Relationships are especially important in the Middle East. I certainly understand and respect this part of the process because it is about establishing trust. I am a contractor who has worked all over the Middle East training aviation protocols. I consider my time here as one of the best experiences in my life. If nothing else comes of this research project, I have some new memories and, better yet, friends for life. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these young men and giving me insight to their lives here at Joint Air Base Balad in Iraq. This study proves a successful training program can be applied between Iraq (as well as any foreign country) and the United States. I hope these results can be used as a reference in future military sales contracts with nations outside our borders. I hope to partner with Oklahoma State University to make possible a better life for these military men and their families. If it can work in Iraq, it can work anywhere. What you are about to read are the issues Iraq has encountered since World War 1 through the Gulf War. We will look at the historical narrative of their effort to gain autonomy through air power as the history of the Iraqi Air Force is opened. From their perspective and my research, I hope to bring as much relevance to this research project as I can. You will see many challenges presented, and you will see how they overcome them only to be torn down repeatedly. Going forward you will also see personal testimony from pilots and maintainers about what this type of contract means to them and the benefits thereof. The study will take a focused look at relationships, religion, past and present hurdles, and a bit of history about the people of Iraq as it relates to this study.