Iraqi Air Force

Within the past week, a milestone was attained in the rebuilding of the Iraqi Air Force as it commenced flight operations to provide security and protection for infrastructure facilities and Iraq's borders.

"We are rebuilding the air force, and it is giving us a different responsibility," Iraqi air force Col. Abed (surname withheld for security reasons) said. "These flights are meant to protect the oil installations, power lines and protect our borders from our enemies."

"This is the first move of our air force that will provide security," Abed said. "And this is very essential given the nature of our problems right now inside our country. And we can use them for peaceful missions as well."

The two Australian-built SB7L-360 SEEKER Reconnaissance Aircraft being used are the start of an eventual force of ten light reconnaissance planes to be ordered. And, the reconstituted force has a different mission than previously.

"Before our mission was very combative to other countries and threatening to other countries," he said. "Now our mission is to serve our country."

"We want to prove that the coalition is not an invading force, but a force that gave us our independence," Abed said.

"And we want to protect that," he added. "This is a new mission for us."

My take is that this is a small but noteworthy step towards the Iraqis achieving complete autonomy in defending their country. It should be loudly heralded by the media. Unfortunately, it won't be. It's inconsistent with their agenda to promote a picture of doom and gloom in Iraq. (via AnalogKid)