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USAF Distributed Mission Operations Center Brings Winter Fury to INDOPACOM

Thursday, March 10th, 2022

The 705th Combat Training Squadron, also known as the Distributed Mission Operations Center, completed the second successful iteration of its “Fury” exercises in partnership with the 3rd Marine Air Wing. The DMOC developed the virtual scenarios for both Summer and Winter Fury exercises focused in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility in partnership with the Marine Air Control Group-38.

WF 22, a joint distributed exercise, executed from Marine Corps Air Stations Yuma and Miramar operated at Kirtland Air Force Base, San Clemente Island, and other locations along the West Coast, concluded mid-February.

“The challenge to solve the time-distance factor unique to this theater is daunting; yet the MACG-38 planners continue to develop and refine nascent concepts of combining the USMC Tactical Air Operations Center and Direct Air Support Center into a new tactical C2 node – the Multifunction Air Operations Center,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lindsay Post, 705th CTS commander.

Post continued, while it is clear any large-scale conflict in this AOR requires the delegation of operational C2 authorities, most live exercises are not ideal places to practice these advanced concepts.  Since SF and WF exercises include a combination of virtual- and real-training evolutions, they allow commanders to enact the delegation of operational C2 authorities traditionally held at the Air Operations Center and the Tactical Air Command Center to tactical C2 agencies.

“The DMOC is the perfect place to get in the reps to learn how to make decisions in a communication degraded and denied environment because there is little to no risk if you make mistakes.” said USAF Lt. Col. Michael Butler, 705th CTS director of operations. “Enabling mission continuation and accomplishment in the absence of robust communication between C2 entities is inevitable in areas of operation such as INDOPACOM.”

WF 22 was focused on the continuation of tactics, techniques, and procedures development and experimentation for the USMC TAOC and DASC to merge into one tactical C2 unit.  MACG-38, the C2 organization inside of the 3rd MAW, was designated by the USMC Air Board as the lead for MAOC experimentation and development based on the “Fury” exercises at the DMOC.  

The USMC intends to make the MAOC the primary tactical C2 node for the air domain in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. This concept was briefed at the Weapons and Tactics Conference, or WEPTAC, and is sparking USAF tacticians to use the DMOC for concept development.  

“The DMOC is bridging the multi-function C2 gap and bringing the best the brightest from the Marine Corps and Air Force together.  We identified many opportunities to integrate Marine Corps and Air Force TAC [tactical] C2 that will ultimately help us succeed in potential peer fight in the Pacific,” said USMC Capt. Kevin Cao, USMC Winter Fury 22 MACG-38 Virtual Officer-In-Charge, USMC Base Camp Pendleton, California.  “This is vital as we seek training opportunities where there is little risk to mission or force and it is enabling us to experiment and advance Force Design 2030 initiatives.” 

According to Butler, elements of the USMC and U.S. Navy used this scenario as a proof of concept, so they did not always operate within established service doctrine, capitalizing on the virtual battlespace and what the DMOC offers warfighters.

“We can generate the scenarios and connect the right players virtually to put decision makers at any level in situations that these theaters will demand. Get the sets and reps in here, make mistakes, try new concepts/tactics, fail and keep failing until we get it right; before they have to do it in an operational environment where it counts,” said Post.

Virtual SF and WF exercise virtual participants consisted of E-3, E-8, RC-135, MH-60R, P-8, F-18, MQ-9, Distributed Ground System, space, cyber and multiple MAOCs were distributed and looked more like real combat using the DMOC’s tools and vast network infrastructure.  The extensive array of joint participants and capabilities was a true representation that stressed the C2 relationship/authorities between the supported commander and supporting commanders.

“The model that the Marine Corps is using for developing TTPs for tac [tactical] C2 in the air domain is invaluable and one that the Air Force could also leverage. We are iterating rapidly and refining concepts quickly, not by tabletop exercises or conferences, but rather by doing,” said USMC Lt. Col. Robert Rogers, 505th Training Squadron Marine Liaison Officer”

Rogers continued, “Exercises like Winter Fury allow the Marine Corps to quickly refine developing concepts and TTPs by actually executing them in a scenario and learning what works and what doesn’t work, as opposed simply hosting conferences or seminars. I believe the Air Force, as well as our other sister services, would benefit from leveraging this same model.”

Kirtland’s DMOC provided the Marines of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing with realistic, relevant training opportunities necessary to respond to any crisis across the globe and win decisively in a highly contested, maritime conflict.

“The DMOC is the USAF’s most agile and low-cost warfighting environment and we’re using this opportunity to experiment with new concepts and procedures associated with JADC2 [Joint All-Domain Command and Control],” said USAF Col. Aaron Gibney, 505th Combat Training Group commander, Nellis AFB, Nevada. “The DMOC has established access and connections to the space, air, cyber, maritime, and land domains in the virtual world, and all it takes is a commitment to begin to work out what a true joint/allied C2 capability would look like in a distributed environment at the tactical level–the ability to focus on this problem set is what sets the DMOC apart.”

The 705th CTS reports to the 505th Combat Training Group, Nellis AFB, Nevada, and the 505th Command and Control Wing, headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Florida

By Deb Henley

505th Command and Control Wing

Public Affairs

Air Force Translators Enable Water Sustainment Project for African Partner Nations

Saturday, March 5th, 2022

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS) —  

Eleven German Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars aided the 435th Air Expeditionary Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and the 409th Air Expeditionary Group, Nigerien Air Base 201, Agadez, to share best practices with African nation partners through language support that further enhanced water sustainment at Nigerien Air Base 101, Niamey, Niger.  

Through the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Training Partnership Request, the 435th AEW requested translation support for a technical writing project to translate two major documents. The documents, totaling 62 pages, needed translation from German to English. 

“This technical writing project demonstrated the can-do impact of LEAP Scholars on building partnerships in Niger and meeting short-notice operational needs through language and cultural skills,” said Christopher Chesser, AFCLC’s Language Division chief. “In response to Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr.’s call to ‘Accelerate Change or Lose,’ our scholars are smashing old paradigms and bringing the capability to bear when and where it’s needed.” 

The translation of these documents was critical for continuing a project in progress with the 435th AEW and its German partners to drill a well at a deployed location for enduring water sustainment. Without support from the LEAP team, the unit’s mission could have been postponed or derailed. 

The LEAP team coordinated with members around the globe and divided into teams. Each team then divided the pages equally amongst team members to work translation. After completing the translation of their assigned section, members sent their documents to a designated partner for review. The lead from each team consolidated the documents and looked for discrepancies. The consolidated documents were then sent out one final time for review before a final copy was sent to the requester.  

German LEAP scholar Maj. Franklin Nesselhuf participated in the project as his first official translation opportunity for the Air Force. 

“The documents prevented the USAF from having to go through the testing and verification process a second time,” he said. “The documents we were using were a German translation from French, from the government of Niger, and revealed the water was too hard for use with filtration. That information will be very useful in informing the civil engineers where to drill and the requisite facilities needed to make the water potable. As we look to compete against Russia and China in Africa, developing bases and promoting stability in societies will be key to geopolitical success and human flourishing.”  

Lt. Col. Gordon Kinney, director of staff at the 435th AEW, thanked the LEAP Scholars for their efforts in fulfilling the translation needs of this project. 

“Africa is an unforgiving environment,” he said. “Between the heat, dust, wind and lack of water, our Airmen are taxed daily. This well affords our Airmen the peace of mind they need to focus on delivering secure, reliable, and flexible power projection platforms to combatant commanders and that’s thanks to the efforts of a few brilliant, dedicated LEAP scholars.” 

Before the requested translation support, the German partners involved in the project had already accomplished well drilling on their side of the base. The team at 435th AEW needed a translation of these documents concerning the established well to expedite and enable drilling of the U.S. forces’ well. Without the translation of these documents, U.S. forces could not proceed with digging the well for airbase sustainment. Funding and engineering were in place, so the document translation was the final piece needed to commence the time-sensitive project.  

Lt. Col. David Troxell, commander of the 768th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron, also expressed appreciation for the LEAP team and their work to support a project that will significantly enhance essential systems on base. 

“This translation helps streamline a $500,000 project, ultimately supporting a $1.6 million total water production, treatment and distribution system,” he said. “This will go a long way to calm our nerves about sourcing water so we can focus on sustaining base operations, building our African partner’s defense capabilities, and enabling counter-violent extremism operations in the Sahel. This isn’t just a win for the U.S., it’s a win for all our allied and partnered nations.” 

By Mikala McCurry, Air Force Culture and Language Center Outreach Team

Barksdale AFB First to Implement Upgrade to Nuclear Enterprise ‘In More Than 30 Years’

Friday, March 4th, 2022

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) —  

Air Force Global Strike Command is modernizing older infrastructure by implementing the largest upgrade to its Nuclear Command, Control and Communication systems in more than 30 years. 

In January, Barksdale Air Force Base became the first of two AFGSC bases to receive and implement the Global Aircrew Strategic Network Terminal — a new, innovative NC3 system that provides assured, survivable, fixed and transportable communications to wing command posts, munitions support squadrons and mobile support teams. Global ASNT provides the nuclear enterprise a new two-way reliable, redundant and robust communication path capable of connecting forces anytime, anywhere — allowing AFGSC greater agility and lethality than ever before. 

“This system streamlines our NC3 capabilities and allows our team to deliver winning combat power,” said Senior Master Sgt. Katrina Strother, 2nd Bomb Wing Command Post senior enlisted leader. “It virtually provides commanders a standardized ‘command post in a box,’ replacing a single use system with a multi-use communication package that can talk on a multitude of networks and provides a modular design for future upgrades as opposed to costly replacements. Additionally, Global ASNT is survivable in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Yield Explosives; and High-altitude Electromagnetic Pulse environments — allowing operators the ability to work through a conflict without fail.” 

Upgrading NC3 

NC3 refers to an integrated weapons system comprised of facilities, equipment, communications, procedures and personnel. Ultimately, NC3 is what the National Military Command System uses to exercise and conduct continuous, survivable and secure Nuclear Command and Control. 

Given the demands of a new era of command and control technology and processes, Global ASNT provides a new wave of capabilities to meet those modern demands head on. 

“Global ASNT is a transformational new system that replaces Cold War era communications equipment with the intent of enhancing the warfighters capability as we transition to the command post of the future,” said Capt. Tony Scott, AFGSC Command Post NC3 ground requirements manager. 

The acquisition of Global ASNT brings to bear years of research, planning and development. 

“This acquisition is comparable to rolling out the new KC-46 or B-21 Raider,” said Chief Master Sgt. O’Shea Rhodes, AFGSC Command and Control Operations functional manager. “Similar to the KC-46 or B-21, this new weapons system increases force lethality and nuclear command and control capabilities. The idea is that all these acquisitions are designed to be interoperable—an important feat given the demands of today’s strategic environment.” 

The new system, with acquisition costs in development and procurement ranging nearly $1.3 billion, will roll out across active duty, Guard and Reserve units in phased increments. The first phase consists of development, upgrading and installation; and the second phase consists of implementation. Specifically, the system implementation includes terminal replacement and providing communications for aircrew alert. 

Total costs also factor in an estimated $82 million in enterprise-wide facility preparations, to include facility power modifications and upgrades to heating, ventilation and air conditioning units. However, Global ASNT transcends beyond the AFGSC mission and is forecasted for installation at 43 locations, across seven commands, in seven countries, on three continents, to include four major commands and the U.S. Space Force. 

The introduction of Global ASNT is a high priority for the NC3 community. Directly getting after Department of Defense priorities with the aim of building a more lethal force and modernizing and recapitalizing NC3, the new terminal will equip forces with the needed tools to address future challenges in an era of strategic competition. 

“This is a huge victory for the Department of the Air Force and AFGSC as we continue to modernize key NC3 systems critical to the successful management of the nuclear force at the tactical level,” Scott said. 

By Keefer Patterson

2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

AFSOC’s 137th CTF Teaches Land Nav Skills During MST Training

Thursday, March 3rd, 2022

WILL ROGERS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Okla. —  

The 137th Combat Training Flight (CTF) taught 33 students land navigation, radio communication and radio programming skills during Mission Sustainment Team (MST) training held at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma City, Feb. 7-10, 2022.

The students, from squadrons around the base, were divided into two teams and learned from four 137th CTF instructors throughout the week. The MST members worked with specialized equipment and learned how to read maps, find a grid coordinate, and use compasses to navigate over terrain.

“With this training we are taking a skill set we have built specifically for joint terminal attack controller qualification and are transferring that to the rest of the force,” said Maj. Jeffrey Hansen, 137th CTF director of operations. “Using our instructors’ teaching experience means we are more effectively tailoring the classes to the students, who range from tactical backgrounds like security forces members to technical backgrounds like civil engineers.”

Learning skills outside of regular training will ensure long-term mission sustainment in austere locations, making Airmen more capable to operate in diverse deployed environments. 

“It was good going back to basics as far as land navigation, moving as a team with a weapon and pulling security,” said Tech. Sgt. Justin Davis, 137th CTF joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) qualification course manager. “These skills — for our Air Force specialty — are some of the first we learn because they are how we get to work. It was interesting finding the cutoff of what we needed to teach these students to help them understand basic land navigation and radio operation without getting into the weeds of the specific skills we instruct that help a JTAC drop bombs.”

One day of training consisted of land navigation skill development in the field. Instructors set up points and gave students a grid location. Students then plotted a trail to find and report those points using maps, compasses and protractors. Once they reported their first checkpoint, the Airmen were given the location for the next one. 

“All of the skills we learned were brand new to me, so it was difficult to learn it all in the span of a week,” said Senior Airman Andrea Kuzilik, a services specialist with the 137th Special Operations Force Support Squadron. “The instructors were great, and super hands-on. It definitely got better the more we ran through it, and the field day really helped put everything together.” 

This exercise tested students’ radio programming and communication skills in addition to navigation. Students also learned how to move in a formation, react as a team to a direct contact with an adversary, and use night vision goggles to move in the dark and drive a Humvee.

“It was good to see the different Air Force specialties come together for a common purpose during the training,” said Davis. “I think we as instructors are also excited to improve and streamline the course with each training iteration, especially because we saw a successful end result with this initial class using these skills in a practical setting versus a classroom setting.”

By TSgt Brigette Waltermire, 137th Special Operations Wing

AF Competency Modeling Handbook Provides Airmen with Roadmap to Become Future-Ready, Critically Thinking Warfighters

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

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

In line with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s Action Order A (Airmen) effort to find and enhance universal skillsets that are important to all Airmen regardless of their specific Air Force Specialty Code.

The Air Force Competency Modeling Handbook is now available to Airmen after officially being published Feb. 8.

Developed by Headquarters, Air Education and Training Command A3J team, Air Force Handbook 36-2647 includes a validated competency-modeling framework that is scalable, reliable, and repeatable to assist career fields in developing their occupational competency models. It also outlines the service’s 24 foundational competencies, which are a combination of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics that manifest in an observable, measurable pattern of behaviors that improve an Airman’s performance.

“Our competencies are the bedrock to developing the Airmen we need, and they provide Airmen with a roadmap to become future-ready, critically-thinking warfighters,” said Brig. Gen. Brenda Cartier, AETC director of operations and communications. “The occupational competency model integrates technical capabilities with the foundational competencies, along with the leadership, combat, joint, social mastery, and all-domain skills needed to be successful in a career.”

In the attachments of AFH 36-2647, Airmen can find detailed definitions for the 24 foundational competencies, which are grouped under four sections: developing self, others, ideas and organizations.

“The foundational competencies are those competencies that are valued by the Air Force and are universally applicable to all Airmen,” said Vincent Villanueva, AETC’s Occupational Competencies branch chief. “These competencies are the core of Airmen development and enable them with tools, pathways, and capabilities to improve their performance in any job, specialty, or situation.”

Competency models support organizational vision, mission, and priorities by identifying the behaviors needed to maintain a competitive advantage and meet strategic objectives.

“The competency model framework enables Airman-centric, mission-focused, competency-based Air Force learning, and as we add career fields, we scale the enterprise-level benefits,” Villanueva said. “It also identifies the competencies needed for key positions and informs decisions for the right person and right job.”

Other features in the handbook include application of competency assessments based on real-world environments and expectations to help Airmen have the right tools and resources in terms of training, education, and experience, Villanueva said.

To access a copy of AFH 36-2647, click here.

By Dan Hawkins, Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

Air Force Opens Voting for Spark Tank Ideas

Monday, February 28th, 2022

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) —  

Cast a vote for your favorite entry in the Department of the Air Force Spark Tank 2022 competition. Online polling is open through March 4. 
 
Co-produced by the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, Management and Deputy Chief Management Officer Rich Lombardi and AFWERX, Spark Tank is an annual competition designed to unleash a total force innovation capacity reflecting leadership’s continued efforts to empower intrapreneurs, celebrate their problem-solving skills and give them a stage to share their ideas with fellow service members, Department of the Air Force senior leaders, and the world. Only the top 3% of ideas submitted to the Spark Tank campaign are selected to compete as finalists. 
 
Finalists will take the stage March 4 in Orlando, Florida, during the Air Force Association’s Air Warfare Symposium, to pitch their innovation ideas to Air Force and Space Force senior leadership and industry experts. The audience poll will select the Fan Favorite and be included in the panel’s votes to determine the Spark Tank winner. 
 
Visit the Spark Tank page to view finalist submissions and vote for the best idea. 

Air Force Research Laboratory Public Affairs

AFR Capabilities Enable Immediate Ocean Rescue

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022

PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) —

The Air Force Reserve Command’s 920th Rescue Wing conducted a multi-person medical airlift in support of a critically-injured person aboard a cruise ship 600 nautical miles off the coast of Florida, Feb. 15. 

The 920th RQW launched two of its HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, two HC-130J Combat King II aircraft, and a team of pararescuemen within three hours of notification to rendezvous with the ship and transport a patient and ship’s nurse to a Florida hospital. 

“The combined capabilities of our special mission personnel and aircraft permitted us to provide immediate support,” said Col. Brian Diehl, 920th Operations Group commander. “Our constant planning and preparation allowed both operations and maintenance teams to shift rapidly from a normal training day to successful completion of this mission with very little notice.” 

In contact with the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, the team executed the airlift under Defense Support of Civil Authorities. DSCA is the process by which United States military assets and personnel can be used to assist civil authorities during emergencies and other specific events. 

Reaching the ship’s remote location required three aerial refuelings en route, provided by one HC-130J, while the second Combat King II performed double duty as a spare tanker and went directly to the vessel to initiate coordination from the air. 

Once at the location, and under the command of the 920th RQW’s 301st Rescue Squadron, the HH-60s took control, examined the ship and conditions to position successfully from the air, insert two pararescuemen who were hoisted down, and immediately began preparing the patient and ship’s nurse for the emergency transport. Once prepared, the PJs, pilots, and special mission aviators worked in concert to hoist them into the helicopter, where the patient was stabilized while en route to a Florida hospital. 

The entire extraction took less than four minutes. 

“High seas, strong winds, and a ship going 10 knots added a lot of dynamics to this rescue as we worked on getting these people up into the aircraft, but this is what we train for” said a 301st RQS pilot. “When they say that there is a real-world rescue to execute, our focus is on saving lives.” 

The 920th Maintenance Group generated six aircraft and ensured they were crew-ready in less than one hour. This feat required inspecting, fueling, and configuring the aircraft for the mission while executing other aircraft maintenance requirements. 

“Much like our wing exercises that simulate Indo-Pacific region travel over long distances of water in a short period of time, our training and preparation allow us to ensure aircraft are ready for real-world events at a moment’s notice and shows the importance of getting aircraft back to flight line 100% ready for any contingency at any time,” said Lt. Col. George Cole, 920th Maintenance Group commander. 

The rescue mission covered just under 1,100 miles round trip over open ocean and completed in eight hours. 

Based at Patrick Space Force Base, the 920th RQW is AFRC’s only combat search and rescue wing. Its primary mission is to plan, lead, and conduct military rescue operations and missions to deny competitors and adversaries’ exploitation of isolated personnel.

By Lt Col Ian Phillips, 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Procures Orolia’s CRPA Testing Solution

Sunday, February 20th, 2022

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 15, 2022 – Orolia Defense & Security, the No. 1 provider of software-defined simulation solutions for navigation warfare, was selected by the U.S. Air Force Guided Weapons Evaluation Facility to deliver a BroadSim Wavefront. BroadSim Wavefront is a pillar of innovation among Orolia’s Skydel-powered advanced GNSS simulators.

The GWEF provides laboratory testing and simulation tools for developing precision-guided weapon technology, including a comprehensive scope of GPS/INS systems and integrated components like sensors, signals of opportunity and Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas. CRPAs are fundamental in many platforms due to their enhanced protection against electronic attacks in NAVWAR environments.

The Broadsim Wavefront simulator will be integrated into a test environment for networked, collaborative and autonomous weapon systems being developed under the Golden Horde program. Golden Horde is one of four Air Force Vanguard programs designed to rapidly advance emerging weapons systems and warfighting concepts through prototype and experimentation.

Of the several capabilities the GWEF required, features such as low-latency hardware-in-the-loop, automated calibration, and the flexibility to quickly integrate future signals and sensors were the most critical and serve as a key reason Orolia’s BroadSim Wavefront was selected. This system will also be capable of testing eight element CRPA systems, eight simultaneous Fixed Radiation Pattern Antenna systems, or a combination of CRPA and FRPA systems.

“When designing BroadSim Wavefront, we re-imagined every aspect for the user,” said Tyler Hohman, director of products for Orolia Defense & Security. “Though the GWEF unit contains eight nodes (corresponding to each antenna element), it can be scaled from four to 16 antenna elements. One of the greatest advancements is our continuous phase monitoring and compensation technique. It automatically monitors, aligns and adjusts the phase of each RF output continuously throughout the duration of a scenario.”

• Watch the Skydel Wavefront calibration tutorial on Orolia Defense & Security’s YouTube channel.

“Gone are the days of re-calibrating each frequency on your system, limiting your scenario duration or re-calibration every time you power cycle your system,” added Hohman. “Simply turn the system on, start the scenario, and your Wavefront system phase aligns and remains aligned for the entirety of the test.”

Leveraging the Skydel Simulation Engine, BroadSim Wavefront also supports high-dynamics, MNSA M-Code, alternative RF navigation, open-source IMU plug-in and 1000Hz iteration update rate.

“Because of the software-defined architecture, many upgrades don’t require additional hardware, which has been a crucial advantage for customers who are already using this solution,” Hohman said.

The next generation of CRPA testing is led by BroadSim Wavefront. For more information, visit www.oroliads.com/broadsim-wavefront.

Ask about Orolia’s wavefront superiority by contacting sales@OroliaDS.com.