It’s a Strange World:

Nov. 10, 2005

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

Rebuilding the Iraqi Air Force is a matter of focusing on “one small victory at a time,” says Air Force Reserve Command Brig. Gen. Frank Padilla, who led an assessment of the work ahead. Padilla, who serves as an IMA to the commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, notes that the Iraqis now have 38 aircraft, but only six are airworthy. His team includes specialists from around USAF. Their task is to help coalition forces plan and implement the rebuilding—including infrastructure, organization, and training. The plan has a timeline extending out five to 10 years, he says.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

Trending Stories

Air Force Eyes New-Build F-16s to Boost Fighter Force

How the Air Force Rigged F-15s in the Middle East with Drone-Busting Rockets in a Week

Space Force Accepting Applications for Interservice Transfers Until Oct. 2

USSF Leaders Lay Out the Path to More Than Double the Force

Related

Pentagon Picks 2 Companies for Reconnaissance Satellite Demo

Sept. 18, 2026
The Space Force and the Defense Innovation Unit have chosen two firms to demonstrate the ability of small satellites built with low-cost, commercial technology to track both friendly and adversary satellites in geosynchronous orbit. 

USSF Leaders Lay Out the Path to More Than Double the Force

Sept. 17, 2026
When Space Force leaders started talking about expanding the service early this year, the idea was simple: double the size of the force in the next five years. At AFA’s Air, Space & Cyber conference this week, officials detailed just how they’re planning to grow so much so quickly.