RELEASE: Idaho Elected Officials Request Briefing on Mountain Home AFB Joint Training Announcement

October 16, 2025

WASHINGTON – Idaho’s U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, Representative Mike Simpson, and Governor Brad Little today sent a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth requesting a briefing on the recent announcement of a joint training agreement for Qatari troops at the Mountain Home Air Force Base (AFB).

“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,” wrote the officials. “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 Idaho officials requested additional information about the agreement, including:

Given the technological capabilities of the Mountain Home AFB range complex, what measures will be implemented to safeguard against any compromise to our national security?
What screening, intelligence, or vetting processes are in place to ensure no trainees have ties to hostile or extremist organizations?
Are there any specific security concerns for the surrounding communities and for U.S. military personnel stationed at Mountain Home AFB?
Is there a long-term plan to convert Mountain Home AFB into a multi-national training facility for foreign allies?
How many Qatari personnel will be involved in the training mission?
How long will they be deployed to Idaho?
Will families be allowed to accompany Qatari personnel, and what restrictions, if any, will be placed on their travel?
Is there a total cost to American taxpayers to house, train, and feed the foreign military personnel covered by this agreement?

Read the full letter here.