The sgt says NVG and supply sustainment will be 2 daunting tasks during his year-long deployment

Air Force Advisor Resuscitates Iraqi Life Support

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CAMP TAJI, Iraq—In addition to advising, Tech. Sgt. Kyle Richardson maintains the crucial equipment for CF. Previously, both life support offices were co-located on the Iraqi side of Camp Taji. Forty-five days into his deployment, the sgt recognized the Iraqi’s skills and decided they needed independence.

“I’m here for anything they need,” he said. “Their previous advisor built the basics – I’m in an over-watch status. Some air crew members will still look in my direction for assistance, but I direct them to my Iraqi counterparts. They can handle it.” The sgt’s confidence in his advisee’s skills came soon after his arrival to the camp.  Having only been in the field for 2 years and working with fighter systems, he says he wasn’t familiar with the required head gear.

However, Sgt. Richardson retains his advisor title when it comes to NVG maintenance. The system is new to the Iraqi life support crew, and they may not always know exactly what’s wrong with the equipment. The sgt says NVG and supply sustainment will be 2 daunting tasks during his year-long deployment. Nonetheless, he has a positive outlook on the future of the Iraqi shop, as they’ve begun to train their own Airmen.

Iraqi life support Airman Naseer Hameed feels that although there’ve been several challenges within their field, he and his team are making good progress, and he’s hopeful for their future.

Sgt. Richardson concurs. “They’ve had an AF before, but they haven’t necessarily used this same equipment,” he said. “What makes it easy is that they’re really retaining what they’ve been taught. They’re good people, and I’m here to work with them, and do what I can for them. They’re going to succeed – they want to do good.”