Reply #37: I know they don't want us to leave..

[bdab1973]

The Iraqis I work for want us to stay, because we get things done. But very soon the Iraqi unit I'm working with will find itself on their own. They are capable of doing fine. The ones I'm worried about are the leadership of their Air Force. There's not much we can do about it, because patriarchal society and corruption at the top are expected and part of life for Iraqis. The guys I work with all were eagerly awaiting their new jackets, but discovered they would be late because the American advisors to the leadership had to order more when the Iraqi leaders got a hold of the shipment and pilfered it for their own needs.

Were they mad? Sure, but it was kinda like "well, that's the way it is". I already have had several discussions with these guys about taking ownership for their units and when they are in command of flying an airplane, instead of allowing the top brass to micromanage (or mismanage?) them. It may be a futile discussion, but I'll give it a try.