Just a few years after facing off with the Iraqi Air Force on opposite sides of full-scale conflict, the US Air Force is now teaching the next generation of Iraqi Air Force pilots.

American forces have been teaching the Iraqis using 11 Iraqi-flagged T-6A Texan IIs, the same initial trainer used for the US Air Force.  The goal isn’t necessarily to make new pilots; its to teach their new instructors…and quickly: 

“Our job is to help the Iraqis start the foundation of their pilot training program,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Myer…”Basically, we’re advising and training them to start building their pilot training program back up as they rebuild their air force.”

…[The American pilots] have a mission to complete before Dec. 31, 2011, when all U.S. forces are scheduled to leave Iraq. The goal is to develop, with the Iraqi air force, a successful flying T-6 training program.

The up and coming Iraqi pilots had some gracious praise for the Americans:

“I’m happy I get this chance to be an instructor,” said 2nd Lt. Issa Amen, a Iraqi Training Squadron No. 3 student pilot. “American pilots are the best pilots in the world, this is the truth. We get a chance to get our training from the best pilots.”