https://www.yahoo.com/news/ukraine-situa...10506.html
As one might expect, training on the F-16 isn't quite as simple as originally suggested. That said, training on the F-16 in Europe is IMO outstandingly stupid. The US has a much larger training establishment and many more qualified instructors. We also have good weather in the southwest to allow flying almost every day even in the winter. We don't need to "set up a training establishment". We have one.
The article does correctly question what level of training will be required for the F-16 pilots to be combat effective. That is a very valid concern. Whatever that level may be, starting sooner rather than later is imperative. Ukraine might not survive another 12 months in this war. Both they and the "west" need to be prudent in not expecting too much too fast in the pilot training effort. That said, pissing away months getting started makes no sense. If they need improved English proficiency, bring them to the US and train them on that starting now. That takes no real changes as we already have such programs for foreign military personnel. Lets get on with it!
As one might expect, training on the F-16 isn't quite as simple as originally suggested. That said, training on the F-16 in Europe is IMO outstandingly stupid. The US has a much larger training establishment and many more qualified instructors. We also have good weather in the southwest to allow flying almost every day even in the winter. We don't need to "set up a training establishment". We have one.
The article does correctly question what level of training will be required for the F-16 pilots to be combat effective. That is a very valid concern. Whatever that level may be, starting sooner rather than later is imperative. Ukraine might not survive another 12 months in this war. Both they and the "west" need to be prudent in not expecting too much too fast in the pilot training effort. That said, pissing away months getting started makes no sense. If they need improved English proficiency, bring them to the US and train them on that starting now. That takes no real changes as we already have such programs for foreign military personnel. Lets get on with it!