IAF to take part in a US Air Force hosted international air mobility competition

Washington: The Indian Air Force will take part in an international air mobility competition this month, which is organised by the United States Air Force. To be staged from 19-25 July, 'Air Mobility RODEO 2009' will be hosted by the US Air Force's Air Mobility Command (AMC) at Washington- based McChord Air Force Base.

The Air Mobility Rodeo is a biennial, international airlift competition hosted by the United States Air Force Air Mobility Command. It invites participation from active duty, reserve, and Air National Guard units from across the United States and around the world to test and improve tactics in a competitive environment.

In this environment units are able to demonstrate capabilities, improve procedures, compare notes, and enhance standardization for global operations.

More than 100 teams and 2,500 people from the US and friendly nations are expected to compete or observe in the week-long event.

The last RODEO readiness competition also took place at McChord Air Force Base in July 2007. The IAF had participated in this event as well.

Collectively, the ultimate goal of the competition is to develop and improve techniques and procedures that enhance air mobility operations.

An important long-term benefit, the US Air Force said, is increased cooperation between air mobility forces among participating nations.

"Not only does this world-class competition train mobility forces for the fight, it provides a forum for our international partners to share the best of tactics and techniques," said Maj Gen Brooks Bash, AMC Directorate of Air, Space and Information Operations commander and RODEO 2009 commander.