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34th Special Operations Squadron Validates U-28 SOFORGEN, ACE concepts

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – Members of the 34th Special Operations Squadron recently deployed to Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, to validate the unit’s ability to generate combat capability under the new Special Operations Force Generation model.

SOFORGEN replaces the current Air Expeditionary Force construct with a 20-month cycle, comprised of four, five-month phases of readiness. The phases are:

Available to Commit: Airmen have achieved peak readiness and are either deployed or ready to deploy.

Reset: Unit has returned from deployment or is removed from the “available to commit” phase. Training focus is on the individual (aircrew upgrade, PME, schools to develop technical and leadership skills).

Prepare: Build toward peak unit readiness while shielded from deployment. The focus is on developing squadron flights as a core unit of action and flight commanders as competent and credible leaders.

Ready: Achieve a high level of readiness for deployed taskings and experiment with tactics, techniques and procedures and concepts of operation for competition and conflict mission sets.

“The exercise is validating all of the training we’ve been doing over the past several months in the ‘prepare’ phase of FORGEN,” said Capt. Austin, commander of the deployed flight. “It’s important because we are exercising our ability to plan for short-notice contingencies while being able to deploy and execute to those at the flight level.”

Members of the 34th SOS conducted in-depth planning in the weeks prior to execution. The planning portion of the exercise was kicked-off with academics presented by weapons officers from the 14th Weapons Squadron, also located on Hurlburt Field. From there, members split into mission planning cells, ultimately briefing the “Air Boss”, their commander, Lt. Col. Sarah Brehm.

Another unique aspect of this validation exercise and the 34th’s efforts to align under the SOFORGEN construct is that critical support functions such as intelligence or Aircrew Flight Equipment are being assigned to specific flights rather than the squadron-at-large.

“We have had VALEXs for every deployment,” said 1st Lt. Cody, an intelligence officer assigned to the 1st Special Operations Support Squadron’s Intelligence Flight who deployed to Georgia as the Special Operations Tasking Unit intelligence lead. “The difference this time is that we are essentially trying to package it in a way that enables the SOFORGEN construct. With SOFORGEN, SOTUs are essentially pre-packaged groups that are able to be deployed or move around and perform a mission function on their own.”

A critical component of the SOTU, and any U-28A mission, is communications. Technicians from the 1st Special Operations Communications Squadron assigned to the 34th SOS “provide network services to the flyers and mission commanders,” said Staff Sgt. Brant, a communications supervisor with the 1st SOCS. “This enables them to properly surveil the mission areas while making the best possible decisions.”

The exercise also tested Agile Combat Employment for the U-28A unit. Specifically, the squadron wanted to test its ability to conduct combat operations from dispersed airfields. In this case, the unit was able to rapidly deploy to Robins AFB, set up and begin operations. In a real-world application, the U-28A can leverage its ability to take-off and land on short runways and semi-prepared surfaces to successfully conduct missions virtually anywhere.

While this exercise might be over, the transformation from the “AFSOC We Needed” to the “AFSOC We Will Need” continues. Proactive and collaborative efforts at the unit level will help advance that transformation and ensure AFSOC remains ready and relevant well into the future.

“With SOFORGEN, members and units have more time to not only become proficient and ready for historical mission sets like Violent Extremist Organizations,” said Lt. Col. Sarah Brehm, 34th SOS commander. “We also have the breathing space for what comes next.”

The 34th SOS is one of two U-28A squadrons assigned to Hurlburt Field. AFSOC fielded the U-28A fleet through the purchase of commercially available aircraft and subsequent military modification to include tactical communications capabilities, aircraft survivability equipment, electro-optical sensors, and advanced navigation systems. The advanced radio-communications suite is capable of establishing U.S. Department of Defense and NATO datalinks, delivering full-motion video, and transmitting secure voice communications. The U-28A benefits from outstanding reliability and performance, and the aircraft is capable of operating from short runways and semi-prepared surfaces.

Story by 2nd Lt. Jason Barkey

Photo by Airman 1st Class Amanda Flower-Raschella

1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on 34th Special Operations Squadron Validates U-28 SOFORGEN, ACE concepts

Cracking Zendia’s Codes Safeguarded America

Sunday, November 21st, 2021

The National Cryptologic Museum operates as the National Security Agency’s principal gateway to the public, holding within its archives a treasure trove of cryptologic equipment. Its mission is to educate visitors in person and online about the role of cryptology in shaping history, from the ancient world to the present. In this occasional series, we highlight some of the rarest and most interesting artifacts found in its collection. Enjoy!

FORT MEADE, Md. – If the punchline to the famous joke, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” is practice, the same theory applies to National Security Agency staff who aspire to join the ranks of the best cryptanalysts in the world.

Over decades, cryptanalysts were trained by a world famous concert flautist who made it to Carnegie himself before entering the halls of the NSA to teach hundreds how to crack codes. Lambros Callimahos, born in Cairo to Greek parents, created musical history with an all-flute recital in New York’s most famous concert hall in 1938. After that he then pursued another of his passions, cryptology. He entered the Army cryptologic service in 1941 and went on to teach cryptology at the Army Security Agency and later the NSA.

Callimahos’s students crossed the classroom threshold under a sign that said “Through these doors pass the Agency’s best cryptanalysts.” A master of languages, speaking 9 fluently and reading several more, he made up his own language and country to train his students. He imbued his fictional island nation of Zendia, not only with its own language, but a distinct culture, history, and a ruler, Salvo Salasio, whose picture bore more than a passing resemblance to a young Callimahos.

Salvo Salasio, the fictional ruler of the island nation of Zendia, bears a remarkable resemblance to a young Lambros Callimahos. Photo: National Cryptologic Museum

Recently the National Cryptologic Museum (NCM) uncovered long-lost materials from the course, which help tell the story of the NSA’s early training in cryptanalysis.

“These artifacts illustrate the attention to detail that Callimahos put into developing the training program provided to early NSA Cryptanalysts. The story of this program adds to the already rich history of American Cryptology,” said NCM Collections Manager Spencer Allenbaugh.

Callimahos’ course, which he taught for more than 20 years, was known as CA-400. It was an expansion of William Friedman’s original senior cryptanalytic course, and is still legendary around the Agency. Friedman was the NSA’s chief cryptologist in its earliest days.

The teaching materials used in CA-400 increased over the years, and by the mid-1970’s a student was expected to read over sixty books and documents. However, it was the “Zendian Problem” at the end of the course that needed solving before graduation.

Zendia represented Callimahos’s almost overwhelming thoroughness and creativity. Students were tasked with decoding radio intercepts from the fictional island. U.S. Army cartographers even drew up a map placing the small island in the Pacifika Ocean, right where some would say God forgot to put it. Students had to decipher 375 Zendian military messages, essentially Morse code intercepts in the Zendian language. The messages were enciphered by a variety of manual and machine systems. Over two weeks, students were tasked to decrypt and translate all the exploitable messages. If they could crack the made-up language, they could crack any other on earth.

The recent discoveries associated with the CA-400 course are the Zen-45 and Zen-50 cipher machines that students used to break the Zendian codes. The bright green machines mimicked real-world tools such as the SIGABA, and help tell the story of the NSA’s early cryptanalysis training.

“The National Cryptologic School (NCS) is enthusiastic over the museum’s discovery,” said Diane Janosek, Commandant of the NCS.

Diane Janosek poses alongside one of the newly discovered ZEN cipher machines used by Lambros Callimahos to teach National Security Agency staff to become cryptalnalysts. Photo by NSA

“The Zen devices provide us the opportunity to reflect on the rich history of the school and its immense value in contributing over five decades toward a well-educated and prepared workforce to defend our nation,” said Janosek.

Visitors to the NCM can look forward to seeing these treasured ZEN machines on exhibit when museum renovations are completed and the collection reopens in the Spring of 2022.

Posted in Air Force, CEMA, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

Air Force Security Forces Center Initiatives Modernize Total Force Defenders

Saturday, November 20th, 2021

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

When it comes to equipping more than 38,000 security forces members across the Total Force, the Air Force Security Forces Center seeks to give Defenders every advantage over their adversaries. The AFSFC Logistics Directorate is charged with making sure it happens.

AFSFC, a primary subordinate unit of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, relies on the directorate to acquire and deliver the latest, technically advanced personal gear and equipment to security forces members around the world, including those from the U.S. Space Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.

The directorate accomplishes the work with a staff of experts from various security forces and related functions, ranging from individual requirements and equipment to deployable equipment, weapons management and ground munitions.

“AFSFC’s deliberate strategic plan to modernize and standardize security forces’ equipment across the Total Force serves as a catalyst in achieving superior agility and lethality in a battlefield environment,” said Col. Aaron Guill, AFSFC commander. “Our logistics folks, with their knowledge and expertise, are one of the reasons we are successful.”

A recent initiative called the Model Defender Kit is one example of how the AFSFC team is modernizing the force.

“It’s a long-term initiative that standardizes the gear ensemble issued to every Defender across the security forces enterprise,” said Master Sgt. Derek Walton, individual equipment manager in the Logistics Directorate. “Our responsibility is to put an acquisition strategy in place once the testing and final solutions are made on the composition of the standardized gear ensemble.”

Replacing individual equipment with new technology involves stringent research, testing and evaluation processes. Walton and other members of the team manage the process from cradle to grave. After decisions are made, they purchase samples of equipment from various vendors and send them to several bases for testing and evaluation.

“Upgrading the 23 standard individual equipment items issued to every Defender takes time, but we’re committed and our efforts are producing positive results,” Walton said.

High-speed ballistic helmet

High-speed ballistic helmets are one such example. Now standard issue for security forces, the new high-cut helmets provide superior comfort and feature a built-in rail system to accommodate accessories such as night vision goggles and tactical communications equipment. More than 27,000 of the 28,934 helmets purchased by AFIMSC are already in the field. The remainder should arrive at units by late December.

Female body armor

In 2020, the AFSFC committed to a Total Force purchase of body armor developed specifically for women in security forces. The new armor is lighter and a better fit than previous body armor. It also improves mobility and provides better protection of the vital organs. The initial 7,688 vests were distributed across the Total Force.

Modular scalable vest

In 2021, AFSFC began testing and evaluating a new modular scalable vest at several bases. The latest tactical body armor features additional padding for the shoulders and hips, and a pouch designed to prevent armor plates from shifting. The vests can be configured for different levels of protection based on mission requirements. Today, security forces Airmen are equipped with more than 8,100 of the new vests.

Another branch of the Logistics Directorate, the Weapons and Munitions Division, is furthering AFSFC’s commitment to accelerate change by integrating and delivering innovative solutions that modernize security forces weapons and ground munitions systems. The division also supports and advocates for all user communities across the Air Force enterprise, not just security forces.

“Our unit validates and approves all requirements for weapons systems and munitions that enable Defenders across the Total Force to sustain a safe and secure operating environment,” said Randy Roth, Weapons and Munitions Division deputy chief.

The division has enhanced lethality by making significant contributions to several recent weapons modernization initiatives.

M18 modular handgun

AFSFC began shipping the M18 modular handgun systems to security forces units in early 2019. The M18 modular design and ergonomic features improve target acquisition and accuracy, outperforming the bulkier M9, which had been in use for more than 30 years. The M18 can also be customized with small, medium or large hand grips. AFSFC managed the purchase of 48,860 and fielding of 38,708 M18s.

M4A1 carbine rifle

Another recent acquisition is the fully automatic M4A1 carbine rifle, an upgrade to the semi automatic M4, which fires only a three-round burst. Defenders are currently transitioning to the new weapon. For security forces, the M4A1 will be equipped with the direct view optic that magnifies at a 1:6 ratio.

“It’s going to increase defender lethality by improving observation, identification and target accuracy,” Roth said. AFSFC managed the purchase of 50,000 DVOs and will begin shipping them to units in the first quarter of 2022.

M110A1 squad designated marksman rifle

The M110A1 is replacing the M24 precision rifle, which has been in use since security forces established the close precision engagement program 20 years ago. The new weapon comes with the same scope as the M4A1 and has a bullet drop compensator for 7.62 mm ammunition. It will be fitted with a 3:24 magnification optic that increases maximum effective range and enhances surveillance. The system also has military standard rails to allow attachment of accessories, such as a clip-on night sight. That was not an option with the M24. The M110A1 provides semi-automatic fire to increase engagement speed when encountering multiple targets. AFSFC managed the purchase of 1,464 M110A1s. Deliveries to units will start in the first quarter of 2022.

Polymer cased 50-caliber round

The Center is also replacing 50-caliber rounds with heavier brass shells with a polymer-based alternative. “Just recently approved by the Nonnuclear Munitions Board, the new light-weight polymer-based shell casings are ideal for agile Helo rescue units,” Roth said. “We predict these rounds will eventually get into the hands of our ground-based units and Defenders.”

“At Security Forces Center, we strive to find the best solutions to efficiently procure and deliver the latest technology across the Total Force,” said Bryan Gillespie, AFSFC director of logistics. “Above all, we want Defenders to know we are here for them and encourage Defenders and commanders alike to reach out when they have questions and concerns, or are in need of logistics support and sustainment.”

By Joe Bela, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | 2 Comments »

TacJobs – USAF Special Reconnaissance

Friday, November 19th, 2021

Special reconnaissance Airmen are special tactics operators with unique training to conduct multi-domain reconnaissance and surveillance across the spectrum of conflict with focus on lethal and non-lethal air-to-ground integration of airpower.

Learn more at www.airforce.com/careers/detail/special-reconnaissance.

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, ISR, SOF, TacJobs | 5 Comments »

Next Generation Fixed Wing Flight Helmet by Lift Airborne Technologies

Thursday, November 18th, 2021

Hasard Lee gives us a look at the Next Generation Fixed Wing Flight Helmet by Lift Airborne Technologies currently under evaluation by the Air Force.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, Helmets | 3 Comments »

Russian Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite Missile Test Creates Significant, Long-Lasting Space Debris

Wednesday, November 17th, 2021

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. —

Russia tested a direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) missile on Nov. 15, 2021, Moscow Standard Time, that struck a Russian satellite [COSMOS 1408] and created a debris field in low-Earth orbit. The test so far has generated more than 1,500 pieces of trackable orbital debris and will likely generate hundreds of thousands of pieces of smaller orbital debris.

“Russia has demonstrated a deliberate disregard for the security, safety, stability, and long-term sustainability of the space domain for all nations,” said U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander. “The debris created by Russia’s DA-ASAT will continue to pose a threat to activities in outer space for years to come, putting satellites and space missions at risk, as well as forcing more collision avoidance maneuvers. Space activities underpin our way of life and this kind of behavior is simply irresponsible.”

USSPACECOM’s initial assessment is that the debris will remain in orbit for years and potentially for decades, posing a significant risk to the crew on the International Space Station and other human spaceflight activities, as well as multiple countries’ satellites. USSPACECOM continues to monitor the trajectory of the debris and will work to ensure all space-faring nations have the information necessary to safeguard their on-orbit activities if impacted by the debris cloud, a service the United States provides to the world, to include Russia and China.

“Russia is developing and deploying capabilities to actively deny access to and use of space by the United States and its allies and partners,” Dickinson added. “Russia’s tests of direct-ascent anti-satellite weapons clearly demonstrate that Russia continues to pursue counterspace weapon systems that undermine strategic stability and pose a threat to all nations.”

By US Space Command Public Affairs Office

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Space | 6 Comments »

Air Force Releases Alternate Component Fitness Score Charts

Tuesday, November 16th, 2021

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —

The Air Force will officially add new alternative components to physical fitness assessments beginning Jan. 1, 2022. The updated scoring charts can be found here.

After announcing the components in July, over 9,000 data points were collected to determine the point values for each component by assessing approximately 2,000 Airmen from 23 installations.

Airmen will have the choice to perform these options to meet the strength and cardiovascular requirements:

Cardio

Traditional 1.5-mile Run

High Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run (20M HAMR)

Strength

Traditional Push-ups

Hand Release Push-ups

Sit-ups

Traditional Sit-ups

Cross-Leg Reverse Crunch

Plank

“While testing these components at various installations, we received a large amount of positive feedback,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel, and services. “The changes to the physical fitness assessments reflect what we learned and our desire to provide Airmen with additional flexibility in maintaining fitness standards.”

Airmen can schedule their assessment and sign up for their desired cardio option via myFitness, which will be available for scheduling starting on Dec. 10. While members can select their desired cardio option when scheduling their assessment, they will select their desired strength components at time of their assessment.

While the waist measurement is no longer a component of the fitness assessment, DoD Instruction 1308.3 still requires Airmen to be measured for and maintain a healthy body composition to ensure physical readiness. The Air Force Surgeon General, who has responsibility for overall Airmen health, has reviewed alternatives and determined waist-to-height ratio as the best available method for assessing body composition. AF/SG will be providing guidance on this program in the coming months.

In addition to the approved new options, the Air Force continues to test future alternatives. Key tenets for new options include ensuring the test is an equivalent measure of fitness, regardless of testing method, and ensuring approved alternatives can be available at every location so all Airmen have the same set of options. This currently limits options like swimming or biking where sufficient equipment is not available at all locations. Likewise, based on equipment requirements and the need for continued testing, the one-mile walk is not being incorporated as an option at this time. The two-kilometer walk will remain a fitness component for those who are not medically cleared to perform the two approved aerobic options.

The Air Force Services Center is working with installation Fitness Assessment Cells to schedule and conduct training for Unit Fitness Program Managers and Physical Training Leaders to ensure proper administration of the new components.

The alternative events will not apply to Guardian annual fitness tests as the U.S. Space Force develops and implements their service-specific Holistic Health Assessment over the next year.

By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | Comments Off on Air Force Releases Alternate Component Fitness Score Charts

Airmen Interested in Learning Aviation Fundamentals, Becoming a Rated Officer Can Apply for Rated Prep Program Until Dec 2

Monday, November 15th, 2021

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

Active duty Air Force officers and enlisted personnel interested in becoming rated officers have until Dec. 2 to apply for the Spring 2022 Air Force Rated Preparatory Program (RPP), scheduled for March 20-25, 2022, and March 27-April 1, 2022 in Denton.

U.S. Air Force rated career fields consist of pilots, combat systems officers, air battle managers and remotely piloted aircraft pilots.

RPP provides qualified Airmen interested in cross-training to an Air Force rated career field the opportunity to gain and strengthen basic aviation skills.

“The Rated Preparatory Program provides a unique opportunity for officers and enlisted personnel to become rated officers,” said Brig. Gen. Brenda P. Cartier, Air Education and Training Command director of operations and communications. “Through RPP, qualified Airmen gain skills they may have not had the opportunity or resources to gain before entering the Air Force. We want to provide our Airmen the tools to pursue their lifelong dream of flying in the Air Force — a dream they may have never thought possible.”

Program participants will receive self-paced ground training, about eight flight hours in a Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182 Skylane, and additional training in Federal Aviation Administration-certified simulators — helping them become more competitive for rated selection boards.

“RPP has proven successful in improving students’ Air Force Officer Qualifying Test and Test of Basic Aviation Skills scores, which are considered at rated selection boards, by about 40%,” said Kathryn Gifford, AETC rated diversity improvement program analyst. “Of the 93 RPP students trained in fiscal years 19 and 20, 70 applied to the undergraduate flying training board, with 55 (78%) of applicants selected for a rated position.”

Airmen who can meet the requirements below are encouraged to apply.

Officer requirements:

Be of high moral character.

Obtain group commander (or higher) approval and endorsement (on application).

Take the AFOQT and TBAS to receive Pilot Candidate Selection Method initial scoring results prior to RPP. Then, retake the AFOQT and TBAS two-four weeks after completion of RPP. Note: The AFOQT and TBAS cannot be attempted more than three times total. RPP officials will provide an exception to policy for RPP graduates who require a waiver for retest intervals, and for those who have tested twice already.

Have less than five hours of total civilian flight time. Note: Applicants with greater than five hours of flight time will be considered on a space-available basis.

Prior to attending RPP, obtain the appropriate Air Force flight physical specific to the rated carrier field. For example, Initial Flying Class 1 for pilots.

Meet UFT board requirements post RPP in accordance with Air Force Manual 36-2100.

Review Civil Air Patrol-assigned study material prior to class start date.

Enlisted personnel requirements:

Must be under 33 years of age on March 20, 2022.

Prior to attending RPP, have or obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with at least a 2.5 GPA.

After completion of RPP, apply to an Air Force officer commissioning source at the next available opportunity.

Airmen interested in applying to the program can find additional information via the call for nominations on MyPers here (Common Access Card required).

For any questions, email AF.Rated.PrepProgramWorkflow@us.af.mil with “Attn: Rated Prep Program” as the subject line.

The Air Force RPP is led by Air Education and Training Command’s Rated Diversity Improvement Team, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph and supported by Civil Air Patrol.

RPP is not a commissioning program, nor does it guarantee participants will be selected for an Air Force rated position.