AF flight surgeons hand over training mission to Iraqis

Iraqi air force Lieutenant Tahssen , nurse and flight medic instructor, explains the procedures to reconfigure a C-130 Hercules aircraft for aero-medical evacuation transport to Iraqi flight medic students at New Al-Muthana Air Base, Iraq June 2, 2009. The four week course, once taught by U.S. instructors, is now instructed by Iraqis. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacqueline Romero)

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AF flight surgeons hand over training mission to Iraqis

An Iraqi soldier watches as Iraqi Lieutenant Amar K. Gaad, nurse and flight medic instructor, marshals the litter into the C-130 Hercules during aero-medical evacuation transport training at New Al-Muthana Air Base, Iraq June 2, 2009. The four week course, once taught by U.S. instructors, is now instructed by Iraqis. After the training the flight medics will be able to configure C-130 Hercules aircraft for aero-medical evacuation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacqueline Romero)

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AF flight surgeons hand over training mission to Iraqis

Iraqi air force Lieutenant Tahssen, nurse and flight medic instructor, explains the steps for securing a litter on the C-130 Hercules aircraft to Iraqi flight medic students at New Al-Muthana Air Base, Iraq June 2, 2009. The four week course, once taught by U.S. instructors, is now instructed by Iraqis. After the training the flight medics will be able to convert C-130 Hercules aircraft into aero-medical evacuation transports. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacqueline Romero)

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AF flight surgeons hand over training mission to Iraqis

Published June 6, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Tim Beckham
AFCENT Public Affairs

NEW AL MUTHANA AIR BASE, Iraq -- As U.S. forces withdraw over the next year, the Iraqi air force will assume new missions and responsibilities. One such mission is the Aero-Medical training of flight medical technicians, also known as "flight medics".

The four-week training course is now taught by Iraqi flight medics with Coalition oversight. Soon, the Iraqi instructors will have complete oversight of the course.

"This is a very important mission for me and for the Iraqi air force," said Iraqi air force Lieutenant Amar K. Gaad, nurse and flight medic instructor. "We are here to save lives so that our army counterparts can focus on their mission and on their service to our country."

After graduating June 4th, the largest class ever of 18 newly certified Iraqi flight medics will be well equipped to directly support their assigned military units in the airborne medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) of their unit's casualties in helicopters and C-130 Hercules aircraft.

"Upon graduation the new flight medics will be able to care for their patients while transporting them via air to medical facilities" said Col. (Dr.) William W. Dodson III, Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq ITAM AF Surgeon. "This will add to the strength of the Iraqi military."