Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The administration of President Barack Obama has approved a program to enhance security of U.S. personnel in Iraq.

Officials said the Defense Department was overseeing plans to protect U.S. military trainers and other personnel to Iraq.

The officials said hundreds of Americans would be sent to Iraq to help its air force absorb the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.

On Feb. 4, the Pentagon approved a $623.3 million contract for security and other services for the U.S. personnel. The award to KS International was meant for operations at the Iraq Air Force base in Balad.

“KS International LLC, has been awarded a $623,300,000 firm-fixed-price,
undefinitized contract action for Iraq base operating support, base life support, and security services at Balad Air Base, Iraq,” the Pentagon said.

Officials said the contract would pave the way for the arrival of six AH-64 helicopters in 2014. They said Balad was also expected to house some of the 36 F-16 multi-role fighters ordered by the Baghdad government.

The latest award provided few details of operations at Balad. But the
Pentagon said the contract would last through January 2017.

“This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition,” the Pentagon
said. “This requirement is 100 percent foreign military sales for the
government of Iraq.”

  AH-64 Apache, Balad air base, KS International LLC, U.S. to spend $623 million to protect Americans assisting Iraqis with Apache copters