The exercise, which took place in mid-June, combined air, armored and infantry operations. The units were identified as the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division and the Iraq Army's 17th Division as well as commanders from the Federal Police.

Officers said the Besmaya exercise, preceded by four days of training, began with sniper fire, followed by the arrival of MBTs. They said Iraqi military personnel were given the opportunity to work with the Abrams as well as the F-16 aircraft.

"Our part in this demonstration went flawlessly," U.S. Army Sgt. Jon Foster said. "My IA [Iraq Army] counterparts did a great job. Anything I ask them to do, they are right on top of it."

Iraq has ordered 280 Abrams MBTs from the United States. The first batch of surplus M1A1s arrived in 2009 and several units have undergone training.

Baghdad has also been negotiating for the procurement of the F-16s. Officials said the Iraq Air Force envisioned the procurement of up to 100 F-16s by 2020.

Officers said Iraq's military and security forces would employ Besmaya for interservice exercises. They said they envisioned U.S. assistance for Iraqi Army and Air Force maneuvers.

"The range here is extremely effective and extremely capable," U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kevin Jablow said. "It is going to carry on for years and years, and the more experience they get on it, the more training capability it will have for the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Air Force."

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