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Iraqi aerial gunners aim to protect helicopters, defend Iraq

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kimberley T. Harrison
  • U.S. AFCENT Combat Camera team
CAMP TAJI, Iraq --  Most U.S. Airmen know the 'sound of freedom' when they hear the unmistakable sound of a fighter jet soaring above; now Iraqi air force airmen have cause to feel that same pride when they hear their helicopters.

The Iraqi Air Force, founded in 1931 and once considered one of the largest air forces in the region, has come a long way, and due in part to the training and advisory mission of the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron here.

The Iraqis are on their way to an independent air force capable of protecting its people.

One of the steps to an improved air force is the introduction of aerial gunners.

"The Iraqi military never had gunners before. They had pilots and engineers, but this is a new concept," said Hillsboro, Utah, native Tech. Sgt. Ethan Masslow, 721st AEAS aerial gunner, from Malmstrom AFB, Mont.

This slow-paced evolution, although progressing, has not been an easy road. The Iraqi military is not like the U.S. where there are sequential, progressive steps to enlist. Some of the Iraqi airmen in training now have not been to basic training, but they have already completed technical school to become proficient in their jobs..

"The hardest part for us as gunners was getting the initial cadre of instructors and evaluators certified so they can go out and conduct the training themselves," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Burt, 721st AEAS aerial-gunner instructor and Grand Island, Neb., native. "The students we had, who have now become gunner instructors, have gone through all the required training, but are now being pulled to go through basic training. This creates a challenge when trying to get additional students trained."

It's an ongoing challenge, but the advisors and instructors do what's necessary to get the job done.

"In this environment, one of the challenges is not having enough pilots on hand to fly so our gunners can accomplish their training," Sergeant Burt said. "Pilot training dictates gunner training."

Language and cultural challenges abound, so advisors know the importance of establishing a connection that infuses trust. In order to build a rapport with their counterparts, 721st AEAS members spend off-duty time with Iraqi airmen in their environment. They are frequently invited to eat dinner or have chai tea together and build camaraderie engaging in a sport that transcends all cultures -- video games.

"We spend as much time with them as we can outside of work to sustain the relationship our predecessors set," Sergeant Masslow said. "Forming bonds outside the training environment is vital to promoting trust within the Iraqi military because if they don't trust you, it will be hard to convince them on ways to improve the skills they already have."

The Iraqi gunners have made great strides in a year - progressing from students led by U.S. instructors to leading students themselves. The Iraqi airmen are also susceptible to surprise inspections. The U.S. instructors have done their job and inspections are a way to assess how well their former students take the lead.

"We have coalition crews in supporting and advisory roles now. A year ago, we'd be the ones controlling it," said Puerto Rico-born Tech. Sgt. Onnez Rodriguez-Massas, affectionately referred to by U.S and Iraqi airmen alike as "Rico." "The Iraqi air force has come a long way and they're doing an excellent job."

The Iraqi people are happy with the steady progression as well.

"People come out to wave at us and you can see by their smiles that they are happy and proud to see us flying around with the Iraqi flag painted on the helicopter," said Sergeant Rodriguez-Massas who is stationed at Andrews AFB, Md, and will be redeploying shortly. "This is their country and they want to see it being protected by their military."

As Iraqi Mi-17 or Mi-171 helicopters constantly fly the skies above here, it's due in part to the training provided by the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission - Air Force Airmen that make it happen.

"It's a symbol of change and they are now in control," Sergeant Rodriguez-Massas said.

The Iraqi helicopters provide the "sound of freedom" for this country and it's only getting stronger.