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First Special Warfare Airmen Graduate Initial Apprentice Course for Special Reconnaissance

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-CHAPMAN TRAINING ANNEX, Texas –The 352nd Special Warfare Training Squadron graduates the first wave of students from the new Special Reconnaissance Apprentice Course, June 17, 2021 at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina.

Formerly branded as Special Operations Weather Teams (SOWTs), the SR career field recently underwent a major restructuring. While short term weather forecasting will remain in the SR’s skillset, it will no longer dominate SR’s training and mission focus.

“Today’s SR graduates are better equipped with unique training to conduct multi-domain reconnaissance and surveillance with an eye towards gaps identified in the Department of Defense’s long range reconnaissance and force projection capabilities,” said Maj. Spencer Reed, 352nd SWTS commander. “This ceremony not only celebrates the first organically trained SR Airmen in our wing, but in the U.S. Air Force. I’m incredibly proud.”

Special Reconnaissance Airmen are among the most highly trained personnel in the U.S. military. Airmen receive training in surveillance and reconnaissance, multi-domain electronic warfare, long-range precision engagement and target interdiction, small unmanned aircraft systems, preparation of the environment, personnel recovery, and advanced special tactics skills.

“The first SR Apprentice Course graduation signifies the first tangible step towards the Air Force building an increased capability,” said Senior Master Sgt.Trenton Seegmiller, Air Education and Training Command’s special reconnaissance functional manager. “It is one of many steps in a never-ending process to maintain our edge over near-peer competitors.”

The course curriculum includes collecting meteorological and environmental data- a holdover requirement from the SOWT career field, yet significantly reduced in scope. New skills added are demolition, communication and signaling, human intelligence gathering, operational preparation of the environment and tactical cyber applications.

“Previous iterations of training required multiple courses and training locations, totaling around 215 training days,” Reed said. “This new 86-day course provides an updated training syllabus with a 60% reduction in training time.”

SR Airmen train to provide global battlespace awareness and access by translating information into actionable intelligence. In the battlespace, SR Airmen are part of Special Tactics teams in sensitive, forward operating locations, focused on global strike, global access and recovery missions.

Members of the Special Warfare Training Wing provide initial training for all U.S. Air Force Special Warfare training AFSCs, to include, Combat Controllers, Pararescue, Special Reconnaissance, and Tactical Air Control Party Airmen.

To learn more about SR Airmen or other U.S. Air Force Special Warfare career opportunities, go to: www.airforce.com/careers/in-demand-careers/special-warfare.

Story by Nicholas J. De La Pena, Special Warfare Training Wing

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

AFRL Opens Research Altitude Chambers, Becomes Force in Aerospace Physiology

Wednesday, June 16th, 2021

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – When Airmen are flying at 50,000 feet, they have to be prepared for every situation. And every piece of equipment that goes up with them must be able to function under the pressures of flight as well.

At the Air Force Research Laboratory, ensuring pilots, air crews, and all flight equipment can withstand various pressures, is one of the missions in the lab’s 711th Human Performance Wing, where research and aerospace medicine converge to enhance the performance and readiness of operational Airmen.

In order for these flying Airmen and their equipment to be ready, they must be tested against such pressures. Research must be conducted. Data must be collected. Training must occur. And all of this is made possible by AFRL’s human performance experts, in partnership with the Naval Medical Research Unit – Dayton, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base with state-of-the-art facilities including NAMRU-D’s spacial disorientation device called the Kraken, AFRL’s human-rated centrifuge, and most recently added, the lab’s research altitude chambers, commonly known as the RAC.

On May 27, leadership and aerospace physiology experts from across the Air Force came together both in-person and virtually via Zoom in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the RAC, a family of four computer-controlled altitude chambers.

“Aerospace physiology research and training, here in the RAC and in our other facilities, is essential to the readiness of our air crews and their missions,” said Darrell Phillipson, acting director of AFRL’s human performance wing, who presided over the ceremony. “Today, we are standing at the DoD’s epicenter of aerospace physiology research capability and expertise.”

But this convergence of expertise and facilities for aerospace physiology is anything but new. In fact, it’s been a plan for decades, growing and strategically relocating as technology has advanced.

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Rosales, the event’s master of ceremonies, discussed some of the history of how military scientists and researchers have provided the Air Force and sister services, including NASA, with groundbreaking research and training relating to the effects of weightlessness, pressure, altitude, temperature, acceleration and numerous other challenges that can arise in flight dating back as far as the late 1950s, decades before the strategic stand-up of the human performance wing in AFRL in 2008. He told the audience, which included Air Force Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Dorothy Hogg, Lt. Gen. Mark Ediger (ret.), AFRL Commander Maj. Gen. Heather Pringle, and AFRL Executive Director Tim Sakulich, among others, about the historical contribution to NASA with the development of space suits used by astronauts in the Gemini and Apollo programs.

As air frames and technology advance, so does research and training.

“These four research altitude chambers will give us an unprecedented capability to test and gather data, ensuring the continued longevity of flight equipment, and providing us a more complete set of tools to measure the effects of altitude on our pilots and air crews,” said Phillipson. “And this larger family of test facilities, supporting labs, and world-class talent establishes AFRL, in partnership with NAMRU-D, as one of the most capable and functionally-equipped research centers in aerospace physiology in the world. These facilities ensure our air crews are ready now, and for whatever the future may bring.”

For additional information about the RAC and the capabilities of each chamber, click here. For additional information on AFRL’s centrifuge, click here. For information about NAMRU-D’s Kraken, visit here. For a quick recap of the RAC ribbon-cutting ceremony, click here.

By Gina Marie Giardina, Air Force Research Laboratory Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, Medical | Comments Off on AFRL Opens Research Altitude Chambers, Becomes Force in Aerospace Physiology

Air Force Coins Official Maintenance Duty Uniform, Adds Immediate Wear of Tactical OCP Caps

Monday, June 14th, 2021

Air Force commanders of units with aircraft maintenance, industrial and other labor intensive Air Force Specialty Codes will have the option to authorize wear of a standardized, maintenance duty uniform, also referred to as coveralls, which may be worn on a day-to-day basis upon publication of the updated AFI 36-2903 anticipated for August 2021.

The career fields authorized to wear the MDU are: 2A, 2F, 2G, 2M, 2P, 2S, 2T, 2W, 3E, 3D, 1P.

“The MDU idea was presented to the 101st uniform board in November 2020 as a way to help increase readiness and timeliness from the work center to the flight line,” said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. “We are hoping this change will instill a sense of culture and inclusivity for our maintainers who work to keep the mission going 24/7.”

When authorized by commanders, the sage MDU will be unit funded and members will wear the basic configuration consisting of a nametape, service tapes and rank along with the higher headquarters patch on the left sleeve and a subdued U.S. flag and organizational patch on the right sleeve. The coyote brown t-shirt, OCP patrol or tactical cap, coyote brown or green socks, and coyote brown boots, are worn with the uniform. The MDU will not be utilized for office work environments, non-industrial or non-labor tasking, but is authorized for wear when transiting from home to duty location and all locations on installations. It must be worn in serviceable condition. Local coverall variants are still authorized but only in work centers and on the flight line.

Tactical OCP Cap

Additionally, immediate wear of some tactical OCP caps is authorized while the Air Force continues the acquisition process to complete this new uniform item. These are not yet available through AAFES.

Current tactical OCP caps may be worn if they are made entirely of OCP material or OCP material with a coyote brown mesh back. No other colors or combinations are authorized. The Velcro or sew-on spice brown name tape will be worn centered on the back of the caps. The only item authorized for wear on the front of the cap is rank for officers.

Officers will wear either pinned, sewn or Velcro spice brown rank insignia centered ½ inch on the front of the cap on an OCP background. Air Force first lieutenants and lieutenant colonels will wear black rank. Velcro on the hat should not exceed the size of the insignia. Chaplains may wear the chaplain occupational badge sewn-on and centered ½ inch above the visor.

Enlisted members will not wear rank insignia or a subdued flag on the cap, only a name tape on the back of the cap is authorized. The front of the cap must not have any Velcro or other items.

In addition, females are authorized to pull their bun or ponytail through the back of the tactical OCP cap.

Once the acquisition process is complete for the new uniform item, which is expected to take approximately a year, all other caps will be unauthorized.

At this time, Guardians will adhere to the uniform standards of the U.S. Air Force until the U.S. Space Force develops its own policy.

Note: Theater commanders prescribe the dress and personal appearance standards in the theater of operations.

Posted in Air Force, Clothing, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 4 Comments »

What Do You Call It?

Saturday, June 12th, 2021

Did you refer to the Standard Form 65-C (Large) as a Shotgun Envelope or Holey Joe?

Posted in Air Force, Army, History | 19 Comments »

USAF Clarifies Female Hair Standards

Friday, June 11th, 2021

Building on women’s hair updates announced in February 2021, beginning June 25 when hair is secured behind the head, the hair may extend six inches to the left and to the right and six inches protruding from the point where the hair is gathered.

For more information at go.usa.gov.

Posted in Air Force, For the Ladies, Profession of Arms | 19 Comments »

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 »