Air Force | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Air Force’ Category

Jungle Jim

Thursday, June 6th, 2013

Members of the US Air Force’s Air Commandos at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida in the early 1960s.

The 4400th Combat Crew Training Squadron (CCTS) was established in April 1961 and nicknamed ‘Jungle Jim’. These Air Commandos were the precursor to Air Force Special Operations Command which wasn’t stood up as a MAJCOM until 1990. Although still authorized in AFI 36-2903 (Wear and Appearance of Uniforms) those jungle hats haven’t been worn at Hurlburt Field since the 1980s. As for the fingers on the triggers, that’s a relatively new innovation. If you don’t believe take a look at old military photos.

Posted in Air Force | 7 Comments »

XM607 – Falklands Most Daring Raid (Warning: Vulcan Content)

Thursday, May 30th, 2013

My father was a full time Air Guard maintenance troop and his Wing regularly went to RAF Waddington to work with No IX Squadron. From the first time I saw a Vulcan bomber it became one of my favorite airplanes. I grew up very much interested in the military and can still remember watching combat footage of the Falklands Crisis as the UK military retook the archipelago from the Argentines. One crucial operation was an audacious long range bombing mission to render Port Stanley’s runway inoperable.

The story of Operation Black Buck is fascinating and this video is well worth the time if you are interested in airpower, the Falklands conflict or Vulcan bombers.

Tags: Vulcan
Posted in Air Force, Forces Focus, International | 9 Comments »

Some People Work Better At Night

Monday, May 13th, 2013

This video was created by the AFSOC Public Affairs Office. What do you think?

Tags: AFSOC
Posted in Air Force | 10 Comments »

Great Article On Technology For The Battlefield Airman

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013

CMSgt (Ret) Mickey Wright is a career USAF Combat Controller and an old friend. He is one hell of a guy and still works to bring the capabilities to our Air Force’s Battlefield Airmen through his job with Rally Point Management. Recently, a friend pointed out an article he wrote for the Winter 2011/12 issue of “Air Commando Journal” magazine entitled, “Technology at the Tip of the Spear” where he discusses modernization efforts as well as the Summer Camp process that works to spirally insert new technology into the Special Tactics kit bag. Click on the image to download.

Thanks to Black Diamond Advanced Technology for hosting the article.

Tags: Black Diamond Advanced Technology, Rally Point Management
Posted in Air Force, Digitization | 9 Comments »

Defensor Fortis Modular Helmet System

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Air Force Security Forces…

Want an NVG Mount that actually stays put?

Want a RAIL System for helmet mounted lights, or helmet mounted cameras to document training or actual operations from Airman “Point of View” for AARs?

Want a better, adjustable, more comfortable helmet retention?

Want your goggles to stay put on your helmet?

Here’s your solution! It will completely modernize your existing ACH-style helmets.

You now have the ability to add these items/capability to your currently fielded MICH/ACH helmets. No need to buy new helmets. This system adapts to what you’ve already invested in. It includes an integrated helmet cover with rails and VAS shroud from Gentex/Ops-Core along with a Charge Pro MPLS light from Princeton Tec and a set of ESS Pivot Profile Goggles which are designed to work in concert with the Ops-Core ARC Rail. The whole kit and caboodle is topped off with the Team Wendy Cam-Fit Retention System with Boa Fit Constrictor for custom fit.

The Defensor Fortis Modular Helmet System is available through ADS Inc.

Tags: ADS Inc, ESS, Gentex, Ops-Core, Princeton Tec, Team Wendy
Posted in ADS, Air Force, Helmets, Lights | 4 Comments »

A New Badge For USAF Security Forces

Sunday, May 5th, 2013

Apparently, there’s an initiative by Air Force ‘Top Cop’ Brig Gen Allen Jameson to scrap the traditional Security Forces shield and adopt a more civilian-looking version akin to what is seen above on the right. His office on the Air Staff, the Director of Security Forces, is currently soliciting feedback from the field. While I don’t have a dog in this fight, the whole move away from Security Police to Security Forces 15 years ago was to focus more on air base defense and less on handing out parking tickets. To me, that new badge screams Barney Fife. Air Force Security Forces fulfill a unique role and their badge should reflect it, just as it has all of these years.

Here are the choices.

What do you think?

Posted in Air Force, LE | 36 Comments »

Commandos In Time – CMSgt (Ret) Wayne Norrad

Friday, April 26th, 2013

I first met Chief Norrad right after he retired. I was an Intelligence Officer at the 720th STG at Hurlburt and he was in charge of the Command jump team, the Special Tactics and Rescue Specialists. He’s a great guy with a long history with the Air Force and the Combat Control community. I’m glad to see him honored with this video.

Posted in Air Force, Forces Focus | 2 Comments »

Today in SOF History

Sunday, April 21st, 2013

I though this was pretty cool.

Today in 1944, 1Lt Carter Harmon (standing top right), flew a YR-4B helicopter on a rescue mission to evacuate a light L-2 plane pilot and his passengers. This was the first helicopter rescue mission by the 1st Air Commando Group.

Posted in Air Force, Forces Focus | 3 Comments »