Iraqi aerial gunner

Amjad Njaah Mjeed, an Iraqi air force aerial gunner, poses in front of a Mi-17 helicopter at Camp Taji, Iraq, Jan. 29, 2010, in which the Iraqis use to train, conduct and perform missions. The overall objective of U.S. Air Force aerial gunners in the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron is to train Iraqi aerial gunners on techniques, procedures and aircrew discipline so that Iraq can develop a self sustaining air force capable of protecting its people. (Courtesy photo)

Iraqi aerial gunner

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dan Courson, an aerial gunner for the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, inspects a Russian made PKC 7.62 mm machine gun before leaving for a mission at Camp Taji, Iraq, Jan. 28, 2010. The overall objective of U.S. Air Force aerial gunners in the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron is to train Iraqi aerial gunners on techniques, procedures and aircrew discipline so that Iraq can develop a self sustaining air force capable of protecting its people. (Courtesy photo)

Iraqi aerial gunner

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Onnez Rodriguez-Massas, an aerial gunner for the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, talks tactics with an Iraqi aerial gunner in a briefing before a mission at Camp Taji, Iraq, Jan. 28, 2010. The overall objective of U.S. Air Force aerial gunners in the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron is to train Iraqi aerial gunners on techniques, procedures and aircrew discipline so that Iraq can develop a self sustaining air force capable of protecting its people. (Courtesy photo)

Iraqi aerial gunner

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dan Courson, an aerial gunner for the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, assist with interpreting interview questions so that Amjad Njaah Mjeed, an Iraqi aerial gunner and instructor, could understand at Camp Taji, Iraq, Jan 29, 2010. Mjeed is not only a student but friend of Sergeant Courson that evolved over Sergeant Courson one year deployment. (Courtesy photo)

Iraqi gunners look out from above

Published Feb. 6, 2010
By Senior Airman Jarrod Chavana
U.S. Air Forces Public Affairs

TAJI AIR BASE, Iraq -- On a cold January night more than 1500 feet above Baghdad an Iraqi Mi-17 and Huey helicopters perform tactical maneuvers through the sky, as aerial gunners view the ground for unsuspecting danger through night vision goggles.

The overall objective of U.S. Air Force aerial gunners in the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron is to train Iraqi aerial gunners on techniques, procedures and aircrew discipline so that Iraq can develop a self sustaining air force capable of protecting its people.

These Airmen were tasked as aerial gunner instructors and little did they know before their tour was over they would become advisers.

"Transitioning from an instructor role to an advisory role is more of a mind game than anything else," said Tech. Sgt. Dan Courson, a 721st AEAS aerial gunner. "You're used to doing all the hands on training activities and as an advisor you do the instructing, then you sit back and watch your students do it and ensure they get it right."

Upon completion of basic training and job selection the Iraqis went to a three month gunner course, where they become familiar with their aircraft, weapon, and firing techniques. The majority of these enlisted gunners are in their early 20s. The overall consensus for joining the Iraqi air force was because these young men are eager to protect their country.

"I love this job," said Amjad Njaah Mjeed, an Iraqi aerial gunner and instructor. "I joined the air force because I like to fly, it lets me protect my country and the people of Iraq, so that we can have peace."

The American Airmen find time not only to instruct but interact with the Iraqis after class. After being with these students day in and day out, long-lasting friendships are created. The Iraqis invite the Airmen to their dorm rooms for tea, movies and have even challenged the Americans to a friendly game of soccer.

"You're kind of a stranger to them but as the deployment goes on you begin to build that rapport," said Sergeant Courson. "It's a unique experience and great opportunity to see these guys from the time you got here until now. With all the bonds that have been built it will be bittersweet to leave."

The Iraqis have taken the reins and are planning, coordinating, and accomplishing missions on their own. The 721st AEAS now have students who are solely trained by Iraqi instructors and evaluators. During the Iraqi presidential election March 7, the Iraqi gunners will be flying above providing overwatch to assist in a successful election.