Air Force | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Air Force’ Category

919th SOW Faces, Overcomes Adversity in Readiness Exercise

Tuesday, August 20th, 2024

EGLIN RANGE, Fla. —

Citizen Air Commandos took to the air, traversed the ground and braved rough water during a readiness exercise on the Emerald Coast Aug. 5-9, 2024.

Specialties across the 919th Special Operations Wing fought brutal summer heat, logistical challenges, and terrain across a range of scenarios they might encounter in a future fight.

“There were a lot of moving parts to this dual hat exercise and a substantial amount of planning that went in to making it happen,” said Maj. David Hornsby, 711th Special Operations Squadron chief of training. “It highlighted some areas in which the Wing did really well, and a few in which there is some room for improvement.”

Responding to scenarios that demanded an efficient and organized response for a notional country amid chaos and upheaval required exceptional planning and logistics across numerous capabilities.

These challenges allowed the wing to complete the required certification of their Special Operations Task Group and a Special Operations Task Unit in the simulated response.

The SOTG functioned as the command component of the response, tasking the SOTUs with providing specific capabilities to help mitigate the ongoing crisis. The 859th Special Operations Squadron utilized the C-146 A Wolfhound to move two Special Operations Mission Sustainment Team (SOMST) elements and their equipment between airfields.

SOMST members used the exercise to refine their skillsets, equipment, and procedures. Challenges such as heat and coordinating career specialties provided insight on how to further develop sustainment capabilities.

“It was important for us to have this integrated support team thrown into an unfamiliar environment together,” said Tech. Sgt. Michael O’Callaghan, 919th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron resource and training manager. “In a real-world scenario they would need to combine their skills in less-than-perfect conditions to accomplish the mission.”

Sustainment Airmen narrowed down their footprint by reducing the size and scope of equipment, utilizing portable items that could be hand-carried. They opted for tents, air conditioners, and other tools that are smaller than what would traditionally be used and occupied less space on the aircraft.

“We’re pressurizing the system to see where we can improve. We were able to identify needed improvements to our SOMST organization, training, and equipment that will help shape the capability moving forward,” said Col. Olivia Nelson, 919th Special Operations Mission Support Group commander. “Perhaps most importantly, we leaned into the weather and gave our Airmen a chance to experience what deployment in the heat and humidity of the INDOPACOM theater would really be like. We identified the need for greater levels of personal fitness and an emphasis on hydration and work-rest cycles that will make us more ready if called upon to face a peer threat.”

The mission support Airmen stayed in-place overnight throughout the exercise. Controller Observers from throughout the Wing placed them in a variety of scenarios and then assessed the effectiveness of their response. Some of the situations Airmen faced included unrest outside the compound, medical emergencies, and engagements with regional media.

“The team handled everything from small inconveniences like dealing with customs to larger problems like medical crises,” said O’Callaghan. “The differing levels of difficulty and engagement challenged them and encouraged them to be mindful of how they deal with adversity.”

While the SOMST maintained their encampments, the SOTU aviators also faced challenges that could parallel real-world scenarios. A simulated aircraft down left four aircrew members stranded aboard a raft in the Choctawhatchee Bay.

A C-146A Wolfhound crew coordinated rescue of the castaways with the U.S. Coast Guard. The team surveyed the bay to provide details on the rafts location and maintained communications between the raft and the Coast Guard vessel.

By the end of the exercise, the 919th SOW successfully completed various aspects of Air Force Special Operations Command warfighting model. Organizers coordinated the SOTG, SOTU and mission support elements in a way that could be reflected in real-world scenarios.

“The amount of work and time that went into all the unseen portions of the planning of this exercise, going back months, was significant,” said Hornsby. “Everyone on the planning cell did a commendable job. The [exercise] was successful and provided an excellent bellwether as to where the wing’s combat capability currently stands. It should help to provide the command a good direction in which to move forward.”

By Staff Sgt Dylan Gentile, 919th Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on 919th SOW Faces, Overcomes Adversity in Readiness Exercise

Political Activity Dos and Don’ts for Airmen, Guardians, DoD employees

Sunday, August 18th, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

In our democracy, elections are quite common, and with a presidential election this year, we can expect many opportunities for citizens to participate in the democratic process. With this in mind, it is important to be aware of specific guidelines that apply to service members and federal employees on acceptable behavior.

Military personnel and civilian employees are encouraged to carry out their obligations of citizenship, which include the right to participate personally in the political process. These rights are protected by the U.S. Constitution that all military members have taken an oath to support and defend.

Because of that oath, service members and civilian employees also have a duty to ensure that their personal activities do not imply official endorsement by the Department of Defense or Department of the Air Force. As individuals, we do not have to be politically neutral, but the Air Force and Space Force do. These rules help to ensure the DoD does not influence or appear to be partisan in our nation’s electoral process.

Department of Defense Directive 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces, and individual service regulations outline permitted and prohibited political activities by active duty, Reserve component and retired service members. These rules regulate how and when service members are able to participate in the political process. Service members who violate these directives could face punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and/or other criminal or administrative penalties. The Hatch Act of 1939 (5 U.S.C. 7321-7326) applies to civilian employees and similarly regulates how and when individuals can conduct personal political activities.

Service members and federal employees are encouraged to participate in the political process, but they must be careful about not engaging in political activities in the workplace and not using their official positions to advocate for or against political issues. With the directives set forth in DoDD 1344.10 and other regulations in mind, service members should be aware of what they can and cannot do regarding political activities. The below do’s/don’ts are not exhaustive, and service members and employees should consult with their servicing legal office with any questions regarding their personal political activities.

Active duty service members CAN:

· Register to vote, vote and encourage others to vote.

· Express a personal opinion on political candidates and issues.

· Write a letter in a newspaper, blog or social media expressing personal political views. However, if you identify yourself as a service member (for example, if you have a photo on your social media of yourself in uniform) you must include a statement that your views do not represent those of the Department of Defense or Department of the Air Force.

· Attend partisan or non-partisan political rallies and clubs as a spectator during off-duty hours. However, service members (including retirees) may not be in uniform.

· Serve as a non-partisan election official while off-duty and not in uniform. However, this requires Department Secretary (e.g., Secretary of the Air Force) approval. Contact your servicing Legal Office for more information.

· Sign petitions for legislative action or to place a candidate’s name on the ballot, if done as a private citizen and not as a representative of the armed forces.

· Donate money to a political party, candidate, organization or committee.

· Display one non-offensive bumper sticker on your personally owned vehicles.

· Wear political t-shirts or buttons when not in uniform, performing military duties or when it could give the appearance of DoD or DAF endorsement.

Active duty service members CANNOT:

· Attend a political event (meeting, rally, fundraiser, debate, convention) in uniform, whether it is partisan or nonpartisan.

· Express personal opinions as if they are service branch or DoD policy.

· Make derogatory statements about elected officials and DoD/DAF leadership – a potential UCMJ violation.

· Organize, lead, sponsor or speak at partisan political events.

· Engage in partisan political fundraising activities – except as a donor.

· Place large political signs on your vehicle (bigger than a bumper sticker).

· Display any type of political sign, banner, poster or similar device in your office, work area or on-base residence (including privatized housing).

· Engage in the public or organized recruitment of others to run for political office.

· Run for political office without Secretary of the Air Force approval.

· Attempt to influence the view, position or vote of any subordinate.

The Hatch Act governs political activities by DoD and other federal civilian employees. The Hatch Act provides restrictions that are similar, but not identical, to those imposed on active duty service members, and restrictions on civilian employees are broken down into “Further Restricted” and “Less Restricted” categories. Most DAF employees will be “Less Restricted,” meaning, GS-15 and below, and Schedule C employees. Federal civilian employees who violate these rules and restrictions are at risk of disciplinary actions, including reprimand, suspension, removal, debarment from federal employment for up to 5 years, and a $1,000 fine.

All federal civilian employees CAN:

· Register to vote, vote and encourage others to vote.

· Express a personal opinion on political candidates and issues.

· Write a letter in a newspaper, blog or social media expressing personal political views.

· Attend political fundraising functions, rallies and clubs during off-duty hours.

· Serve as a non-partisan election official.

· Sign petitions for legislative action or to place a candidate’s name on the ballot, if done as a private citizen.

· Donate money to a political party, organization or committee.

· Display one non-offensive bumper sticker on your personally owned vehicles.

· Be candidates for public office in nonpartisan elections in accordance with Office of Personnel Management requirements.

· Display or wear political signs, stickers, t-shirts or buttons when not on-duty, in a government building or using a government vehicle.

All Federal Civilian Employees CANNOT:

· Use official authority or influence to interfere with or affect an election.

· Solicit, accept or receive political contributions.

· Use an official title while participating in political activities.

· Engage in political activity while: on duty, in a government building or vehicle or wearing an official uniform.

· Become a candidate in a partisan election.

· Host or sponsor a political fundraiser (though merely attending one is permitted).

Less Restricted Civilians CAN:

· Volunteer to work for partisan political campaigns

· Attend and be active (including speaking) at political rallies and meetings

· Join and hold office in a political party or organization

· Work the polls on election day for a candidate for partisan political office

· Assist in partisan voter registration drives (but not in the workplace).

· Organize and speak at a political fundraiser (but cannot solicit or receive funds).

Service members are encouraged to review DoDD 1344.10 and Department of the Air Force Instruction 51-508, Political Activities, Free Speech and Freedom of Assembly to understand permissible political activity.

DoD civilian employees are encouraged to visit osc.gov/Services/Pages/HatchAct-Federal for more information on the Hatch Act.

All members are encouraged to review the Deputy Secretary of Defense’s 15 February 2024 memorandum on Political activities, available at: dodsoco.ogc.osd.mil

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

The information in this article is provided for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice. For further assistance or if you have questions or concerns, please contact your installation legal office.

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | Comments Off on Political Activity Dos and Don’ts for Airmen, Guardians, DoD employees

Special Operations Forces Cut Through Kunsan’s Rainy Skies to Demonstrate Strike Capability

Tuesday, August 13th, 2024

KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) —

South Korea’s summers are famous for cloudy skies and torrential downpours that may appear at a moment’s notice. However, during a week in mid-July, members of the Wolf Pack at Kunsan Air Base observed a spectacle precipitate from the open skies unlike the typical monsoon rains.

Spectators throughout the installation could spot paratroopers descending from the sky onto a drop zone near the base’s alternate landing area, delivered by a U.S. MC-130J Commando II and a Republic of Korea air force MC-130K Hercules flying in formation together.

The nearly three-week, multinational training called Joint Combined Exchange Training, was hosted by the Special Operations Command Korea from July 15-31.

The goal of the training was to ensure interoperability with coalition special operations forces partners in realistic training environments. To do this, mission organizers created challenging scenarios in different domains to replicate adversarial tactics in combat scenarios.

“Joint Combined Exchange Training is where USAF SOF train alongside our ROK SOF counterparts to rehearse mission essential tasks while enhancing our lethality,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Raymond Lessig, 320th Special Tactics Squadron drop zone controller and mission commander. “The training provided opportunities for U.S. and ROK SOF to work through language barriers, exchange tactics techniques and procedures, and gain a better understanding of our collective strengths and weaknesses so that we can better leverage each other’s capabilities during real-world contingency operations.”

As the only theater special operations command in which the U.S. and host-nation SOF are institutionally organized for combined operations, SOCKOR and aligned units regularly train with their counterparts in the ROK army special warfare command, air mobility and reconnaissance command, naval special warfare flotilla command, and other units.

To successfully accomplish the training, planners relied heavily on the coordination between the 8th Fighter Wing, SOCKOR, the 353rd Special Operations Wing, ROK AMRC, and the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base. Each unit played a complementary role in achieving desired training objectives. Throughout the second week, participants utilized Kunsan AB to conduct the jump training portion of the JCET.

“This is the fourth year we’ve conducted this training at Kunsan,” Lessig said. “We keep choosing to come back because of how accommodating and helpful the Wolf Pack has been. Each aspect of Kunsan from airfield management to the medical group have been ready to support our team execute this high-value training.”

The ability to accept follow-on forces is one of the key tenets of the Wolf Pack’s core mission and was on full display during the weeklong training on Kunsan AB. According to U.S. Air Force Col. Peter Kasarskis, 8th Fighter Wing commander, this is what makes Kunsan such a crucial asset in optimizing U.S. Forces Korea’s agility and ability to project airpower throughout Asia.

“Kunsan exemplifies readiness in the Indo-Pacific,” Kasarskis said. “Our Airmen here at the Wolf Pack demonstrate daily what it means to be forward-deployed and ready to fight tonight. Supporting training, like the JCET, highlights our ability to rapidly receive follow-on missions and integrate with allies and partners. Kunsan is more than just a fighter base; it’s an agile power projection platform ready for any mission.”

Lessig said Kunsan’s location also made the difference in ensuring this iteration of the training was as representative of potential real-world scenarios as possible.

“Kunsan’s location is invaluable to creating realistic training conditions,” Lessig said. “Its location, surrounding environment and mission set, forces participants to plan and rehearse airborne operations far from their desired landing area, potentially at night and in adverse weather conditions, and to safely navigate as a team with all combat equipment to their objective.”

As this portion of the JCET ends, the event showcased the military partnership between the U.S. and ROK forces, serving as a powerful reminder of their unwavering commitment to regional security. However, for some, this event was more than just a testament to their strength; it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the seamless interoperability of two of the world’s most formidable military forces.

Story by MSgt Michael Charles, 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Photos by Senior Airman James Johnson

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on Special Operations Forces Cut Through Kunsan’s Rainy Skies to Demonstrate Strike Capability

Development Ecosystem Lays Foundation for Delivering Combat-Effective, Agile, Adaptive Airpower at Scale

Thursday, August 8th, 2024

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

Any future fight against a near-peer adversary will demand the U.S. Air Force deliver combat-effective, agile and adaptive airpower at scale. This will require Airmen who can make quality decisions at the speed necessary for competition and combat timelines, and developing future leaders who can do the same.

In line with Department of the Air Force’s efforts to reoptimize for Great Power Competition, leaders at Air Education and Training Command are following through on upgrading the service’s development ecosystem with a goal of providing digital-age training and education in alignment with the evolving needs of the warfighter.

“Reimagining our current approach to training and educating Airmen for GPC holds the potential for transformative change across multiple dimensions,” said Dr. Wendy Walsh, AETC chief learning officer. “The advantages of this approach include the focused ability to rapidly recruit, train and educate Airmen with the competencies required to meet the evolving demands of joint force commanders in the GPC landscape in line with the Air Force Future Operating Concept.”

So, what exactly is the development ecosystem?

“If you’re looking at the set of tools that an Airman will interact with over the course of their Air Force careers, the development ecosystem spans the entirety of training and education experiences they encounter from accession to retirement,” Walsh said. “This includes the instruction they receive at basic military training, at technical training or at undergraduate flying training, and onward to their experience during professional military education courses and in their units in the operational commands.”

According to Walsh, the development ecosystem does not stop after initial basic military, technical training or undergraduate flying training; rather it is a competency-based, human-centered learning continuum that is informed and driven by a myriad of learning data and records, orientating the force to measurable, mission-focused outcomes.

“Once Airmen go out to their operational wings, the question is how will we continue to develop them in both their foundational and occupational competencies so they can do their job better, making them more effective Airmen, teammates and eventually leaders,” Walsh said. “Building competency integration and learning design establishes a learner-centric model anchored to mission-command and the strategic context of GPC and is divorced from the industrial age ‘pipelines’ or ‘training conveyor belts’ of the past.”

Rapidly codifying competencies required for GPC has been a top priority in the command.

“Currently, over half of the Air Force’s career fields are implementing competency-based training plans with a goal to have all career fields complete by summer of 2025,” said Col. Sandra Coble who leads headquarters AETC’s competencies division. “We’re moving fast to accomplish this training transformation knowing exactly how important this is to Air Force readiness.”

Competencies also provide a framework by which the Force Development enterprise can organize, categorize and pursue data sources necessary for data-driven insights to help units assess overall readiness for specific missions.

“Striking a balance between talent management and operational needs is a complex challenge, but the integration of talent management processes with force development offers the opportunity for more efficient resource allocation,” said Col. Jason Turner, AETC’s deputy director for force development. “This alignment ensures that AETC produces Airmen with the right competencies at the right time, for the right place, enhancing overall readiness and effectiveness.”

A major step in aligning talent management and operational needs is underway with the on-going development of the DAF Learning Record.

“Think of the DAFLR as a dynamic transcript of your learning and competencies, representing an individual digital portfolio consolidating learning-specific information for total force Airmen and Guardians from 32 authoritative data sources,” Turner said. “The intent is to provide a one-stop, near-real-time, validated record of an individual’s education, training and experience across a learner’s career.”

DAFLR includes 32 authoritative data sources, such as MyLearning, MyVector, the Military Personnel Data System, the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System, the Education and Training Management System and more.

“Commanders, their staffs and every Airman and Guardian will have access to near-real-time learning information guiding force-development decisions, including decisions that will impact operational readiness in support of agile combat employment,” Turner said. “DAFLR will enhance lethality through knowledge of what military and civilian personnel know and can do, assisting commanders in developing the right Airmen and Guardians at the right time for the right mission.”

The two-way partnership between AETC and operational commands, will be a critical factor in overall force development.

“[AETC] is providing a service that spreads across the entire DAF,” Turner said. “It is the matching between the development that a person receives while they are in AETC with where the mission needs are when they are sent out to their operational units. This requires a feedback loop where the operational commands can request training, and then receive that training and not have to wait to send that person back to a formal schoolhouse. Being able to upskill in real time to meet the needs of the warfighter at the point of need.”

To illustrate the point of what a successful future development ecosystem looks like, Turner gave the example of a team at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, developing a new training method demonstrating how to refuel a B-52 Stratofortress in an austere environment. To rapidly share that information across the enterprise, that new training module can rapidly be taken back to the aircraft’s home station at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, and be implemented there in real-time to match operational need during a conflict.

“Our current ecosystem has pockets of excellence everywhere, with great leaders doing innovative things,” Walsh said. “Our future success means getting our learning ecosystem to effectively connect across institutional and operational commands, to identify and train with a competency-based approach, to share best practices and collaborate on how to incorporate digital age technology into development, and to adapt learning opportunities when and where needed for mission readiness.”

By Dan Hawkins, Air Education Training Command Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 1 Comment »

AFSOC Demonstrates ACE with Historic Highway Landing

Wednesday, August 7th, 2024

BONO, Ark. —

In a historic first, Air Force Special Operations Command successfully landed an AC-130J Ghostrider Gunship on Highway 63 in Bono, Arkansas, on August 4, 2024. This operation was part of a broader exercise, Emerald Warrior Field Training Exercise II, designed to showcase AFSOC’s Agile Combat Employment capabilities.

The exercise provided an opportunity for participating units to refine their skills and advance ongoing pathfinding and experimentation efforts within AFSOC.

“This exercise serves as a significant milestone for AFSOC, demonstrating our ability to operate in diverse and austere environments,” said Tech. Sgt. Robert Gallagher, lead planner for the highway landings, assigned to the AFSOC Air Commando Development Center. “By leveraging ACE concepts, we enhance our operational flexibility and resilience.”

Throughout the morning, Special Tactics Airmen from the 1st Special Operations Wing established and secured a landing zone on the highway.

Shortly after, a C-146A Wolfhound and an MC-130J Commando II from the 492nd Special Operations Wing landed on the five-lane highway.

The MC-130J crew then set up a Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP), as the AC-130J assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida, made its approach, landed, refueled, rearmed and took off again.

The primary objective of this exercise was to validate AFSOC’s capability to operate in austere environments with minimal infrastructure. Key tasks included securing the landing zone and performing FARP operations, both critical elements of the ACE framework.

“Emerald Warrior FTX II demonstrates to our adversaries that we can meet them anytime, any place, anywhere, without the need for traditional runways to project air power,” said Col. Patrick Dierig, 1 SOW commander. “By landing an AC-130J on a highway and conducting FARP, we’re proving our ability to operate in austere and unique environments. It shows our commitment to maintain operational flexibility and readiness, ensuring we can deliver decisive airpower whenever and wherever it’s needed.”

The successful execution of this exercise underscores AFSOC’s commitment to evolving its capabilities and adapting to emerging threats. By continuing to refine and operationalize ACE concepts, AFSOC ensures it remains at the forefront of innovative and agile combat operations.

By MSgt Ryan Conroy

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, SOF | 1 Comment »

“Thunder Dome 2024” Promotes Innovation in Air Commandos

Monday, August 5th, 2024

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Participants from across the command took part in the first Air Force Special Operations Command Innovation Competition dubbed “Thunder Dome” here from July 15-19.

For the competition, Air Commandos presented projects and ideas to AFSOC senior leaders that required resourcing and development beyond their originating organization capabilities. Approved proposals stood a chance at receiving $2 million in Operation & Maintenance (O&M) funding.

Out of the 17 projects submitted to the AFSOC staff, only six were chosen to make the in-person presentation. The six projects were selected through weighted voting based on multiple factors including impact on readiness/advantage, alignment with AFSOC strategy, and feasibility of execution.

Prior to the presentations, AFSOC/Continuous Improvement and Innovation programs (CI2) provided teams extensive coaching for seamless presentations. Additionally, teams participated in an AFSOC/CI2 black belt certification project to improve future iterations of the Thunder Dome competition.

Due to the presenter’s outstanding ideas and preparation, the panel of judges decided to award all six projects funding.

“This is what AFSOC is all about; enabling Air Commandos to further develop innovative solutions that transform AFSOC and solve problems that impact our readiness and test our advantage,” said Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, commander of AFSOC.

Through conversations with AFSOC CI2, there is now a path forward to execute each projects funding.

The next Innovation Competition “Thunder Dome 2025” is in the works and will take place in January of next year. Ideas are currently being accepted by the Wing Process Managers.

Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on “Thunder Dome 2024” Promotes Innovation in Air Commandos

TACP Memorial Run: 24 Hours of Remembering the Fallen

Saturday, August 3rd, 2024

TOWER BARRACKS, Germany – From supporting Gold Star families to hosting Memorial Day ceremonies, the U.S. military has a tradition of honoring men and women who gave their lives in service. For Tactical Air Control Party Airmen with the U.S. Air Force’s 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron (2nd ASOS), paying tribute to fallen service members took on a noteworthy significance last week.

On July 25 and 26, TACPs assigned to the 2nd ASOS gathered to conduct the annual TACP Association 24-Hour Challenge at Tower Barracks, Germany. Over a two-day period, the unit occupied a mile-long trail near the Tower Barracks Physical Fitness Center, circling the track, recording their miles and raising funds and awareness for their fallen brethren as they went. A parking lot along the route served as the main hub for the event, where volunteers collected donations and tracked miles, all while providing music and refreshments to the event goers. Though the challenge’s participants consisted mostly of TACPs, Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) service members, civilians, spouses and children also recorded mileage, with some families even camping overnight at the softball fields in support of their service members.

The event was coordinated through the TACP Association, a nonprofit organization that supports the TACP community through various services and programs. The 24-Hour Challenge, which serves as the organization’s biggest and most relevant event, is typically held around the same time every year by different TACP units stationed all over the world. All proceeds the organization receives are donated to those within the TACP community, including disabled veterans and Gold Star families.

“This is a chance to remember those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Alberto Reyes, a combat arms instructor with the 2nd ASOS. “Even if you don’t donate to the TACP Association, taking a minute out of your day to remember somebody who has fallen or look into someone who has fallen, TACP or not, is a service on its own.”

An integral part of U.S. Air Force Special Warfare, Airmen serving as Tactical Air Control Party members are few and far between, making up only a minuscule percentage of the total Air Force. A small and specialized group, TACP Airmen integrate both surface and air fires, operating in demanding and hostile environments all over the world. TACP Airmen with the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron fall under the 4th Air Support Operations Group out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, which provides direct support to U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) and V Corps.

Fighting through blisters, sore muscles and at times, hours of darkness, the group moved continuously for the full 24 hours, completing mile after mile as they looped around the Tower Barracks softball fields. In the final stretch of each lap, participants traveled a path surrounded by fourteen individual memorials, each honoring a named fallen Airman and serving as a grave reminder of the ultimate sacrifices made by the TACP community. Because this specific military community is so small, many of the Airmen taking part in the run knew the fallen Airmen personally, giving the event an elevated level of significance and emotion.

“There is a whole spectrum of emotions during the 24-Hour Challenge,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Jeffrey M. Mack, commander of the 4th Air Support Operations Group. “I’ve known a lot of the people that we’re honoring personally, so there is always a feeling of loss, but there is also teamwork and joy because we’re such a close knit group of people and we take care of families.”

As the clock ticked towards the 24-hour mark, all runners completed the final mile as a cohesive group, with Mack leading the formation all the way through the finish line. In a culminating act of remembrance, the group completed a series of push-ups at the conclusion of the last mile, each repetition honoring a fallen member of the TACP community. In total, participants completed over 1,800 miles, surpassing the expectations of the event’s organizers. While fundraising was one of the primary purposes of the event, the most important reason – remembering fallen TACP Airmen – was not lost on anyone for the entirety of the 24 hours.

“What goes through my mind as I’m running is all the service members we’ve lost – if they had a choice, they’d be out there with us and they don’t have that option,” said Senior Master Sgt. Gary Demmons, who is currently assigned to the 2nd ASOS. “There is pain and a little bit of being uncomfortable, but it’s nothing compared to what our fallen service members gave.”

By Capt Sara Berner

Posted in Air Force, Army, Guest Post, Memorial | Comments Off on TACP Memorial Run: 24 Hours of Remembering the Fallen

AFSOC to Host Second Iteration of Emerald Warrior 24

Thursday, August 1st, 2024

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Air Force Special Operations Command is hosting a second iteration of the Emerald Warrior exercise this year from July 29 – August 18, 2024.

This joint, combined exercise provides realistic and relevant, high-end training to prepare special operations forces, conventional forces, and international partners in the evolving strategic environment, shifting focus to growing kinetic and non-kinetic effects in strategic competition. It will be held at multiple locations in Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Nevada, and Puerto Rico.

This exercise hones the skills of participating units and is an opportunity to test future concepts in support of Agile Combat Employment operating under the Air Force Force Generation deployment model. In line with AFSOC’s Strategic Guidance, the exercise fuels on-going pathfinding and experimentation efforts within the command.

Additionally, Emerald Warrior applies lessons learned from real-world operations to provide trained and ready personnel to the joint force, while addressing priorities laid out in the 2022 National Defense Strategy.

Residents near training locations may experience increased military activity in their area. All training occurs at designated sites and is coordinated with local authorities.

Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on AFSOC to Host Second Iteration of Emerald Warrior 24