ahead five, 10 and 15 years down the
road when our officers and theirs will be the leaders of air
forces,” he said. “When they need to coordinate
efforts, it will be easier if they already know the person
they’re dealing with and can call upon their time together in
training.”
Air Force senior leaders emphasized the value of training with
allies. “The Air Warfare Center is an important part of the
overall theater security cooperation program,” said Col. Mike
Otterblad, CENTAF exercises and engagement director.
Colonel Otterblad said the exercise gives fighter crews from the
American, British and various Middle Eastern air forces a unique
opportunity to train together in a realistic environment.
“The first two classes to test the concept were a huge
success, and we will now start integrating additional coalition
members in the future,” he said, adding that by training
coalition air forces, the United States benefits in more than just
military terms.
“The better the (council) air forces are, the more we can
reduce our presence there,” Mr. Richardson said. “As a
result, less of our military members may have to deploy to the
region, which makes it easier on them and their
families.”
Airmen from the 77th Fighter Squadron here recently returned
from the second session of the exercise. “It was a good
experience,” said Capt. Chris Bacon, a 77th FS F-16 Fighting
Falcon pilot. “Iron Falcon is a U.A.E. initiative. They are
forward thinkers and realize the value of combining resources. The
training there has more access to the airspace, so the training is
really enhanced.”
Captain Bacon said the Emirati people are open minded, and the
pilots who trained there, came back with an appreciation for Arab
culture. “Learning about each other is a great path for the
future,” he said.
(Our thanks to Staff Sgt. Lee Watts, 20th Fighter Wing
Public Affairs)