Air Force | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Air Force’ Category

SparkX Teams with Army Soldiers on Open-Source Drone Project

Saturday, July 26th, 2025

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – A small team of technicians at Joint Base Andrews is helping shape the future of battlefield innovation, one 3D-printed drone at a time.

The Andrews SparkX Cell Innovation and Idea Center partnered with the U.S. Army’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., to redesign Project SPECTRE (Small Printable-Engineered-Composites Tailorable Remote-Effect), an experimental effort to create rapidly deployable, customizable, small, unmanned aircraft systems.

The result of Project SPECTE was Blackbird, a fully open-source, government-owned drone platform that cut development costs by more than $1 million.

According to SparkX technicians, the Blackbird can be 3D-printed and assembled in 36 hours for about $200, offering a low-cost, modular sUAS solution for training and operational use in the field.

“Working within the government always provides an opportunity for quicker development that often times faces less roadblocks and is more cost-effective than the standard acquisition processes,” said a Soldier with the 1st MDTF.

With no formal aerospace engineering training, the SparkX technicians reverse-engineered a new platform from scratch. They developed an original airframe that met operational goals while avoiding intellectual property conflicts with the Army’s previous partner.

“It was what we envisioned the plane to look like,” recalled Staff Sgt. Stefan N. Sobiech, a former SparkX technician who is now stationed at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. “I oversaw creation of the wings, and I sought inspiration from the most efficient planes I could find.”

The project went through more than 10 variations, but Sobiech said the team kept pressing and learning from their mistakes.

“I don’t think there was ever an obstacle that we didn’t think we could work no past it,” he said. “We always went back at it from a different angle or researched how others got past a similar issue.”

The final design includes two propeller-driven motors, a wingspan of more than six feet and weighed approximately nine pounds. Its modular design features a push-to-connect fuselage and a customizable internal equipment tray, allowing for rapid swaps of mission-specific gear and easy to assembly in the field with no specialized tools.

In November, the team was invited to fly the drone during Titan Hoplite, a joint exercise hosted by the Air Force’s Task Force 99 at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. The SparkX technicians showcased their airframe alongside other advanced sUAS technologies, drawing interest from units across the Department of Defense.

Sobiech said the team conducted a 30-second shakedown flight before heading to Shaw, where the Blackbird flew for more than two minutes during Titan Hoplite demonstration.

The drone unfortunately crashed after flying out of range of the hobby-grade motors and avionics.

Although, Sobiech was unable to attend the event, he mentioned receiving texts and video footage from observers of the successful flight.

“I was ecstatic! To see it sustaining flight, for that length of time, was an amazing feeling,” he said.

Earl Bagwell, Spark X director, said the Titan Hoplite demonstration sparked interest from several organizations in the Army and Air Force that wanted to get involved.

Bagwell released the 3D files as an open source to allow other units to 3D-print the components and integrate their own avionics and motors.

“We knew this would be a sought-after capability, but instead of going through the long patent process, we decided to open source it,” Bagwell said. “Whoever needs it can have it—because we need to innovate and move faster.”

The Air Force Research Laboratory, the Army Research Laboratory, Combat Innovation Lab, Tesseract, and 2nd MDTF are among the organizations that have accessed to the Blackbird files. Together, they support operational theaters across U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command, Europe, Africa, special operations, and the Army National Guard.

The 1st MDTF successfully deployed and tested the system in various environments, implementing rapid design updates on-site to improve both their understanding of the platform and its capabilities.

“Working in the joint force allows us to consider multiple angles and employment methods that might not be considered in an Army-only environment,” said an 1st MDTF Soldier. “It also gives us access to resources and diverse skill sets not inherent within individual services.”

Story by Patrick Griffith, 316th Wing

Posted in Additive Manufacturing, Air Force, Army, Guest Post, UAS | 1 Comment »

Air Force Global Strike Command Orders Pause In Use of M18 Modular Handgun System Following Fatality at FE Warren AFB

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025

Following a fatality of a Security Forces Airman on 20 July, 2025, Gen Thomas Bussiere, the Commanding General of Air Force Global Strike Command has ordered a pause in use of the M18 Modular Handgun pending completion of Air Force Office of Special Investigations and Safety investigations.

In lieu of the sidearm, subordinate Wing Commanders will arm personnel with the M4 rifle in place of the M18. The M18 is manufactured by SIG SAUER and is based on the commercial P320.

While the Internet is rife with rumors, other than the fact that a Security Forces Airman (and by that the AF means a member of the service and not a rank) tragically lost their life in an incident involving an M18, we don’t know much more.

We’re not going to expect official findings for some time. The last fatality in that Squadron was in September 2023 and involved a roll over of an uparmoured HMMWV in inclement conditions and the report was released just last week.

While it would seem at its surface that the pause in use is significant, it has always been Air Force policy to pause training and operational use of systems which are involved in fatalities. This usually includes aircraft or hazardous activities such as diving or parachuting. During the pause, the command’s Combat Arms personnel, who conduct weapons training and maintenance, will wisely conduct 100% inspections of all Wing-assigned M18 weapons systems using:
Technical Order 11W-3-4-32 and additional supplemental inspection guidance in development by AFGSC/A3S. This latter guidance will be interesting to see.

So far, this stand-down is not Air Force-wide and only applies to the units involved in the nuclear enterprise. Aside from collaboration with the Air Force Security Forces Center, there are indications that other Major Commands within the Air Force are also considering a pause in the weapon’s use. This isn’t surprising as they seek guidance at the service level.

We have not yet reached out to the Small Arms program office of the Air Force or PEO Soldier’s Product Manager Soldier Weapons for comment due to this story breaking late yesterday afternoon. Manufacturer SIG provided us with this statement:

“Our hearts are with the service members and families impacted by the recent reported event at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base. We have offered assistance to the U.S. Military as they investigate the incident and remain willing to help in furtherance of their ongoing investigation.”

Below is a copy of the implementing AFGSC memorandum.

As soon as we know more, we’ll share it.

Posted in Air Force, weapons | 32 Comments »

Specialized EOD Fitness Test Will Gauge Critical Task Ability

Tuesday, July 15th, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

Explosive Ordnance Disposal has been added as the next combat arms career field to require special sex and age neutral fitness standards.

EOD joins other fields with heightened entry level and sustained physical fitness requirements. These requirements acknowledge that sustained endurance is necessary to tackle long hours in physically and mentally-taxing conditions.

The other specialties that utilize occupationally specific physical fitness assessments are in the Special Warfare community. Both communities started developing their fitness standards in 2015.

Starting Aug. 1, EOD Airmen will begin taking the new assessment that will measure their ability to perform tasks necessary to accomplish critical mission objectives. During an adaptation period over the last year, EOD Airmen took an unofficial version of the test. Results after July 31 will be part of an EOD Airman’s official record.

The assessment will include four exercises to assess muscular strength and endurance, anaerobic capacity and cardiorespiratory endurance:

1000-meter row

20-lb. medicine ball toss

Trap bar lift

Gruseter drop-roll-lift-run maneuver

EOD Airmen with a 3E8XX Air Force Specialty Code and EOD-qualified officers assigned to a 32E3H duty position are currently exempt from the Air Force Physical Fitness Assessment and have begun training for the EOD OSPFA.

“Maintaining our strategic advantage is about building a ready force capable of engaging against any threat to the United States across the spectrum of operations from competition through crisis and if deterrence fails, to prevail in conflict,” said Brig. Gen. Brian Hartless, Civil Engineers director. “Our EOD Airmen are crucial to preserving our nation’s security.”

The 1000-meter row measures cardiovascular fitness, which relates to EOD operations such as bombing range explosive hazard removal and bomb suit operations to defeat improvised explosive devices.

The 20-lb. medicine ball toss to the back, side, and log measures fitness related to EOD operations such as robot employment and operations, ladder climbs, and cross-loading or evacuation of casualties.

The trap bar lift requires five repetitions ranging from 150 to 360 lbs. It measures fitness related to EOD operations such as construction of protective works, contingency airfield support operations and bomb suit operations to defeat improvised explosive devices.

The Gruseter is a drop-roll-lift lift-run maneuver with a 30-lb. vest, 50-lb. sandbag, and a 15-meter run for five rounds. This exercise is particularly beneficial for EOD operations, such as small unit tactics and bombing range explosive hazard removal, as it simulates the physical demands of these operations, where personnel may need to quickly and efficiently move heavy equipment in high-stress situations.

Component scores are measured at three levels: initial EOD training, intermediate level training, and graduate level/operational fitness.

For more information, see the OSPFA score charts and videos here and AFMAN 36-2930.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

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

Air Force Updates, Clarifies DAFI 36-2903 Guidance

Thursday, July 10th, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The Air Force updated its dress and personal appearance instruction to provide clear guidance for Airmen serving worldwide. The new guidance memorandum for DAFI 36-2903,?Dress and Personal Appearance of Department of the Air Force Personnel, clarifies mandatory uniform items and personal appearance standards while adding visuals for greater clarity. The changes in this guidance memorandum only pertain to Airmen; the U.S. Space Force is projected to release a separate dress and appearance instruction in the coming weeks.

The new guidance:

• OCP Uniform: Requires all officers to maintain one complete set of an Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform

• Eyelash Extensions: Removes authorization of eyelash extensions unless needed for medical reasons

• Combat Boots: Establishes a minimum height for combat boots

• OCP Sleeve Folding/Cuffing: Clarifies the folding or cuffing of OCP sleeves

Under the new guidance, all Air Force officers, regardless of career field, must maintain at least one complete set of either the non-fire-retardant operational camouflage pattern uniform or an improved hot weather combat OCP uniform. Additionally, combat boots must now be between 8-12 inches in height from the bottom of the heel tread to the top of the back of the boot, and soling material will not exceed two inches in height. Airmen must comply with the new uniform and boot height guidance no later than 90 days from the date of the guidance memorandum.

With the publication of this update, eyelash extensions are no longer authorized unless for medical reasons and documented on an Air Force Form 469, Duty Limiting Condition Report. If medical authorization is obtained and documented on an AF Form 469, eyelash extensions will not exceed 12 mm in length. Airmen must comply with the new eyelash extension standard no later than 30 days from the date of the guidance memorandum.

This update also clarifies the policy of folding or cuffing OCP sleeves. When sleeves are not rolled up, cuffs may remain visible, or members may fold their sleeves once or twice as shown in the updated guidance memorandum.

The new guidance memorandum for DAFI 36-2903 will be posted soon.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Clothing, Press Release, Profession of Arms | 3 Comments »

Saturday Night Feature: Special Operations Weatherman Documentary 1968 (USAF SOWT)

Sunday, July 6th, 2025

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, History | Comments Off on Saturday Night Feature: Special Operations Weatherman Documentary 1968 (USAF SOWT)

US, Sweden Partner for CSAR Training

Saturday, July 5th, 2025

LULEA, Sweden (AFNS) —

In the challenging terrain of northern Sweden, the 57th Rescue Squadron based out of Aviano, Italy and Swedish air force rangers based out of Ronneby, Sweden, collaborated to accomplish high-stakes personnel recovery training from March 30 through June 14. What began as planned participation in the Arctic Challenge Exercise transformed into a focused bilateral mission in one of Europe’s most strategically vital regions.

“This exercise focuses on traditional personnel recovery—retrieving simulated downed pilots or isolated personnel from contested areas and safely reintegrating them into friendly forces,” explained U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Drew Guerra, 57th RQS Tactical Air Control Party joint terminal attack controller.

The 57th RQS sent a small, specialized team composed of TACP, intelligence, communications and survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists to integrate with the Swedish air force rangers. Together, they executed live, full-mission profiles to develop and test tactics, techniques and procedures for the ever-evolving battlefield in Unmanned Aircraft Systems, counter-UAS and infiltration methods for traditional and non-traditional personnel recovery.

“We like to have [the 57th RQS] join us on as many occasions as possible, and vice versa,” said Master Sgt. Rasmus Antonsson, Swedish air force ranger troop chief. “We aim to train and compete with the best, and to us, that is the U.S. Air Force.”

The unforgiving northern terrain of swamps, hills and dense woods presents unique operational challenges. Helicopter teams must adapt to limited landing zones while ground crews navigate harsh conditions to move patients swiftly and safely.

For the 57th RQS, this environment is unfamiliar and the experience is invaluable. Training in Sweden offers critical exposure to the operational demands of northern Europe and deepens integration with Swedish partners.

“We have a great history of integration with Sweden and are always grateful for the opportunity to work with our northern allies,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Doyle, 57th RQS SERE specialist. “Their constant professionalism and willingness to exchange lessons learned is a testament to our seamless partnership.”

Located near the Arctic Circle, northern Sweden offers a critical staging ground for allied operations. In the event of conflict, pre-positioned aircraft and recovery forces in the region could launch missions across the Baltic Sea faster and with greater cohesion. Thanks to this training, U.S. and Swedish teams are laying the groundwork for an integrated, ready and resilient task force in the High North.

By SSgt Brooke Rogers, 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, International | Comments Off on US, Sweden Partner for CSAR Training

Chief Course Returns with Warfighter Emphasis

Saturday, June 28th, 2025

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. —

The Chief Leadership Academy welcomed 34 students to the facilitated distance learning portion of the new Chief Leadership Course, June 16, 2025, after a nine-month course pause for curriculum refinement.

The students are part of a beta course, designed to test and certify that the new curriculum meets the needs of the Air Force. This redesigned five-week hybrid course combines facilitated distance learning with in-residence education.

“The new curriculum emphasizes warfighting doctrine and operations in contested environments,” Chief Master Sgt. Andrew Sotak, CLA commandant, said. “Unlike the previous course’s focus on unit-level efficiency, this curriculum prepares Chiefs for global, high-intensity scenarios, such as emerging technology threats.”

The facilitated distance learning phase of CLC consists of 40 hours of self-paced online sessions over two weeks. Chiefs progress as a group through leadership, strategic and warfighting modules with mandatory check-ins for discussions and feedback. Facilitated distance learning offers flexibility for balancing operational duties and helps to prepare chiefs for the classroom portion of the course.

The in-residence phase takes place at the CLA on Maxwell Air Force Base-Gunter Annex, Alabama, and consists of 120 hours of instruction over three weeks. Students are divided into small “flights” to enhances tailored instruction, discussions and hands-on activities.

The new course also includes formal assessments, something the prior course didn’t have.

“Pre and post assessments, quizzes, a cumulative final exam and briefings replace the prior subjective evaluations,” Sotak said. “This ensures rigorous, measurable outcomes and continuous improvement through participant feedback.”

Led by the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education, the curriculum overhaul included insight from major command senior leaders, combatant command leaders, Air University staff, field leaders, subject matter experts and graduates to help certify relevance for first-year Chiefs.

The course focuses on four primary learning outcomes: command leadership, organizational functions and domains, strategic leadership, and joint, interagency, intergovernmental, multinational (JIIM) operations. These learning outcomes are integrated with the Great Power Competition, Air Force Doctrine, mission command principles and the role of the chief.

“Our faculty of active-duty and retired chiefs and civilian educators have extensive credentials and are exceptional mentors,” Sotak said. “This course will enhance a chief’s confidence and ability to lead adaptable, lethal teams through complex scenarios and ensure mission readiness in the future fight.”

By Brian Ferguson

Barnes Center for Enlisted Education

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | 2 Comments »

Sky’s the Limit: 200th Combat Weather Flight

Friday, June 27th, 2025

SANDSTON, Va. —

Weather can be one of the most unpredictable and impactful elements of warfare. Whether it’s a rainstorm that delays the launch of an aircraft, or a sudden snowstorm that hampers mobility on the ground, the 200th Combat Weather Flight’s role in forecasting and analyzing weather conditions directly contributes to military operational effectiveness.

As experts in meteorology, personnel within the 200th CWS, 192nd Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, provide essential weather information to commanders, pilots and state leaders to mitigate weather-related risks. Geographically separated from the 192nd Wing and based in Sandston, the 200th CWS provides support for both state and federal missions forecasting for Army National Guard aviation and hazardous weather domestic response operations.

“They see the weather forecast and meteorological information we provide as a form of intelligence to lean on and help define operational movements,” said Master Sgt. Walter Raymond, 200th CWS superintendent. “Weather conditions can affect so much of flying operations; commanders rely on us to deliver accurate, location-specific assessments that shape logistical and tactical decisions.”

In January 2025, after a blizzard swept the state leaving roads impassable and thousands without power, the 200th CWS once again demonstrated their expertise and readiness. Snowfall and temperatures plunged below freezing causing flooding at Richmond’s water treatment plant and leaving residents in Richmond and surrounding areas without water for days. As the state prepared to mobilize resources, the 200th CWS provided critical data that allowed the state to plan effective response strategies.

“The blizzard was a great demonstration of the team’s adaptability to the variety of situations they face,” said Lt. Col. Michael Johnson, 200th CWS commander. “Each winter storm or hurricane is different in what its impact can be. It’s driven a lot by our joint force leaders, and our people are able to react and recognize which weather information is pertinent in each scenario based on what the demands are on the commonwealth.”

Senior Airman Victoria Tuell has been a weather forecaster with the VaANG for four years and has provided critical support during major weather events, including Hurricanes Helena and Milton. She also emphasized the unique and rewarding opportunity to partner with sister services.

“I love collaborating with the Army,” said Tuell. “ Being able to work alongside another branch of service really helps to build those relationships. That collaborative effort really shines through, especially when helping our local community.”

From natural disasters to daily mission support, the 200th Combat Weather Flight remains at the forefront of operational readiness—proving that when it comes to safeguarding lives and achieving objectives, weather is far more than just a forecast.

By SSgt Nilsa Garcia, 192nd Wing

Posted in Air Force, Forces Focus, Guest Post | Comments Off on Sky’s the Limit: 200th Combat Weather Flight