The Imbalance in Iraqi Security Force Transition
Abstract
Aviation and aviation support functions have not been properly addressed in the transition of American security forces to Iraqi security forces. An imbalance in military capability exists that will threaten future Iraqi security and lead to undesired risk to Americans. American security forces in Iraq currently operate in a joint model of operations that includes ground forces, aviation and aviation support forces, logistics forces, and command and control forces. While the ground force transition is moving forward at a measured pace, too little is being done to train and transition aviation and aviation support assets to keep pace with the ground transition. The continued reliance on American aviation functions in support of the Iraqi ground force transition will ultimately lead to an Iraqi ground force trained and conditioned to integrate aviation into their operational construct but completely reliant on American aviation to support that requirement. If more attention is not given to training and transitioning a robust Iraqi aviation support function, the United States will find itself in a precarious situation that could take many years to correct years that current political and policy decision makers may not consider worthwhile. Without a capable aviation function tied to a similar ground transition timeline, the overall joint transition to Iraqi security forces could fail in the end.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 06, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA476474
Entities
People
- Scott S. Jensen
Organizations
- Naval War College