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)

FMI: www.af.mil