(Idaho Gang of Eight, November 18, 2025)
During the November 14, 2025, meeting of the Idaho State Legislative Interim Committee on Federalism, lawmakers received an update on the proposed Qatar training facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base. This briefing followed an official invitation from the 366th Fighter Wing, which personally invited the Gang of Eight and a few other legislators to attend an informational session on the Qatar Emiri Air Force Training Partnership. United States Senator Jim Risch addressed questions during the committee’s Q&A period, and Colonel David “Boar” Gunter provided an update on the partnership on behalf of Mountain Home AFB.
We appreciate the update, but there are still many questions that our constituents deserve straightforward answers to. We will keep working with our congressional delegation and Mountain Home Air Force Base officials to get information to Idahoans as quickly as possible. We will also continue pressing for a full briefing from the Department of War.
Key Takeaways
- Mountain Home AFB has a long-standing mission of training U.S. and allied pilots.
- The Qatar training program has been in planning since 2018 and is still years away, with an estimated start around 2030.
- Qatar personnel will operate under a U.S. flag squadron with U.S. Air Force leadership and full U.S. control of facilities.
- All Qatari personnel will undergo the same rigorous vetting process used for approximately 25,000 foreign trainees each year.
- The program raises ongoing questions about housing, security, and community impacts, which local, state, and federal officials are still assessing.
Senator Jim Risch’s Comments
Senator Risch’s comments were made after his scheduled presentation, during the question-and-answer portion.
- Mountain Home AFB has operated primarily as a United States pilot-training base since World War II and regularly hosts aviators from allied nations.
- Many countries buy U.S. military aircraft and require U.S. training to operate them; Mountain Home is one of the bases that provides this training.
- Qatar is an imperfect ally, but the United States operates a major U.S. military base in Qatar that is fully under U.S. control, making the relationship strategically important.
- At Mountain Home AFB, the United States maintains complete control over all operations; the only long-term foreign presence is Singapore, which has not caused any issues.
- He emphasized that Idahoans’ concerns are legitimate and confirmed that Idaho’s congressional delegation is meeting with the Department of Defense to obtain complete, detailed answers.
Colonel David Gunter’s Remarks
Colonel Gunter is the commander of the 366th Fighter Wing and assumed command one week before this meeting. This is his third assignment at Mountain Home, and he emphasized the strong relationship between the base and Idaho communities.
Purpose of Allied and Partner Training
- U.S. airpower depends on interoperability with allies and partners.
- Training alongside partners is compared to practicing plays on a sports team—you cannot effectively fight together without training together.
- Mountain Home AFB and other U.S. bases routinely host foreign partners for flight training.
- The U.S. also trains in other countries through reciprocal arrangements.
Overview of the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) Training Program
- Mountain Home was selected to host the QEAF after years of planning and coordination dating back to 2018.
- The purpose is to strengthen interoperability, combat readiness, and the strategic defense relationship between the U.S. and Qatar.
- The QEAF presence will function as a separate but integrated U.S. flag squadron with U.S. Air Force leadership.
- Training will span the spectrum of fighter operations from initial F-15QA training to tactical employment and integration with U.S. assets.
Personnel Numbers
- Initial QEAF personnel: about 50.
- Full operational level: up to ~300 total (Qatari + U.S. support personnel).
- Projected start: around 2030.
- The timeline and numbers are still in development and have not been finalized.
Facilities and Construction
- The program includes construction of new facilities, renovation of existing facilities, infrastructure improvements, and the use of existing runways, airspace, and training ranges.
- All facilities used by Qatar will be U.S. government property, under full control and security of Mountain Home AFB, and built by local U.S. companies funded through foreign military sales.
Community Impact
- Discussions are underway regarding housing capacity, local infrastructure, and integration with the Mountain Home community.
- Many details, including whether Qatar will bring families, remain undecided.
- These topics are being addressed with local, state, and federal stakeholders.
Security and Vetting
- All Qatari personnel, including military personnel and their dependents, will undergo the same vetting process used for all international trainees.
- The U.S. vets approximately 25,000 foreign trainees annually under established protocols of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
- Security Forces provide 24/7 base protection, control installation access, and enforce rules for restricted areas.
- OPSEC protocols include restricted areas, strict releasability guidelines, and trained personnel.
- Mountain Home has an established counterintelligence program, and Colonel Gunter expressed confidence in its capabilities.
Handling Misconduct or Incidents
- If an incident occurs on base, MHAFB Security Forces respond, and actions will follow the U.S.–Qatar agreement.
- If an incident occurs off base, local law enforcement leads, mirroring how U.S. service member incidents are handled.
- Wing leadership has full supervisory authority because this is a U.S.-commanded squadron.
Live Ammunition and Training
- Most training uses simulated weapons and post-flight assessments.
- Qataris will use live flares, training munitions, and occasional live training ammunition on designated ranges such as Saylor Creek.
- These activities already occur routinely at Mountain Home.
“Rogue Pilot” Question
- The F-15QA has a two-seat cockpit allowing an instructor to take control.
- Flights occur in two-aircraft formations for oversight.
- Strong vetting reduces risk.
- Colonel Gunter cannot say “never,” but he is confident in safeguards.
Advantages to the United States
- Training with allies increases interoperability, enhances coalition capability, and strengthens partnerships important for U.S. security.
- Without joint training, coalition forces would be ineffective under combat pressure.
- The model mirrors how the U.S. already operates worldwide.
Rotation and Duration
- Qataris will include short-term rotating students and longer-term instructors.
- The program is projected to last at least 10 years from its start date, with an unknown extension period.
Colonel Gunter reaffirmed commitment to transparency, continued information updates, and ongoing engagement with Idaho leaders and the community.
The Gang of Eight is committed to keeping Idahoans informed as this process moves forward. Representatives Cayler, Marmon, and Leavitt were in attendance at the meeting and visited with Colonel Gunter after his presentation. As we receive additional information from the Department of War, our congressional delegation, and base leadership, we will share those updates and work to ensure remaining questions are answered clearly.
In Liberty,
Senator Christy Zito, District 8
Zito4Idaho@protonmail.com
Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld, District 24
GZuiderveld@senate.idaho.gov
Substack: @glenneda
Senator Josh Kohl, District 25
JKohl@senate.idaho.gov
Substack: @joshkohl4idaho
Representative Faye Thompson, District 8
FayeforLD8@gmail.com
Representative Lucas Cayler, District 11
LCayler@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @lucascayler
Representative Kent Marmon, District 11
KMarmon@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @kentmarmon
Representative Clint Hostetler, District 24
CHostetler@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @theidahoresolve
Representative David Leavitt, District 25
DLeavitt@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @Leavitt4Idaho
