Guest Post | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Guest Post’ Category

98-year-old Pilot Sees Skyraider Legacy Live on in AFSOC’s OA-1K Skyraider II

Thursday, April 10th, 2025

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

At 98 years old, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bill Buice never imagined he’d see another Skyraider take flight.

Looking ahead, he smiled as the hum of the aircraft’s turboprop engine deepened as it drew closer.

Joined by his family and members of Air Force Special Operations Command, Buice watched as the first missionized OA-1K Skyraider II arrived at Hurlburt Field, Florida, April 3, 2025.

As the OA-1K Skyraider II taxied, Buice said the moment brought back a wave of memories. To him, this was more than a new aircraft—it was a tribute to the original A-1 Skyraider, the plane he piloted during the Vietnam War until the day he was shot down nearly 60 years ago.

***

Rolling in for a pass to inspect the area below, Buice heard a sudden explosion.

It was July 9, 1968, and Buice, call sign “Firefly 16,” and his wingman, “Firefly 17,” were providing cover for a formation of American helicopters flying in northern Laos, near the Vietnam border.

Looking through the canopy of his A-1 Skyraider, he spotted a fire on the left wing of his aircraft.

Buice dumped the hydraulic system pressure to extinguish the flames. It worked, but the wing had a gaping hole, and the magnesium casting continued to burn.

He pulled the aircraft into a climbing turn, looking for a place to land. His teammates warned him over the radio.

“Not in the valley, whatever you do,” they urged, warning the enemy could be there.

Knowing he would soon lose complete control of the aircraft, he reversed his rudder controls, forcing the A-1 into a faster roll. Inverting the plane, he pulled the ejection handle as soon as he could see the sky through the canopy.

“The canopy disappeared with a bang,” Buice recalled. “Then nothing.”

He saw the jungle rushing up. His airspeed increased and altitude dropped. He pulled the handle again.

The rocket fired, pulling him from the cockpit. His parachute deployed, slowing his descent. He crashed through the jungle, hitting a tree and injuring his shoulder and quickly realized he couldn’t move his right arm.

Hearing noise nearby, he used his left hand to reach for his pistol and call for help with his radio.

Moments later, an Air America helicopter arrived. Owned and operated by the CIA, Air America was a cargo and passenger airline that provided air support for the U.S. and its allies during the Vietnam War.

A pilot came down to help Buice onto the lift, but as they ascended, the weight was too much.

“I insisted that he join me for the trip up, but it was too heavy,” Buice recalled. “So I gave him my radio and pistol, and he stayed behind, hoping another chopper would get to him before the bad guys did.”

Buice was airlifted to Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand for urgent medical treatment. Ultimately, his shoulder injury would end his 20-year Air Force career.

For decades, Buice often thought about the man who had rescued him, wondering if he made it out alive.

***

Sitting beside Buice at the OA-1K delivery ceremony was Phillip Jennings, a retired Air America helicopter pilot—the very man who had saved him that day. Over the years, the two had reunited only a handful of times, making this moment even more special, Jennings noted.

“I knew from the moment I watched him get shot down that we would have to go get him,” Jennings said. “I’m elated to be able to be here to see him be recognized and honored. He was the real hero that day, saving the Air America helicopters from landing in the deadly gunfire that shot his A-1 down.”

Though the crash ended his flying career, Buice said he has always felt a connection to the A-1 Skyraider.

As a pilot, Buice liked the A-1 for it’s ability to fly for an extended period while also being able to carry a large payload of ammunition.

The OA-1K Skyraider II now carries on that role, equipped with advanced weapons systems for light attack and reconnaissance missions for AFSOC.

Taking a moment to look at the new aircraft, Buice reflected on what it meant for the next generation of Skyraider pilots.

“I hope they embrace the challenges, the accomplishments—even the fear and the adrenaline,” he said. “There will be a day when they can no longer do this. Today is not that day.”

Today, Buice lives at the Hawthorne House, an assisted living neighborhood in the Air Force Enlisted Village in nearby Shalimar, Florida. The Air Force Enlisted Village is a community for retired enlisted military members and their surviving spouses.

By SSgt Natalie Fiorilli, Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, History, SOF, Veterans | No Comments »

Gallatin Navigator Achieves “Awardable” Status on Department of Defense’s Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace

Wednesday, April 9th, 2025

WASHINGTON, April 8, 2025 — Gallatin AI, a venture-backed startup transforming defense logistics with cutting-edge artificial intelligence, announced today that its flagship solution, Gallatin Navigator, has achieved “Awardable” status through the Department of Defense’s Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace.

The Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace is the premier offering of Tradewinds, the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) suite of tools and services designed to accelerate the procurement and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML), data, and analytics capabilities. Gallatin Navigator was selected through a rigorous evaluation process that assessed the platform’s innovation, scalability, and potential impact on mission-critical logistics operations.

Gallatin Navigator is a next-generation logistics operating system designed to ensure U.S. and allied warfighters have the supplies they need, when and where they need them—even in contested or denied environments. The platform leverages advanced machine learning to forecast resupply needs, recommend optimized logistics & distribution plans, and provide real-time visibility across the operational theater. Unlike traditional systems focused on acquisition or bulk transportation, Navigator addresses the tactical edge of logistics, supporting brigade-level decision-making across all military branches.

“We built Navigator to close a critical gap in battlefield logistics—one that legacy systems can’t address. Being recognized by Tradewinds is a tremendous validation of the operational impact our platform can have,” said Brian Ballard, Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder of Gallatin. “Navigator brings predictive power, supply intelligence, and intuitive decision support to the units that need it most in contested environments.”

Government customers can access Gallatin’s product video submission by logging into the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace at www.tradewindai.com.

Posted in AI / ML, Guest Post | No Comments »

Dive Into The Secret World Of The Legionaires

Tuesday, April 8th, 2025

Mysterious, legendary, formidable… The Foreign Legion always fascinates. But what lies behind the white caps?

This year, Fort Nogent opens its doors wide and immerses you in its world. To mark the commemoration of Camerone, enjoy 3 days of unique experiences (April 30, May 3 and 4) alongside the legionnaires.

THE BATTLE OF CAMERONE, A LEGENDARY STORY: On April 30, 1863, during the Mexican expedition, 60 legionnaires besieged in a hacienda heroically resisted 2,000 Mexican soldiers. Every year, this legendary battle, a symbol of loyalty to one’s word and sacred mission, unites the white caps around the “legion spirit.” The military ceremony, open to the public, will take place on Wednesday, April 30th at 11:00 a.m. and will be presided over by Lieutenant General Loïc Mizon, Military Governor of Paris.

AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE AT THE HEART OF THE LEGION: After the ceremony, it’s time to celebrate:

Experience the adrenaline rush: military demonstrations, commando courses, and physical challenges.

Enjoy an XL fair: rides, attractions, and family fun.

Attend the Miss White Képi pageant, followed by the Legionnaire’s Ball, from 8:15 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Try your luck in the raffle: many prizes to be won!

On May 3rd and 4th, the Fort reopens its doors for two more days of celebration.

A MENU BY THIERRY MARX: This year again, Thierry Marx, Michelin-starred chef and loyal supporter of the Legion, invites you to discover a special, gourmet, and charitable menu. For only €12, you can enjoy a gourmet burger, a pastry, and an organic craft beer. The profits will be donated to the Legionary Mutual Aid, benefiting the wounded, bereaved families, and former legionnaires.

FORT DE NOGENT: A RECRUITMENT CENTRE: Since 1962, Fort de Nogent has been a key point for Legionary recruitment.

Each year, more than 3,000 candidates pass through its doors, but only 1,400 will join the ranks of this elite troop by 2025. The Foreign Legion is a fighting force composed of nearly 9,500 men, representing 12% of the Army’s operational strength. The Foreign Legion is a unique human force, representing nearly 150 nationalities.

Legionnaires serve under a so-called “foreign title” contract and are commanded almost exclusively by French officers. Since 1831, the Legion has been an elite troop of the French Army.

It is engaged in all external operations as well as internal missions to protect the national territory.

Posted in Guest Post, International | No Comments »

MATBOCK Monday: Low-Vis Medical Pouch

Monday, April 7th, 2025

Designed around a customer request to hold the Phokus Research Low Vis trauma kit, our medical pouch is ready to hold your medical supplies out of the way and secure until you need it. Two flaps on either side allow easy access in a rush, and there are no complicated snaps, cables, or buttons, making it easier to repack and close while on the small of your back. The back of the pouch is made from our laser-cut Ghost material and has cuts to allow vertical or horizontal belt carry and two columns of molle-compatible slits for various clips and strips. The medical pouch can also be directly mounted to the Soteria belt cage using the horizontal belt pass-throughs. At a mere 1.6oz it’s simple, multifunctional, and clean.

Features:

-Slim design keeps the pouch close to the body and accessible

-Belt, molle, or direct mount to our Cage system, giving you multiple ways to carry

-Large loop field accommodates modular identification and medical information

Specs:

Dimensions: laid flat 8.25” x 6” x .25“ (21cm x 15cm x 0.6cm)

Weight: 1.6oz (45 Grams)

Volume: approx 61 cubic inches (1 liter)

Material: Ghost, Ghost Lite

For a quote, email sales@matbock.com or check it out here: www.matbock.com/collections/pouches/products/low-vis-trauma-kit-medical-pouch

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Load Carrying, Medical | No Comments »

Call to Action – WW II Veteran Turns 100

Sunday, April 6th, 2025

Via US Army WTF Moments on IG:

*** MAIL CALL (Saugerties, NY) ***

Paul Donlon is turning 100 on May 2nd. Served with 3rd ID in WW2.

He is also the older brother of Roger Donlon, the first Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War. Let’s get some birthday cards to him.

Send to:

Saugerties VFW Post 5034

30 John St.

Saugerties, NY 12477

(In care of Paul Donlon)

Posted in Guest Post, Veterans | No Comments »

Practicum Prepares Students for Division Assignments in Large Scale Combat Operations

Sunday, April 6th, 2025

THE ARMY UNIVERSITY, FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas – Classrooms at the Command and General Staff College, organized to replicate a real division command post, were a flurry of communications and activity March 26-28, 2025, as students participated in a Division Offensive Operation practicum.

Significant time was devoted to conducting a targeting working group, which was a student led replication of division staff directing combat actions and setting conditions for division offensive operations in a large-scale combat operation.

Additionally, students benefited from on-the-spot mentoring from experienced leaders.

Department of the Army Tactics Instructors, Matt McKinley and Brian Leakey, bring decades of technical and education experience.

Two targeting warrant officers, CW4 Calvin Cameron and CW3 Jerry Burks, enhanced student understanding through candid conversation based on their operational experience with targeting.

Students who complete the practicum are prepared for their future roles as division staff officers responsible for providing recommendations to commanders to lead their organizations in combat.

“In our first field grade roles as junior majors, our job is to integrate operations at echelon within the division,” Cpt. Michael West, CGSOC student stated. “This past year has been an opportunity to learn from the different branches in our small group and understand how to synchronize information, planning, and execution preparation. Over the last three weeks, the opportunity to see this at the division level was good preparation before going into our next job.”

Students had specific roles and were responsible to identify and nominate targets for the division, corps, and joint assets to enable a division offensive operation 24-96 hours out from execution.

Planning and preparing the operation in detail, rehearsals in time and space, and constant communication across cells ensured synchronization of the overall operation across multiple echelons and divergent staff sections.

Maj. Stewart Tice filled the role of a division chief of staff and shared that the TWG allows participants to understand the various roles and functions in warfighting and how those processes integrate across time.

“We learned to conduct current operations while leaning forward to determine what we are doing next, or how we respond if something happens,” Tice said. “It’s thinking beyond where we were in our careers, focused on here and now; and thinking what we need to do today, to enable the brigade’s success tomorrow.”

To culminate the event, students presented an after-action review to leadership.

“Everything we do training wise is meant to replicate real-world experiences we will face when we go back to the force,” Maj. James Corbitt said. “This is a good, immersive exercise to see the way rotations are run, practice processes, and take feedback with the AAR, as it’s the major last part of the military operations process.”

Reviewing and assessing outcomes of actions and decisions as division staff during a large-scale combat operation captures lessons learned and reinforces the learning objectives.

“Before attending CGSS, I completed a broadening assignment with the Mission Command Training Program. I realized our discussions before execution were very similar to what takes place at MCTP, so this is a sign of success,” West stated.

By Jessica Brushwood, The Army University Public Affairs Office

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | No Comments »

Future of Army Test and Evaluation Shown at Global Force Symposium

Saturday, April 5th, 2025

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, ATEC, and the U.S. Army Redstone Test Center, RTC, presented at the Association of the United States Army’s Global Force Symposium and Exhibition on March 26, 2025 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville.

The presentation, titled “Transformation in Aviation and Missile Test and Evaluation,” featured ATEC Commanding General Maj. Gen. Patrick Gaydon, ATEC Command Sgt. Maj. Bradford Smith, RTC Commander Col. Joseph Alexander and RTC Technical Director Kenny Chenoweth. Gaydon began by outlining ATEC’s mission: performs test and evaluation to inform Army senior leaders. While the panel discussed ATEC’s overall role, they also emphasized the evolving role of RTC in supporting next-generation military platforms.

“We are part of the Army enterprise that helps ensure our Soldiers have the capabilities they need to fight and win our nation’s wars,” Gaydon said. “When we send Soldiers to war, the equipment works, is effective and is safe for those Soldiers — and that doesn’t happen by accident.”

Gaydon explained that while ATEC is a direct reporting unit to the vice chief of staff of the Army, ATEC also directly supports Army Futures Command, established in 2018. “If we have to deconflict on the ranges, we look at the priorities that Army Futures Command sets for us,” he said.

Smith then detailed the ATEC enterprise, including RTC and other subordinate organizations.

“We have 8,100 people: 5 percent are uniformed service members, 47 percent are Department of the Army Civilians, and 48% are contractors,” Smith explained. “We recruit, retain, train and take care of those people. We conduct 2,300 tests annually, utilize 5.5 million acres — a third of the Army’s land mass, roughly the size of New Jersey.”

The presentation focused on RTC’s continuing shift to support testing next-generation systems, driven by the need for more advanced capabilities as the military integrates new technologies.

While RTC has long supported testing of legacy platforms, the organization is also pivoting to focus on future needs. This transformation was highlighted by Alexander, who noted RTC’s unique reimbursable business model.

“One of the unique things that makes us different, as a developmental test center under ATEC, is we are reimbursable. We don’t receive appropriated dollars; we have to generate work and create value, similar to our industry counterparts,” Alexander said.

Chenoweth, the senior civilian at RTC, has been a test engineer at RTC for more than two decades and discussed how the business model drives innovation.

“We conduct tests earlier in the acquisition cycle,” Chenoweth said. “By getting involved sooner, we can identify issues earlier, leading to faster fixes and better solutions. For example, with the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft and [RTC Approach to Persistent Integrated Developmental Testing] systems, we developed tools that digitally trace test requirements to the tests and data verifying those requirements. This process, which used to take weeks, can now be completed in minutes, significantly reducing the time between testing and decision-making.”

RTC is adapting by developing new methodologies, integrating emerging technologies, and expanding its facilities.

The AUSA Global Force Symposium provides a forum for military leaders, industry experts, and academics to discuss military technology. The event is held annually in Huntsville.

RTC, a subordinate command of ATEC, is located on Redstone Arsenal. RTC provides technical expertise, facilities, and capabilities to plan, conduct, analyze, and report tests on missile and aviation systems, sensors, subsystems and components.

By Christy Barnett

Posted in Army, Guest Post | No Comments »