BAGHDAD — Iraq has set requirements for those who want to the join
the air force.
The Iraqi Defense Ministry has issued standards for applicants that call for motivated, apolitical
Iraqi
volunteers without a criminal record.
"Applicants should be of Iraqi parents or an Iraqi father and an Arab
mother," the ministry said in a statement. "They should not belong to a
political party and should be loyal only to Iraq."
Officials said the Defense Ministry has sought to accelerate the drive
to develop the Iraq Air Force. The air force, headquartered in the southern
Iraqi city of Nasseriya, has been equipped and trained by Australia, Britain
and the United States, Middle East Newsline reported.
About 600 Iraqis already serve in the nascent air force, equipped with
light fixed-wing aircraft and surplus U.S. and Soviet-origin utility
helicopters. Officials said the goal was to build a force of around 1,000.
In its requirements, the Defense Ministry said recruits must have a
strong scientific background. Those seeking to become pilots must be
prepared to serve for at least 15 years.
"Applicants should have good conduct and no criminal record," the
ministry said.
