Air Force | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Air Force’ Category

Embry Riddle’s Air Force ROTC Programs Rank Among the Best in the Nation

Sunday, April 13th, 2025

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. / PRESCOTT, Ariz.

U.S. Air Force ROTC programs based at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses have been recognized as among the top 10% of all detachments nationwide.

Photographer, Wilson Van Ness, 2024

The evaluation — conducted annually by the U.S. Air Force’s Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development — reviewed all 145 ROTC detachments based on the quality of officers commissioned, resource utilization and meeting Air Force needs for rated and critical skills.

At the Daytona Beach, Florida, campus, Air Force ROTC Detachment 157 currently has 477 cadets and is one of the largest detachments in the country. Air Force ROTC Detachment 028 at the Prescott, Arizona, campus has 210 cadets.

“Our two detachments earning these uppermost rankings highlight that Embry?Riddle is producing elite Air and Space Force officers who are making our nation stronger and more secure,” said Embry?Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D. “Congratulations to Detachments 157 and 028 for providing cadets the highest level of education and training.”

Noted accomplishments of Detachment 157 to earn the top 10% evaluation included success in officer production, with 245 cadets commissioned over the 5-year period during the 2020-2024 fiscal years, said Col. Gregory Adams, commander of the Daytona Beach Campus detachment.

Detachment 157 also has the highest Rated Officer selection. Rated Officer selections encompass four career fields: pilot, combat systems officer, air battle manager and remotely piloted aircraft pilot. Cadets compete for these jobs during their junior year and are selected in their senior year.

In addition, the detachment has one of the highest selections of Space Force officers.

“This honor is due to the tremendous effort our cadets put forward every day. Their drive, perseverance and ingenuity are what continue to make Detachment 157 a special place,” Adams said. “Our university leadership has also contributed to our success. We would not be able to offer cadets the opportunities they receive without the university’s support. We continue to rise to the occasion of preparing and producing future Air and Space Force leaders.”

The top 10% evaluation for ROTC Detachment 028 at the Prescott Campus recognized the detachment’s success in officer production, technical degree attainment and aviation officer commissioning, ranking in the top 2% to 3% in these key areas. Detachment 028 excelled in all evaluation criteria, said Col. Russell Davis, commander of the detachment and professor of Aerospace Studies.

“This recognition is due to the outstanding work of our cadets and support from our university leadership,” Davis said. “We consistently exceed expectations in our mission to prepare future officers to succeed in today’s Air and Space Forces.”

Detachment 028 was one of only two detachments in the Southwest region to earn a top 10% ranking this year.

“The recognition of Detachment 028 underscores the strength of our program and the exceptional students we develop,” said Dr. Ken Witcher, chancellor of the Prescott Campus. “It’s a credit to our faculty, staff and especially our cadets who embody the values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all they do.”

Posted in Air Force, Press Release, Profession of Arms | Comments Off on Embry Riddle’s Air Force ROTC Programs Rank Among the Best in the Nation

Did AFSOC Field A New Helmet? Well, Sort Of….

Saturday, April 12th, 2025

A buddy recently sent me this photo and asked me about this new helmet being worn by AFSOC, inquiring what it was.

I hadn’t seen it before and was intrigued. I put out some feelers and then I tracked the photo down to the Air Force Special Operations Command website, showcasing the Special Operations Forces Medical Skills Development program last October at Hurlburt Field, Florida. There was a whole photo story with these helmets peppered throughout.

It didn’t look like any helmet I had ever seen. Here I am thinking it might be some Air Force Research Lab project, but the truth, it would turn out, reminds me of that old Eddie Murphy comedy sketch, “We’ve got McDonald’s at home.*”

After further investigation, I found that this airsoft helmet (yes, I said airsoft) costs around $150 and goes by several names online, but seems to be manufactured by Avengers Airsoft. Avengers calls it the “Ark” Helmet w/ Integrated Cooling System & Headset. Granted, once you look at more of the photos you realize that they are training with paintball guns and that’s likely why they were purchased. They sort of look like issue helmets and are meant for airsoft. Even the website claims that the helmet is “Designed for Foam Blaster, Nerf, Gel Blaster, Battle Blaster, and low power Airsoft Gaming. ANSI rated full face mask recommended for close quarter / high power Airsoft Gaming.”

However, not only is this helmet not safety certified or approved for use as a ballistic, or even bump helmet, it’s also not Berry compliant. Sure, you can hide behind the micro-purchase exemption for Berry but I’d only use that defense if it were some uber cool European ballistic helmet like the NFM Hjelm, not some ABS bucket. What’s more, they aren’t using the face mask, despite using paintball guns, which kind of defeats the purpose of buying these helmets.

I’m not going to cast aspersions on the person who actually bought these things. I am sure they were well intended and bought what they were told to buy. They look sort of like an approved high cut helmet, but not much. Manufacturers Galvion, Gentex, and Team Wendy all make both ballistic and bump helmet models which are approved for wear and have been procured by the Air Force, and they can be used for sim training and have the appropriate mandibles.

Hopefully, AFSOC will procure some proper helmets for these Airmen soon which are actually certified for sim training. These toys should be crushed and put in the dumpster.

As for the rest of you, this is a cautionary tale. If you’re tasking a GPC holder to buy something for you, be very specific about what you want, even down to manufacturer and model preferences. Include specifications in order to further avoid confusion. If you don’t know, I suggest you have your GPC holder, or supply, get ahold of one of the Special Operations TLS vendors like Darley or Noble. There are several contract holders and they have in-house experts who can go over options. You can also do some research each here on SSD.

AFSOC Photos by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado.

*Language warning, it’s Eddie after all…

Posted in Advertiser, Air Force, Caveat Emptor, Helmets, SOF, WTF? | 10 Comments »

98-year-old Pilot Sees Skyraider Legacy Live on in AFSOC’s OA-1K Skyraider II

Thursday, April 10th, 2025

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

At 98 years old, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bill Buice never imagined he’d see another Skyraider take flight.

Looking ahead, he smiled as the hum of the aircraft’s turboprop engine deepened as it drew closer.

Joined by his family and members of Air Force Special Operations Command, Buice watched as the first missionized OA-1K Skyraider II arrived at Hurlburt Field, Florida, April 3, 2025.

As the OA-1K Skyraider II taxied, Buice said the moment brought back a wave of memories. To him, this was more than a new aircraft—it was a tribute to the original A-1 Skyraider, the plane he piloted during the Vietnam War until the day he was shot down nearly 60 years ago.

***

Rolling in for a pass to inspect the area below, Buice heard a sudden explosion.

It was July 9, 1968, and Buice, call sign “Firefly 16,” and his wingman, “Firefly 17,” were providing cover for a formation of American helicopters flying in northern Laos, near the Vietnam border.

Looking through the canopy of his A-1 Skyraider, he spotted a fire on the left wing of his aircraft.

Buice dumped the hydraulic system pressure to extinguish the flames. It worked, but the wing had a gaping hole, and the magnesium casting continued to burn.

He pulled the aircraft into a climbing turn, looking for a place to land. His teammates warned him over the radio.

“Not in the valley, whatever you do,” they urged, warning the enemy could be there.

Knowing he would soon lose complete control of the aircraft, he reversed his rudder controls, forcing the A-1 into a faster roll. Inverting the plane, he pulled the ejection handle as soon as he could see the sky through the canopy.

“The canopy disappeared with a bang,” Buice recalled. “Then nothing.”

He saw the jungle rushing up. His airspeed increased and altitude dropped. He pulled the handle again.

The rocket fired, pulling him from the cockpit. His parachute deployed, slowing his descent. He crashed through the jungle, hitting a tree and injuring his shoulder and quickly realized he couldn’t move his right arm.

Hearing noise nearby, he used his left hand to reach for his pistol and call for help with his radio.

Moments later, an Air America helicopter arrived. Owned and operated by the CIA, Air America was a cargo and passenger airline that provided air support for the U.S. and its allies during the Vietnam War.

A pilot came down to help Buice onto the lift, but as they ascended, the weight was too much.

“I insisted that he join me for the trip up, but it was too heavy,” Buice recalled. “So I gave him my radio and pistol, and he stayed behind, hoping another chopper would get to him before the bad guys did.”

Buice was airlifted to Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand for urgent medical treatment. Ultimately, his shoulder injury would end his 20-year Air Force career.

For decades, Buice often thought about the man who had rescued him, wondering if he made it out alive.

***

Sitting beside Buice at the OA-1K delivery ceremony was Phillip Jennings, a retired Air America helicopter pilot—the very man who had saved him that day. Over the years, the two had reunited only a handful of times, making this moment even more special, Jennings noted.

“I knew from the moment I watched him get shot down that we would have to go get him,” Jennings said. “I’m elated to be able to be here to see him be recognized and honored. He was the real hero that day, saving the Air America helicopters from landing in the deadly gunfire that shot his A-1 down.”

Though the crash ended his flying career, Buice said he has always felt a connection to the A-1 Skyraider.

As a pilot, Buice liked the A-1 for it’s ability to fly for an extended period while also being able to carry a large payload of ammunition.

The OA-1K Skyraider II now carries on that role, equipped with advanced weapons systems for light attack and reconnaissance missions for AFSOC.

Taking a moment to look at the new aircraft, Buice reflected on what it meant for the next generation of Skyraider pilots.

“I hope they embrace the challenges, the accomplishments—even the fear and the adrenaline,” he said. “There will be a day when they can no longer do this. Today is not that day.”

Today, Buice lives at the Hawthorne House, an assisted living neighborhood in the Air Force Enlisted Village in nearby Shalimar, Florida. The Air Force Enlisted Village is a community for retired enlisted military members and their surviving spouses.

By SSgt Natalie Fiorilli, Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, History, SOF, Veterans | Comments Off on 98-year-old Pilot Sees Skyraider Legacy Live on in AFSOC’s OA-1K Skyraider II

Five Deployable Combat Wings Selected in Evolution of Force Presentation

Friday, April 4th, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The U.S. Air Force has identified the first five Regular Air Force candidate locations to build a Deployable Combat Wing Unit Type Code and is scheduling site surveys to begin in the coming weeks. Site surveys will determine the ability of these locations to build a DCW UTC, and findings will be submitted for final location approval.

The first five installations selected as candidates are the 19th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas; 23rd Wing, Moody AFB, Georgia; the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho; the 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina; and the 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw AFB, South Carolina.

The change marks an evolution in how the U.S. Air Force deploys its forces from a crowd-sourced model to one in which Airmen from the same installation deploy together as part of a mission-ready Unit of Action built for today’s fight. It acknowledges the need for Airmen to train together and build team cohesion to arrive in theater as a lethal team ready to operate in environments that will likely be more contested than those of the past two decades.

“We are transitioning our Deployment Model to best meet the evolving national security environment,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin, in a recent memo to Airmen. “At the heart of this transformation is the creation of the Deployable Combat Wing Unit Type Codes – a shift in how we prepare for and execute deployments.”

After final approval in the strategic basing process, selected locations will be responsible for entering into the AFFORGEN cycle through their DCW UTCs beginning in 2025. Part of this process will involve increasing the population of Airmen assigned to each installation in order to ensure wings are able to meet their home station and deployed requirements and are manned to accomplish their respective missions.

The Air Force Personnel Center is postured to conduct permanent changes of station, maximizing volunteer opportunities, to provide the required manpower to these five installations pending final approval in the strategic basing process. Air Force leaders are calling for Airmen to lean into this organizational change and be eager to take on the challenges and rewards of shaping this new way of operating in defense of the nation.

In his memo, Allvin emphasized the need for “highly motivated Airmen,” ready to work together to, “enhance combat readiness,” and “deliver decisive airpower from day one.”

Airmen aligned to the DCW UTC will complete the Air Force Force Generation cycle together. The overall AFFORGEN model improves unit readiness through greater deployment predictability, improves pre-deployment training, and establishes certification requirements that demonstrate unit preparedness for specific missions.

DCW UTCs represent the next phase in the evolution of how the U.S. Air Force presents and deploys forces. As the model is phased in it is expected to replace the Expeditionary Air Base and Air Task Force. XABs are expected to sunset in fiscal year 2027 with ATFs anticipated to be phased out in fiscal year 2028. A phased approach with more than one type of unit of action is required to ensure near-continuous crisis response availability and sustained readiness for the force while DCW UTCs are under construction.

There will be follow-on information for Total Force and additional Regular Air Force locations released in coming months as the Air Force completes the strategic basing process for the first five DCW UTC candidates.

By SSgt Cheyenne Lewis-Roberts
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

AETC Prioritizes Data Literacy to Equip Staff for Digital Future

Tuesday, April 1st, 2025

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) —

In today’s increasingly data-driven landscape, the ability to collect, analyze and interpret information effectively is paramount to developing a lethal and ready force.

Recognizing this, Air Education and Training Command has launched a comprehensive initiative to enhance the data literacy of its staff, equipping them with essential skills for the digital age.

“The initiative emerged from the command’s strategic operational approach and supports a key line of effort for the command,” Jerry Perez, AETC Chief of Force Development Experiences and Validation, told attendees during the command’s annual Force Development Summit, March 25. “Failure to adapt puts us behind our peers and competitors, impacting our ability to make the right and best decisions.”

The initiative began with a self-assessment survey administered to AETC staff in November 2023, revealing that over 50% of respondents assessed their data literacy proficiency as basic or less.

“This concerning trend underscored the need for upskilling,” Perez said. “We’ve got to be better than that. In today’s environment, a basic level is not going to be good enough.”

The response to the trend has been a multi-pronged approach, Perez said.

A new performance element, emphasizing foundational training in data literacy was introduced for this year.

Three core competencies – data management, data analysis and data visualization – were identified, each with four proficiency levels, with the current focus on achieving basic and intermediate proficiency levels across the staff.

A foundational data literacy course, developed in collaboration with AETC/A9 and AETC/A6, was made available on the AETC learning platform and is mandatory for all staff.

Additionally, tailored learning pathways focusing on specific areas like AI and Power BI were created to further enhance data literacy skills.

Looking ahead, AETC’s commitment to data literacy extends beyond this initial push, said Perez.

A new civilian performance element for the 2025-2026 appraisal period will focus on the practical application of learned data skills.

Senior staff at the director level will soon be required to undergo AI training.

Furthermore, personalized learning pathways based on specific roles and responsibilities are being developed to provide more targeted training.

“By investing in its workforce’s data literacy, AETC is taking proactive steps to ensure its readiness for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age,” Perez said. “This forward-thinking approach will undoubtedly pay dividends, enabling the command to make more informed decisions and maintain its competitive edge for years to come.”

By Dreshawn Murray, Air Education and Training Command

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | Comments Off on AETC Prioritizes Data Literacy to Equip Staff for Digital Future

Melrose Air Force Range Achieves Milestone Joint National Training Capability Certification

Saturday, March 29th, 2025

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. —

Melrose Air Force Range has reached a new milestone – achieving Joint National Training Capability accreditation.

The JNTC program provides consistent, holistic, and relevant assessment of joint training programs across the armed services and U.S. Special Operations Command. The program documents capabilities and enables valid comparisons of joint training challenges, setting the standard for training capabilities.

“This certification enables the DOD’s ability to conduct training scenarios which translate to battlefield application here at MAFR, ultimately enabling the strategic advantage and lethality of Special Operations Forces to accomplish their mission,” said Col. Robert Johnston, 27th Special Operations Wing commander.

Due to its prime location west of Cannon Air Force Base, MAFR is the crown jewel of Air Force Special Operations Command, providing more than 4,500 training hours for Special Operation Forces every year.

These future upgrades will enhance MAFR’s existing capabilities and introduce new features, further solidifying its role as a premiere training location. This includes bolstering the range’s ability to provide critical Certification, Validation, and Verification (CV2) for its primary users: AFSOC Special Operations Task Groups and Special Operations Task Units.

Achieving CV2 for SOTU’s and SOTG’s here at MAFR helps AFSOC align with the Department of the Air Force AFORGEN cycles. Upgrades to the range also align with the Secretary of Defense’s priority of ensuring Cannon’s Air Commandos are a ready, modern, and lethal fighting force prepared to defeat and destroy our nations enemies.

The range is a training site for multiple iterations of Emerald Warrior exercises annually. This joint, combined exercise provides realistic and relevant, high-end training to prepare special operations forces, conventional forces, and international partners for the evolving strategic environment. Emerald Warrior shifts the focus to growing kinetic and non-kinetic effects in strategic competition.

EW training sites are assessed to provide seven core joint functions: Command and Control (C2), Intelligence, Fires, Movement and Maneuver, Protection, Sustainment, and Information.

“In an effort to improve our joint warfighters training experience on the range, we have identified limitations that are being targeted for improvement,” said Johnston. “The JNTC certification will provide additional financial support through Unfunded Requirements and Presidential Budget Requests to the Joint Staff.”

By TSgt Jacob Albers

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on Melrose Air Force Range Achieves Milestone Joint National Training Capability Certification

AV2.2 Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet (NGFWH) Testing Update

Monday, March 24th, 2025

LIFT Airborne Technologies, in collaboration with the Human Systems Program Office (AFLCMC/ROU), has successfully conducted over fifty-three (53) Performance Specification (P-Spec) environmental test events, windblast test events, and ejection sled test events on the AV2.2 NGFWH under the current Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract.

The AV2.2 NGFWH Slick Variant and the AV2.2 NGFWH equipped with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) Modification Adapter Kit have undergone windblast testing at two seat angles: 17 degrees (representing aircraft such as the F-15, A-10, and F-22) and 32 degrees (representing the F-16). Testing at various speeds included 325 Knots Equivalent Airspeed (KEAS), 450 KEAS, and 600 KEAS for the AV2.2 NGFWH Slick Variant, while the AV2.2 NGFWH with JHMCS Modification Adapter Kit was tested at 450 KEAS.

The successful performance enabled progression to ejection sled testing.

Subsequently, The AV2.2 NGFWH Slick Variant has successfully completed ejection sled testing at 450 KEAS and 600 KEAS, conducted at both 17-degree and 32-degree seat angles. Additionally, the AV2.2 NGFWH equipped with the JHMCS Modification Adapter Kit underwent testing at 450 KEAS at both seat angles. The results from these tests were satisfactory, with both configurations meeting the P-Spec requirements.

The AV2.2 NGFWH is currently operational in various aircraft worldwide, including the latest addition to the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) fleet, the OA-1K Sky Warden. Aircrew operating the OA-1K Sky Warden are enthusiastic about the advanced capabilities of the AV2.2 NGFWH helmet system.

Having met all the requirements outlined in the P-Spec, the AV2.2 NGFWH Slick Variant now enables LIFT Airborne Technologies and the Human Systems Program Office to collaborate on advancing the program to the Milestone C Acquisition Phase and working towards a production contract.

For Department of Defense users seeking testing data regarding the AV2.2 NGFWH, please contact Samantha McKee, NGFWH Contracting Officer at AFLCMC/ROU, at samantha.mckee.1@us.af.mil.

For international users seeking testing data, please contact your respective government officials to request the testing data from the United States Air Force.

For any further inquiries regarding the AV2.2 NGFWH, please reach out to Chris Kitts, Director of Military Programs at LIFT Airborne Technologies, at chris.k@liftairborne.com or Todd Lentz, Chief Revenue Officer at LIFT Airborne Technologies, at todd.l@liftairborne.com.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, Helmets | Comments Off on AV2.2 Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet (NGFWH) Testing Update

US, JGSDF Strengthen Interoperability During Airborne 25

Monday, March 24th, 2025

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) —

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron supported the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 1st Airborne Brigade by delivering 215 Japanese paratroopers over the East Fuji Maneuver Area in Gotemba City, Japan, March 4, as part of exercise Airborne 25.

Airborne is an annual large-scale exercise that integrates air and ground forces from the U.S. and Japan. This year’s iteration featured six U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules, with 36th AS aircrews working to insert JGSDF Soldiers into a simulated contested area. The scenario tested the ability of U.S.-Japan forces to secure territory in the event of a contingency and underscored the collaborative effort between both countries to strengthen combat readiness.

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratrooper assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade carries his equipment after landing at JGSDF East Fuji Maneuver Area, Japan, March 4, 2025, during Airborne 25. Airborne 25 is the largest annual static-line personnel jump exercise between the U.S. Air Force and JGSDF. The exercise integrated six C-130J Super Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron carrying 215 JGSDF soldiers for an airdrop training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Zachary Riley, 36th AS C-130J pilot and Airborne 25 mission commander, emphasized the importance of this event.

“Airborne is a great opportunity for us and the JGSDF to work together at the most fundamental, tactical level,” Riley said. “We have a lot of cooperation between higher level leadership, but exercises like Airborne allow us to actually test our capabilities as an Air Force supporting a ground unit. It’s important for us to stay sharp on all our procedures and to work more efficiently with the JGSDF every single time.”

Prior to the personnel drop, members of the 374th Airlift Wing and 1st Airborne Brigade met to discuss the details of Airborne 25. Leaders from both forces reviewed the training scenario developed by U.S.-Japan operations personnel and addressed how they would mitigate various threats and work together to accomplish mission objectives.

For Riley and members of the 36th AS, this provided valuable insight into joint operations.

“Working with the JGSDF helps us better understand each other’s language and priorities,” Riley said. “It’s about recognizing what matters to an army unit versus an Air Force unit and highlighting those differences. Overcoming those challenges and working together to find efficient solutions is invaluable.”

The execution of Airborne 25 reinforced the partnership between the 36th AS and 1 AB as they demonstrated their ability to operate in a joint environment. As both forces continue to refine interoperability, exercises like Airborne play a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Story b Senior Airman Natalie Doan, 374th Airlift Wing

Additional photos by Yasuo Osakabe

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Parachuting | 1 Comment »