Access and Air Bases in Iraq

This research was directed toward assessing the utility and access of Iraqi air bases to support United States airpower during an internal Iraqi or regional contingency. From a military perspective, Iraqi air bases will be evaluated by their physical characteristics and geographic location. These factors indicate compatibility with United States military aircraft and their capacity to support a notional air expeditionary force for combat operations in Iraq or throughout the region. From a political perspective, United States use of Iraqi air bases will consider Iraqi internal and regional political relationships as well as United State vital interested in the region. These considerations will indicate the practicality and potential requirement of American use of Iraqi air bases. Following these military and political discussions, a number of options will be posited for military and political planners to consider and finally recommendations will be made. It was concluded that Iraqi air bases are viable options to support United States airpower operations for internal Iraqi or regional contingencies. While Iraqi air bases are not without limitations, there are associated work arounds that make them feasible options.