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CMSgt David Wolfe Named 21st Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

Friday, November 7th, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

Chief Master Sgt. David R. Wolfe was selected as the 21st Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force on Nov. 6. His valuable experience and proven performance make him a key addition to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach’s leadership team.

“Chief Wolfe has been my wingman, advisor and confidant for multiple command assignments,” said Wilsbach. “Cindy and I are delighted to have Dave and Doniel alongside us as we lead the Air Force. Their passion for Airmen and their families is second to none.”

Wolfe’s most recent assignment before this new position was Command Chief Master Sergeant, Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. There, he served as the principal advisor to Wilsbach and ACC staff on issues impacting the well-being, morale, and optimal employment of all personnel.

Chief Wolfe’s career began in February 1992, encompassing a diverse range of specialties. His experience spans missile security, elite guard duty, protective services, and space warning security, demonstrating his commitment to national security. He possesses expertise in training and standardization evaluation, security forces operations, logistics, and professional military education, ensuring a well-rounded skill set.

“The selection of Chief Wolfe as our 21st Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force is the right decision during this critical time for the Air Force,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “I know that he will continue to serve and advocate for Airmen and their families.”

As with previous CMSAFs, Wolfe will serve as the public voice for Air Force personnel to all levels of government. He will also act as an advisor to Wilsbach and other senior military and civilian leaders, providing counsel on issues concerning the welfare, readiness, morale, utilization, and professional development of the Air Force’s Airmen.

As a leader, Wolfe will set the course for the Total Force and serve as a dedicated advocate for all Airmen.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | No Comments »

Special Warfare Training Wing Launches First-Ever Zulu Course

Wednesday, November 5th, 2025

Chapman Training Annex, Texas — The Special Warfare Training Wing (SWTW) marked a historic milestone today as it launched the first-ever Zulu Course, a groundbreaking common skills training program uniting Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR) career fields under one standardized curriculum.

The Zulu Course is aimed at aligning common training standards across Combat Control, Pararescue, Tactical Air Control Party, Special Reconnaissance, and their respective officer careers. By consolidating critical early-stage training, the course strengthens interoperability among AFSPECWAR Airmen and enhances mission readiness for global operations.

“This course is the result of deliberate data-driven analysis and a shared commitment to producing the world’s most capable operators,” said Lt. Col. Benjamin Schmidt, Director of Plans and Policy for the SWTW. “The Zulu Course establishes a shared foundation for our operators from day one, ensuring graduates leave here with the same core skills, knowledge base, and mindset.”

Held at the Chapman Training Annex in San Antonio, Texas, the Zulu Course brings together skillsets that were previously taught at multiple locations into a single, cohesive program that’s focused on the basic skills of shoot, move, communicate, casualty care, weapons, advanced insertion/extraction skills, individual skills, and small team operations. The course is taught by instructors with operational experience across the AFSPECWAR enterprise, combining expertise from multiple career fields to deliver holistic training.

The name “Zulu” was chosen as based off the Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) system. Zulu is the phonetic alphabet code that denotes an AFSPECWAR Airmen, with the enlisted code being 1Z and the officer code being 19Z.

“This is a defining moment not just for the Wing, but for the future of Air Force Special Warfare,” said Col. Kaveri Crum, commander of the SWTW. “A tremendous amount of time and effort has gone into making the Zulu Course a reality. I could not be prouder of this team.”

The inaugural class will spend 16 weeks mastering the common skills curriculum before moving on to their respective advanced training courses. The lessons learned from this first iteration will help refine future courses to better deliver the skills that the operational field requires.

With the launch of the Zulu Course, the Special Warfare Training Wing continues to assess, select, and train, now with an even stronger and more unified foundation.

Story by 1st Lt Casen Salitore, Special Warfare Training Wing

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, Training | 3 Comments »

And Now, the Rest of the Air Force M18 Fatality Story

Tuesday, November 4th, 2025

Back in July Amn Brayden Lovan was killled in a shooting in the Weapons Storage Area of FE Warren AFB, Wyoming. It is alleged he was shot by another member of his squadron, Amn Marcus White-Allen who was charged with involuntary manslaughter as well as making a false official statement.

This horrific incident also led to a questionable decision by the Commanding General of Air Force Global Strike Command, Gen Thomas Bussiere to remove the weapon from service so that the command’s inventory could be inspected for defects. This only further fed the flames of the false report that the weapon had suffered an “uncommanded discharge” leading to Amn Lovan’s death. The command kept the weapon from service for well over a month despite knowing that the weapon was not to blame. In late August the M18 was reinstated to full service in AFGSC.

Paranoia spread like wildfire throughout the Air Force with multiple units withdrawing the weapons from service. This ended up being picked up by other organizations outside of the Department of War as internet influencers spread rumors and false information. Cooler heads eventually prevailed.

Last Friday sworn testimony in a court martial of two additional Airmen involved in the incident filled in even more blanks since the M18s were returned to service.

The alleged gunman, Amn White-Allen was found dead in his apartment on 8 October. Why he was not in pre-trial confinement remains a mystery but four SF Airmen assigned to the same Missile Wing have died in as many months calling into question the leadership of that unit. Authorities have not released a cause of death for Amn White-Allen. Upon news of his untimely death, the internet was since again awash with wild accusations but the most likely cause is self-harm. The man was facing likely conviction and incarceration for being accused of negligently killing a fellow Airman. Eventually the truth of this final element of the story will also come out and individuals continuing to throw wild accusations will look even more foolish.

Those two unnamed Air Force Security Forces members initially stood by a false assertion that the weapon fired in an uncommanded fashion. Investigation soon revealed that was a lie. Last Friday they both pleaded guilty to making a false official statement and corrected the record.

The sober truth of this entire affair is that firearms are dangerous and must be treated that way. They are not toys. But they also don’t just inadvertently discharge.

What we do know for sure is that while a Modular Handgun System M18 was used to take the life of Amn Lovan, it did not discharge of its own volition as was alleged by so many firearms influencers and parroted by their followers. Based on sworn testimony, Amn White-Allen placed the gun against the chest of Amn Lovan in a “joking manner” and pulled the trigger. The result is two Airmen dead in needless tragedies.

During this affair, we witnessed a social contagion. Some with ill intention toward the MHS program used the event to attempt to force change that was not going to come. Still angry that their preferred brand of handgun wasn’t adopted years ago by the US military, they were sure they could force the DOW to go back and pick their favorite. Many others joined in on the “roasting” of MHS manufacturer SIG SAUER for the fun of it, while others had more sinister agendas including bankrupting the business that made the pistols. Many voices joined together sharing false information, hurling insults at anyone (including this writer) who knew the information they were swearing by was false. They formed an angry mob. Only time and the trickling out of evidence has turned the tide. Even now, some will cling to wild conspiracy theories about the incident rather than admit the truth.

Few of those who claimed that the M18 was to blame for the death have come forward to admit they were wrong. They have done great damage to confidence in the weapon by military, police, and civilian users.

The Modular Handgun System remains safe and reliable. Program managers across the services have reiterated that fact. It’s time to stop spreading false information and accept that this was a needless tragedy wrought by the actions of one man upon another.

Posted in Advertiser, Air Force, weapons | 21 Comments »

Iowa Air Guard’s 132nd Security Forces Squadron Conducts Annual Training in Hawaii

Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii – Surrounded by the dense jungle of Oahu’s mountains, members of the Iowa Air National Guard’s 132nd Security Forces Squadron embraced sweat, slope and strain during their annual training in August—pushing beyond routine drills to sharpen skills essential for battlefield readiness and leadership development.

From before sunrise ruck marches to live-fire ranges echoing with the rhythm of the M240 Bravo machine gun, each day of training held a clear intent: prepare tomorrow’s defenders to take the lead.

“The goal wasn’t just to get reps in,” said Tech. Sgt. Joshua Eaton, who oversaw portions of the squadron’s field training. “My intent going into annual training was to challenge the younger guys not just physically, but mentally. I wanted to pass down the knowledge I’ve gained to help them grow, because one day I won’t be there to guide them.”

Eaton added, “This was about showing them the way, giving them space to learn, and letting them succeed whether through failure or success.”

The 132nd Security Forces Squadron conducted its training on and around Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, including a grueling land navigation course hosted by the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division near Schofield Barracks. The terrain, characterized by thick vegetation, wet clay and steep elevation changes, forced the Defenders to apply classroom concepts in real-world conditions.

“Finding points in a textbook is one thing,” said Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Phipps. “But locating them through a jungle filled with false trails and obstacles is where you find out if your team can really execute.”

The unit focused heavily on fieldcraft and proficiency in small-unit tactics; squad patrol operations; basic team leader procedures, or TLPs; and sustainment training on heavy weapons systems. The M240 Bravo machine gun, often crew-served and mounted, became a key tool for reinforcing fire team coordination under stress.

Each training lane was built upon the next. Patrol formations led to ambush drills. Route planning flowed into tactical communications. TLPs became second nature under the guidance of experienced noncommissioned officers such as Phipps and Eaton, who made it a personal mission to invest in the Airmen behind him.

When not in the field, the unit engaged in structured classroom instruction followed by hands-on application. Whether reviewing the plotted points or practicing pace counts for land navigation, each lesson was tested by noncommissioned officers.

Some mornings started with loaded rucks down humid mountain trails. Others began in the classroom and ended with bounding movements. The variability kept the Airmen focused and the purpose clear.

2nd Lt. Mike Ploeger, a 132nd Security Forces officer, was satisfied with the training during the two weeks.

“This annual training for security forces highlighted a growing emphasis on integrated base defense, infantry-style tactics and readiness for near-peer threats,” Ploeger said. “Sharpening our members’ abilities shifting with the career field toward more agile, multi-capable and strategically minded defenders.”

For the 132nd Security Forces Squadron, annual training in Hawaii became more than a requirement—it was a proving ground. That proving ground was where junior Airmen learned to read a map by terrain, not screen; where leadership meant setting the pace on the ruck march, not barking orders; and where knowledge passed down might one day save lives.

By SSgt John Johnson, Iowa Air National Guard

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Air Force Experiments with AI, Boosts Battle Management Speed, Accuracy

Saturday, October 11th, 2025

LAS VEGAS (AFNS) —

The Air Force wrapped up the second Decision Advantage Sprint for Human-Machine Teaming, known as DASH 2, a fast-paced experiment exploring how artificial intelligence can help operators make faster, smarter decisions in complex battlespaces.

DASH 2 took place at the Shadow Operations Center-Nellis’ unclassified location in downtown Las Vegas and was led by the Advanced Battle Management System Cross-Functional Team.The effort was conducted in partnership with the Air Force Research Lab’s 711th Human Performance Wing, the Integrated Capabilities Command and the 805th Combat Training Squadron, also known as the ShOC-N.

“DASH 2 proved human-machine teaming is no longer theoretical,” said Col. Jonathan Zall, ABMS Capability Integration chief. “By fusing operator judgment with AI speed, the Air Force is shaping the future of decision advantage in joint and coalition operations.”

AI Speeds Decision Advantage

Initial results showed that machines produced recommendations in less than ten seconds and generated 30 times more options than human-only teams. Two vendors each produced more than 6,000 solutions for roughly 20 problems in just one hour. The software’s accuracy was on par with human performance, despite only two weeks of development. In one case, a single algorithm adjustment would have raised recommendation validity from 70 percent to more than 90 percent.

“This level of output gives commanders options to execute multiple kill chains simultaneously and we’re excited about our next experiment to generate the courses of action with the machines to help illuminate risk, opportunity gain/loss, material gain/loss, among others,” said Col. John Ohlund, ABMS CFT director.

Inside DASH 2

The DASH series is part of the Air Force’s campaign to modernize command and control and gain decision advantage through human-machine teaming. Each sprint refines a specific decision function and informs future Department of the Air Force C2 development. The series also supports the Pentagon’s Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control initiative.

“Human-machine teaming is critical to accelerating the speed and quality of decisions across the joint force, and DASH 2 provides the insights we need to make that a reality,” Zall said.

Human-Machine Teaming in Action

Seven teams participated in DASH 2, including six industry teams and one ShOC-N innovation team. Their challenge was to design AI-enabled microservices capable of assisting operators with the “match effectors” function, which determines the best available weapon system to destroy an identified target.

Developers observed battle management crews operating without machine assistance, then iteratively designed and tested tools to augment human decision-making. Final demonstrations compared human-only performance against human-machine performance, measuring speed, quantity and quality.

“Being part of DASH 2 showed us how human-machine teaming can enhance performance without losing operator judgment,” said Capt. Steven Mohan III, 726th Air Control Squadron chief of standards and evaluations.

Industry and Air Force Collaboration

Evaluation focused on whether these tools helped operators make more effective decisions, not just process more data.

DASH 2 also reaffirmed the value of co-development with both industry and Air Force developers. Companies retained intellectual property rights while the Air Force gained insight into integration and functional requirements for future C2 software.

“At the ShOC-N, our mission is to put new capabilities into operators’ hands and test them under conditions that resemble real-world battle management,” said Lt. Col. Shawn Finney, 805th CTS/ShOC-N commander. “DASH 2 demonstrated how the battle lab enables rigorous testing while maintaining operational fidelity, bridging the gap between concept and capability.”

Early Results and Lessons Learned

The 711th HPW collected data on operator performance, workload and teaming dynamics. Findings confirmed that AI can accelerate decision-making while keeping humans at the center of the process.

“Collaboration with AFRL, the ABMS program office and industry allowed us to rapidly experiment, refine requirements and accelerate the path from concept to capability delivery,” Ohlund said.

Shaping the Future of C2

The DASH series is a key step in modernizing Air Force command and control. By combining human judgment with AI, the service is preparing operators to make faster, more informed decisions in future contested environments.

“DASH 2 proved human-machine teaming is no longer theoretical,” Zall said. “By fusing operator judgment with AI speed, the Air Force is shaping the future of decision advantage in joint and coalition operations.”

By Deb Henley, 505th Command and Control Wing Public Affairs

805th Combat Training Squadron, also known as the Shadow Operations Center-Nellis

Posted in AI / ML, Air Force, C5ISR, Guest Post | Comments Off on Air Force Experiments with AI, Boosts Battle Management Speed, Accuracy

Colonel Mark Hamilton Assumes Command of 1st Special Operations Wing

Friday, October 10th, 2025

U.S. Air Force Col. Mark L. Hamilton assumed command of the 1st Special Operations Wing from Col. Patrick T. Dierig during a change of command ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 6, 2025.

Presiding officer, Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, praised Col. Dierig’s leadership of the 1 SOW and cast a vision for continued mission readiness and innovation under Col. Hamilton.

“Col. Hamilton’s proven leadership is just what the 1 SOW needs to ensure our Air Commandos remain ready to answer the Nation’s call,” said Lt. Gen. Conley. “I can think of no better leader to take the reins of this remarkable wing and continue its long legacy of excellence. We have a lot of work ahead and must continue to maximize Air Commando attributes of boldness, valor, and ingenuity to ensure that when called…we win.”

As commander of the 1 SOW with 20 years of Air Force service, Col. Hamilton will be responsible for preparing special operations forces for worldwide missions in support of joint and coalition objectives. The 1 SOW at Hurlburt Field is one of six Air Force active duty special operations wings which fall under AFSOC. Hurlburt Field employs more than 7,600 military and approximately 1,700 civilian personnel.

“To the Air Commandos of the 1st Special Operations Wing—I am proud of your accomplishments…but even more impressed by your professionalism, grit and selfless service,” said Col. Hamilton. “I am deeply humbled to assume command of this extraordinary organization, and I am eager to get after our mission together.”

Previously, Col. Hamilton served as the 1 SOW’s Deputy Commander of Operations, where he was responsible for employing manned and remotely piloted fixed-wing aircraft, including the AC-130J Ghostrider, MC-130J Commando II and MQ-9 Reaper. He also served as the primary operations advisor to Col. Dierig.

As the outgoing 1 SOW commander with over 24 years of service, Col Dierig leaves behind oversight of Hurlburt Field’s base support for the wing’s 24 squadrons, as well as more than 40 tenant units, including Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command.

“I’ve always said that to be a good Airman, be a good person,” said Col. Dierig. “Looking around this room, I see a room full of good people and good Air Commandos. I’m proud to have played a small role in this wing’s excellence and proud of the unwavering professionalism you’ve all demonstrated during my command. I have full confidence that Col. Hamilton is the exact right leader to guide this high-performing wing forward.”

Story by 2nd Lt Daniel White, 1st Special Operations Wing

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AV Selected for $499M AFRL Contract to Advance Electromagnetic Spectrum Survivable Materials, Awarded $246M in Task Orders

Friday, October 3rd, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va., October 1, 2025 – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a leading provider of advanced research and development innovation for national security missions and warfighter protection, has been selected for a 10-year single-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at $499 million by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for the High-Performance Electromagnetic Spectrum Survivable Materials Advancement (HELMSSMAN) program. Work completed under the program will mature material technology development and deploy protective solutions to the frontlines, guarding warfighters against exposure to harmful electromagnetic radiation.

“As technologies advance and battlespace tactics evolve, AV is helping warfighters stay ahead of emerging threats,” said Wahid Nawabi, AV Chief Executive Officer. “Whether through our autonomous systems, our layered counter-drone technologies, our advancements in satellite communication and space domain awareness, or–like HELMSSMAN–our advanced research and development, we are taking on the most critical challenges and rapidly transitioning innovation from the lab to the frontlines.”

AV has been awarded two initial task orders for this contract valued at $246 million:

Under the “Advanced Development of Vision Protection Materials” task order, valued at $98M, AV will develop a suite of viable electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) protection capabilities that do not increase operational risk or degrade mission performance. The team will research the interaction of EMS elements with materials, systems, and personnel to develop future-proofed vision protection systems for our warfighters.

Under the “Advanced Development of Materials for EMS Resilience” task order, valued at $148M, AV will conduct research on the impacts of EMS sources on U.S materials, components, and systems and provide mitigation options to the warfighter to ensure effective kill chain execution in complex environments. The team will develop test infrastructure and modeling methods to accelerate the fielding of measures validated in realistic environments for warfighter protection.

With these task orders, AV will research, develop, test, evaluate, prototype, demonstrate, and transition technologies to advance the development of vision protection materials and materials for electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) resilience. Work is planned to begin this month.

Leveraging its multi-domain, multi-mission expertise and past performance delivering innovative R&D material solutions to AFRL, AV will advance electronic protection materials through directed energy solutions, test range experience, modeling, and simulation (M&S) capabilities, and space technology transitions. The company has previously supported AFRL through the development of laser-hardened materials and techniques and electronic, photonic, electro-optical, and quantum materials for Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare (EW) missions.

“We have demonstrated unique strengths in managing and executing strategic research programs,” said Dr. John Hogan, Vice President of Advanced Research and Development at AV. “This contract complements and continues our research and development work in material development with AFRL. We are honored to be a trusted partner in this effort.”

The Advanced R&D team at AV, located in Dayton, OH, is dedicated to developing hardened, smart materials that dynamically adapt properties to protect warfighters, their sensors, and their assets, like ground vehicles, aircraft, and structures. With expertise in thermal, optical, and electronic systems, the team identifies challenges and vulnerabilities across various domains and develops material solutions to counteract threats.

Posted in Air Force, Contracts, EW, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on AV Selected for $499M AFRL Contract to Advance Electromagnetic Spectrum Survivable Materials, Awarded $246M in Task Orders

77th Intelligence Wing Activates on JBAB

Saturday, September 27th, 2025

JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, Washington, D.C. –

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling hosted an historic ceremony for the activation of the 77th Intelligence Wing at JBAB, Washington, D.C., July 24, 2025.

Established during WWII as the 77th Observation Group of the U.S. Army Air Forces, the 77th has evolved over more than 80 years of service, supporting various Army and Air Force mission sets. In its next mission as the 77th IW, the wing will support the Defense Intelligence Agency by aligning Air Force competencies with mission assets, supporting Airmen development and retention, and empowering mission command at the appropriate levels.

“This activation will ensure we have mission-ready Airmen trained and equipped to support the Defense Intelligence Agency mission,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jermaine Evans, the senior enlisted leader for the 77th IW. “The new wing’s construct, with wing and squadron leadership, is familiar to our Airmen and will help as they communicate issues and solve problems.”

The 77th IW traces its roots to a rich history of supporting the warfighter since 1942.

“We want to ensure our Airmen receive the same, if not better, support, development, and advocacy they would receive in a traditional Air Force organization while becoming the premier wing that Airmen volunteer to be a part of,” said Evans.

The 77th IW continues its legacy of supporting the warfighter by ensuring Airmen are equipped to support the DIA mission – to prevent and decisively win wars.

“My number one job is to normalize and standardize Air Force training, force development, and adherence to regulations in order to ensure the Airmen of the 77th IW can meet the demands of the DIA mission and peer competition,” said Col. Ryan O’Neal, commander of the 77th IW. “I foresee the 77th Intelligence Wing becoming a critical link aligning the Air Force intelligence community with all source intelligence analysis and tradecraft provided by DIA as the intelligence community’s functional lead.”

As an effective case study, the Air Force currently operates the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, which trains and equips Airmen to support world-wide cryptologic and cyber missions from its headquarters at the National Security Agency, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.

O’Neal explained that the proven concept of the 70th ISR being a force multiplier to the NSA is what the 77th IW will be to DIA. Units under the 77th IW include the 2nd and 15th Intelligence Squadrons along with the 5th and 6th Intelligence Support Squadrons, which are slated to conduct activation ceremonies on JBAB in late July and early August.

According to O’Neal and Evans, Airmen in the 77th IW can expect a tradition of excellence and an emphasis on honing their skillsets, which bring value to the Air Force, the intelligence community and the American people.

Posted in Air Force, Forces Focus, Guest Post, ISR | Comments Off on 77th Intelligence Wing Activates on JBAB