Idaho’s U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, Representative Mike Simpson, and Governor Brad Little have formally requested a briefing from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth regarding the recently announced joint training agreement for Qatari troops at Mountain Home Air Force Base.
In their letter to Secretary Hegseth, the officials wrote: “In the interest of informing our constituents, maintaining open lines of communication, and fostering closer federal and state collaboration regarding this training squadron, we would like the Department to provide more information about the plans and intentions of this mission now that it appears to be finalized. We request that you provide a briefing to the Idaho Congressional Delegation, as well as for the Governor of Idaho and state legislators potentially impacted by the agreement, in Boise on the details of this agreement.”
The group has asked for clarification on several aspects of the agreement. They want to know what steps will be taken to protect national security given Mountain Home AFB’s technological capabilities. They also seek information about screening or vetting processes for trainees to ensure none have connections with hostile or extremist groups.
Additional questions include whether there are any specific security concerns for local communities or U.S. military personnel at Mountain Home AFB; if there is a long-term plan to turn Mountain Home into a multi-national training facility; how many Qatari personnel will participate; how long they will stay in Idaho; whether families can accompany them and under what travel restrictions; and what costs American taxpayers may incur as part of this arrangement.
The full text of their letter is available online.
