For the Iraqi airmen of Squadron 23 at Ali Base, learning to fly and maintain the three C-130s given them by the US Air Force has entailed a crucial first step: mastering the English language. Iraq Air Force leaders decided that they would not have USAF aircraft technical orders translated into Arabic, making it essential that they learn English to be able to operate and maintain the aircraft. This triggered the Defense Language Institute to send instructors to teach English to almost 500 Iraqi airmen.
The Air Force plans to have its new Integrated Capabilities Command stood up by the end of 2024, Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin said May 2, offering new details of one of the signature reforms announced by the service earlier this year. Allvin said around 500-800 Airmen will…