Standing Up the Iraqi Air Force: Bridging the Gap Between Foreign Internal Defense and Starting from Scratch

Since major combat operations ceased for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and reconstruction began in 2003, one of the many challenges of Coalition has been to use Foreign Internal Defense to build up Iraq's military and counterinsurgency capabilities. While this was started immediately with the Iraqi Army and Police force, it was not until 2005 that the Coalition Air Force Transition Team was formed as the air force advisory piece to the plan. While the Iraqi Air Force has made reasonable progress under this advisory arrangement, an evaluation of the Coalition Air Force Transition Team and the development of the Iraqi Air Force can shed some light on potential ways to improve the short-term operation of large-scale Foreign Internal Defense. Analysis includes adherence to the latest aviation Foreign Internal Defense doctrine, the qualifications of the advisors working in Iraq, and the level of risk accepted by training basic skills in a war zone. After thorough evaluation, the best short-term solution for large-scale Foreign Internal Defense is one led by special operations trained advisors, augmented by general purpose forces, and accomplishes the least basic skills training in combat possible. This is only an intermediate solution, and long-term solutions require a large standing advisory force.