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Special Tactics Community Welcomes New Wing Commander

Monday, June 7th, 2021

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – Families, friends and members of the Hurlburt Field and Special Tactics community gathered to welcome the new commander of the 24th Special Operations Wing during a change of command ceremony June 4, 2021 at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, recognized outgoing commander, Col. Matt Allen and introduced Col. Jason Daniels as the newest and sixth wing commander of the sole Special Tactics wing in the Air Force.

Before relinquishing command, Allen was presented the Legion of Merit for his time as the wing commander. During his tenure Special Tactics Airmen conducted 2,200 combat missions, surveyed 22 airfields, controlled over a thousand aircraft and eliminated thousands of enemy personnel from the battlefield resulting in the wing being accredited with several valor awards, Air Force and AFSOC level recognitions, all with the backdrop of a global pandemic.

“No wing in our [major command], in fact in our entire United States Air Force for that matter, has either required or produced better tactical and operational leaders for the last two decades than the 24th SOW,” said Slife. “No community has better exemplified the finest of AFSOC or born a greater burden than our Special Tactics community.”

As the new commander of the 24th SOW and roughly 2,500 Airmen, Daniels is responsible for preparing Special Tactics forces to conduct global air, space, and cyber-enabled special operations across the spectrum of conflict to prepare for, fight, and win our nation’s wars.

“No leadership team is better prepared to propel the 24th SOW into the very different yet very exciting future which lies ahead than Jason and [his wife],” said Slife. “A career Special Tactics Officer with broad leadership experience, deep intellect and unflinching moral courage, Col. Daniels is the perfect officer to take the guidon from Col. Allen.”

Prior to assuming command of the 24th SOW, Daniels was assigned to AFSOC Headquarters and previously served as the wing’s vice commander.

Daniels, a Wilson, North Carolina native and 1998 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, has served in five Special Tactics Squadrons as a Flight Commander, Director of Operations, and Commander. Daniels led joint forces in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM-Philippines, ENDURING FREEDOM-Trans Sahara, INHERENT RESOLVE, IRAQI FREEDOM and more, earning him two Bronze Star Medals with Valor and several additional military honors.

“To the Airmen of the 24th SOW, I’m both humbled and honored to serve with you again,” said Daniels. “We’ll continue to take the fight to violent extremists and other adversaries that threaten our nation’s interests.”

Air Force Special Tactics is AFSOC and U.S. Special Operations Command’s air-ground integration force, delivering global access, precision strike, personnel recovery and battlefield surgery capabilities to the joint force. Special Tactics is the most highly decorated community in the Air Force since the end of the Vietnam War and has received one Medal of Honor, 12 Air Force Crosses, 50 Silver Stars, roughly 650 Bronze Star medals.

“Thanks for the blood, sweat and tears you’ve given for our country and the foundation you set for AFSOC’s Special Tactics force that exists today,” said Daniels. “It is my goal, intent and desire to honor those sacrifices and efforts as we continue to transform to meet the security challenges of tomorrow.”

By 24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

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

5th SOS Tests New Aircrew Protective Mask for C-130 Enterprise

Friday, June 4th, 2021

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. — The 5th Special Operations Squadron demonstrated the unique capabilities of the unit while testing a new protective mask for the 53rd Wing.

The squadron tested the Joint Service Aircrew Mask for Strategic Aircraft, which is slated to replace the current Aircrew Eye and Respiratory Protection System equipment. The equipment protects aircrew against Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear threats in the air.

The 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron, which falls under the 53rd WG at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is responsible for testing new equipment in electronic warfare, armaments and avionics, chemical defense, reconnaissance, and aircrew training devices. They selected the 5th SOS to assist in testing the mask.

“The 5th SOS is perfect for the test because we’re all instructors and evaluators with thousands of flight and combat hours,” said Maj. Justin Eulberg, 5th SOS AC-130J Ghostrider evaluator and pilot. “It was very natural for the 5th to take on that role and apply our experience to the ergonomics of this equipment.”

Eulberg was one of the pilots flying during the JSAM SA tests.

The 28th TES needed a dynamic environment with many moving components to test the practicality of the new system. The 5th SOS operates AC-130J Ghostriders, which offer a diverse culmination of specialties all happening within a limited space, creating the ideal testing environment for the new system.

“We’ll have gunners in the back moving around loading ammo, sensor operators talking over radios and pilots flying, so the work load is heavier [than a standard airframe,]” said Eulberg. “In their own terms, [the 28th TES] wanted to test it on one of the most difficult airframes last.”

JSAM SAs are more comfortable and designed to include a helmet and hood in the event of a CBRNE threat, according to aircrew who conducted the assessment. The dual helmet-mask design is also capable of supporting communications equipment, doesn’t fog up as easily as the AERPS and doesn’t require a second blower to provide oxygen.

“I’m 100 percent for this new system, I think it could potentially save lives downrange” said Master Sgt. Justin Spurling, 28th TES aircrew flight equipment manager. “The updated technology will keep our aircrew safe in a CBRNE environment and is much easier to maintain.”

Spurling assessed and routed the results of the test to Air Combat Command for further evaluation.

The 5th SOS was the last squadron to test the JSAM SA before C-130 platforms across the U.S. Air Force could field the system. The tests yielded positive results, rating higher than the AERPS in a range of topics from hypoxia prevention to ease of respiration.

“We have our fingers in a lot of different pies, not just training at the school house,” said Eulberg. “We also conduct tests and augment our active duty counterparts. Our participation in the test changed the future of how we protect aircrew against CBRNE threats.”

The tests lasted eight days and required aircrew to evaluate the effectiveness of the mask in a variety of scenarios.

“These tests play an important role in the larger modernization of the Air Force,” said Spurling.

Reserve instructors and evaluators have conducted similar tests in the past on new equipment and processes that fall under United States Special Operations Command priorities such as crew workload tests.

“The 5th SOS is in a unique position because of how diverse the expertise is within the squadron,” said Eulberg. “We offer a unique melting pot of experience, there’s just not another squadron like it in the Gunship community.”

To see more examples of how the 5th SOS and other squadrons throughout the 919th Special Operations Wing continue to leverage technology and innovation, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

By SrA Dylan Gentile, 919th Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, CBRNE, Guest Post | Comments Off on 5th SOS Tests New Aircrew Protective Mask for C-130 Enterprise

Air Force Releases Updated Fitness Test Score Breakdown

Friday, May 28th, 2021

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —

The Air Force will resume physical fitness testing July 1 with only three components: push-ups, sit-ups and the 1.5-mile run.

Without the waist measurement as a scored component, push-ups and sit-ups will increase from 10 to 20 points each, while the 1.5-mile run will remain at 60 points. Scoring will fall into five-year age groups, as opposed to the previous 10. Updated charts can be found here.

The waist measurement will no longer be required as part of the physical fitness test but a separate assessment of body composition, as required by DoD Instruction 1308.3, will continue starting in October. Testing for body composition may continue to use some form of waist measurement and may be administered during PT testing to reduce scheduling and administrative burdens, but body composition will not be a component of the PT test itself. Further details on the body composition program will be released at a later date.

The Air Force has also worked on alternative strength and cardiovascular testing exercise options with plans to announce them in the coming weeks. Once announced, members and fitness monitors will have approximately six months to familiarize themselves with use and execution of the alternative testing options prior to having them available in January 2022. Members will have a choice of which testing options they choose for their physical fitness assessment components. The six-month timeline will help ensure fitness assessment cells are prepared to train physical training leaders to administer tests using the new options.

“We are moving away from a one-size-fits-all model,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. “More testing options will put flexibility in the hands of our Airmen – where it belongs. We know not all Airmen maintain their fitness the same way and may excel in different areas. Alternate components provide choices while still providing a mechanism to determine overall fitness.”

These changes align under the Air Force’s Action Order Airmen, people-first approach.

“Physical fitness is an important part of our everyday lives, it’s more than just a test – it’s a way of life, our readiness and ultimately our future success,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. “July 1st is a chance to refocus on building a lifestyle of fitness and health, and I know our Airmen will be ready.”

For additional information, Airmen can visit myPers or the Air Force’s Personnel Center’s fitness program page.

The Space Force will follow these policies until service-specific fitness policies are developed and fielded.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, Training | 5 Comments »

Civil Air Patrol Awards $2.1 Million Contract to Persistent Systems to Supply AERONet system

Thursday, May 27th, 2021

Airborne Extensible Relay Over-Horizon Network will connect emergency managers to remote rescue and disaster relief teams

For Release on March 30, 2021

NEW YORK– March 30, 2021 – Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), an industry leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) technology, announced today it has been awarded a $2.1 million contract to supply AERONet to Civil Air Patrol, the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.

Persistent will outfit nine aircraft, 21 dismounted ground units, six vehicles and three tactical operations centers with AERONet, or the Airborne Extensible Relay Over-Horizon Network, an IP-based MANET capability that can facilitate:

• Disaster relief and emergency aid,

• Drug interdiction and other law enforcement missions,

• Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance,

• Personnel recovery operations,

• Close air support, and

• Joint force and joint nation operations.

The contract follows multiple earlier ones that included AERONet equipment for five aircraft, three dismounted units, one vehicle and one tactical operations center, along with spares.

“With AERONet, Civil Air Patrol will be able to conduct disaster relief and emergency aid missions far more effectively,” said Adrien Robenhymer, Persistent’s VP of Business Development for Air Force and Intelligence Community Programs. “Teams that otherwise would have had to operate in isolation can now connect back to a tactical operations center and be guided by medical professionals.”

Separate AERONet enclaves can also be federated at a regional hub, so different organizations can better coordinate their activities and avoid working at cross-purposes, Robenhymer added.

The AERONet kit for a Civil Air Patrol aircraft includes two MPU5 tactical networking devices, each operating on separate radio frequency bands and using a different set of multiple-input and multiple output antennas, said Gabe Pagliere, Persistent Systems project engineer and lead on the company’s AERONet efforts.

“When the tactical operations center and deployed ground teams are not in range of each other, they can relay their communication through the AERONet equipment on the airplane,” Pagliere said. “This enables their communication to extend across long distances, over terrain and around obstructions.”

Persistent Systems successfully conducted an AERONet demonstration in August linking an aircraft to a tactical operations center and a beyond-line-sight unit on the ground. The link delivered a live video feed to simulate how medical doctors could provide remote assistance from anywhere in the world. The demonstration proved that robust network connectivity could save lives during a disaster relief effort.

“Following that, we completed our first AERONet integration with an international customer,” Robenhymer said, “and we are already supporting multiple domestic and international implementations of this capability.”

www.persistentsystems.com

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Comms, Contracts, Press Release | Comments Off on Civil Air Patrol Awards $2.1 Million Contract to Persistent Systems to Supply AERONet system

Travis AFB Partnership Springs Air Force Forward with New Aerial Porter Exoskeleton

Wednesday, May 26th, 2021

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) —

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and Air Mobility Command partnered with Arizona State University to develop the Aerial Port Exoskeleton, a new piece of equipment set to be used in an official capacity at Travis Air Force Base, May 17.

The Aerial Port Exoskeleton helps aerial porters perform their duties with less strain.

“Aerial ports have a high injury rate in the Air Force,” said Tech. Sgt. Landon Jensen, Air Mobility Command innovations, systems and future command manager. “That’s why we are looking into this kind of solution to help porters perform their duties more safely while also helping reduce the risk of injuries, so they are not suffering later in life.”

Travis AFB is currently serving as the test base for the new exoskeleton equipment. If the equipment proves to be beneficial, it will be utilized throughout the Air Force.

“We began looking into this equipment because of the outcome of the 2019 Volpe study,” Jensen said. “The Volpe study was a Department of Transportation study that focused on why retired aerial porters alone were costing upwards of $31 million a year on disability benefits.”

Following the results of the 2019 study, the 60th Aerial Port Squadron leadership looked into working with external parties to develop a solution reducing the number of Airmen leaving service in such a rough state.

“This project would have been impossible without the help of Arizona State University,” said 2nd Lt. Aaron Cox, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center program manager. “They focused on the development and manufacturing of the exoskeleton, and without their partnership we wouldn’t have been able to develop this technology.”

After a month-long testing period, the Airmen expressed the suits are a good investment and significantly reduces load bearing.

“This suit’s core function is to help us lift, but can also be used in other ways,” said Airman 1st Class Kyle Sunderman, 60th APS ramp serviceman. “During a load, fatigue can be a real issue and these exoskeletons really take a lot of the strain away.”

However, as with any new piece of equipment, it is not without fault, but the Airmen say they still feel safe.

“There are small things here and there where the suits can be improved to make them more user friendly,” said Airman 1st Class Xaviar Archangel, 60th APS aerial porter. “But there is no danger and these suits don’t have the strength to overpower the user, so I feel completely safe in it.

“These suits are pretty light,” Archangel said. “You hardly notice you are wearing them aside from the bulk around the waist. “But other than that, I could honestly wear these for an extended period with no problems if necessary.”

The Aerial Porter Exoskeleton is still in its prototype stage and will continue to be updated as data is recorded.

By SrA Cameron Otte, 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Robotics | 2 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: ABAV Marked Safe to Fly by US Air Force

Friday, May 14th, 2021

In addition to SOCOM Aviation, the U.S. Air Force has deemed the FirstSpear ABAV (Aviation Body Armor Vest) safe to fly for rotor wing operations.

Continuing to revolutionize the load carriage systems that transition from air, land to over-water operations even further, utilizing the Instant Adjust Back Panel and Adaptive Maritime and Land Cummerbunds this system configures quickly for the full spectrum of operational environments.

*  “6/12™ laser cut platform
*   Tubes™ Rapid-Release Technology
*   Flame Retardant
*   Aviation specific pocket suite
*  Instant Adjust Back Panel
*  Adaptive Cummerbund
*  CTAF devices

Purpose built for tactical aviation roles, the ABAV utilizes the latest in First Spear Technology to keep weight to an absolute minimum while maintaining true mission flexibility. Thanks to Tube™ technology and Cummerbund Tactical Aid to Flotation (CTAF) interchangeability via the Instant Adjust Back Panel the FS ABAV transitions from over land to over water in well under a minute with no tools required. Located inside the cummerbund, each system includes welded flotation bladders, inflation system and two firing handles for use as emergency tactical floatation aids to enhance aircrew survivability when operating over water. The FS ABAV has enhanced shoulder sleeves wrapping over the shoulder straps which helps keep the User streamlined and unencumbered around the neckline. Designed to absorb the bare minimum of water and provide modular flexibility for mission specific load carriage. The ABAV utilizes multiple FS technologies, including the 6/12 pocket attachment system and Tubes technology. The FS ABAV meets Flame Retardant (FR) and self-extinguishing parameters set forth by the US Military organizations that adopted it.

FirstSpear’s passion lies in that pursuit and development of disruptive innovation and technologies designed to pass the ultimate test; empowering those who employ them to dominate objectives and prevail in the spirit of our storied namesake. We are FirstSpear, and everything we do is Built for the X.

For more information about FirstSpear, check out www.first-spear.com

Posted in Advertiser, Air Force, Armor, Aviation, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

822d Base Defense Squadron Supports Agile Flag 21-2

Friday, May 14th, 2021

NAVAL OUTLYING LANDING FIELD CHOCTAW, Fla. — The 822d Base Defense Squadron provided security and opposing forces for the 4th Fighter Wing, North Carolina, during Agile Flag 21-2, May 3-5, 2021.

Air Combat Command’s Agile Flag 21-2 tested the 4th FW’s ability to deploy as a lead air expeditionary wing from its main operating base at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, while supporting three forward operating bases, which included Naval Outlying Landing Field Choctaw, Florida.

“The (exercise) allowed several ACC units to come together and complete a realistic mission set,” said Tech. Sgt. Steven Ethridge, 822d BDS section chief. “The Air Battle Staff was made up of several functions to include civil engineering, security forces and communications. This allowed the members to understand how actual deployments could require working with other units to accomplish the mission. The 822d (BDS’) role in Agile Flag was to provide the 4th FW with a scalable security element at the FOB in order to facilitate integrated combat turns from multi-capable Airmen.”

Integrated combat turns are rapid refueling and rearming procedures that allow pilots to get back to the fight as soon as possible. Without a secure base to conduct ICTs, pilots would be unable to project airpower at faster rates.

“(Base defense Airmen) are highly trained and provide a light, lean and lethal force anywhere in the world,” Ethridge said. “We also bring capabilities such as Airborne and Air Assault, in addition to built-in support functions such as (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), medical, transportation maintenance and communications.”

The 822d BDS joined Agile Flag to augment the 4th FW’s security mission.

In addition to security, the base defense Airmen acted as opposing forces to simulate a near-peer adversary at the FOB. These forces are crucial because they inject realism into the training, allowing Airmen to sharpen their tactics, techniques and procedures for agile combat employment.

“These TTPs will allow current and future lead wings to project air power anywhere, anytime,” Ethridge said. “A team becomes a stronger and more lethal force when they help each other complete the common mission.”

ACC will conduct future exercises focusing on the ACE construct, and for the Airmen involved, the opportunity is invaluable.

“Any time we have an opportunity to address and experiment with force presentation and agile combat employment concepts … it’s a victory for our Air Force,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Frasch, ACC operations dynamic force employment chief. “We take what we learned and build on those (lessons) for the next iteration. The more we do this, the faster progress will come.”

Story by A1C Jasmine Barnes, 23d Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Forces Focus, Guest Post | 2 Comments »

USAF Reaper Mods Targeted to Provide Capability for Near-Peer Threats

Thursday, May 13th, 2021

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

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s MQ-9 Program Office is moving forward with several fleet enhancement capabilities aimed at increasing the MQ-9 Reaper’s effectiveness against near-peer adversary threats.

The MQ-9 is an unmanned aircraft with intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capability, traditionally used for Counter-Violent Extremist Organization combat operations. That mission is now shifting.

The MQ-9 is demonstrating it is still a relevant platform as it supports new missions in United States European Command and is now set to receive a suite of upgrades to allow the platform to offer a host of new capabilities for combatant commanders and warfighters around the world.

The Air Force will award the first delivery order of planned MQ-9 Multi-Domain Operation aircraft – which will include several new upgrades from previous production builds – to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems in April 2021. The Air Force is also retrofitting a portion of the already fielded MQ-9 fleet to the same M2DO configuration, allowing the Air Force to leverage current fleet numbers to meet future warfighter requirements through the service life of the aircraft.

“Working with Air Combat Command and other stakeholders, the MQ-9 enterprise will add new capabilities to the platform to help ensure the MQ-9 is able to support these missions in the threat environment we envision,” said Lt. Col. Nick Jordan, MQ-9 production and retrofit materiel leader. “The user has directed us to add technology into the platform which signals that the MQ-9 can offer more capability than just C-VEO operations over the next 10 to 15 years. It can remain relevant with these added and upgraded technologies.”

The MQ-9 Program Office is already completing initial fleet retrofits that will mitigate potential jamming to the platform. This is the first retrofit of many, as MQ-9 M2DO configured aircraft will receive additional closely-held capabilities that will enable command and control mission assurance and resiliency while the aircraft is airborne.

Additionally, the MQ-9 team will increase the electronic power for the platform. This increase, coupled with concurrent development efforts to create an open architecture design for the platform, will allow the Air Force to rapidly integrate new capabilities in response to emerging threats identified by combatant commanders.

Additional M2DO enhancements also include upgrades to the electro-optical/infra-red sensor and will expand the types of weapons the platform will be able to carry.

The Air Force projects with these smart investments the MQ-9 will remain operationally viable for worldwide operations through the end of the platform’s projected service life of 2035. In conjunction, the Air Force will continue to evaluate options to find a more viable solution in the future.

By Air Force Life Cycle Management Center

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on USAF Reaper Mods Targeted to Provide Capability for Near-Peer Threats