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Yokota AB Participates in Multilateral New Year’s Jump Exercise

Wednesday, January 11th, 2023

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) —

A multilateral collaboration of U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, British army, Australian army, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members conducted an annual New Year’s Jump exercise at Camp Narashino, Jan. 8.

Roughly 400 paratroopers participated in the event jumping from three U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, one C-130H Hercules and one C-2 Greyhound assigned to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

“The New Year’s Jump is the first big event of the year hosted by JGSDF,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Kevin Mendez, 36th Airlift Squadron pilot. “Doing this event has been a longstanding tradition with our allied partners to welcome the new year in the spirit of continued safe operations.”

This event marks a return to a diverse representation of forces participating since the COVID-19 pandemic began, allowing a renewal in partnerships while celebrating the first jump of the year with allies.

“This New Year’s jump event was an opportunity to learn from each other and improve together with our partner nations,” said U.S. Army Col. Christopher Ward, 11th Airborne Division chief of staff. “The true value of what we did here today in not only conducting a multilateral jump to celebrate the New Year, but to also increase our ability to conduct better airborne operations in a joint environment forward in the Pacific theater. Events like this and others builds readiness.”

Teamwork is a military strength at all levels, from small teams to large scale joint force operations, and the annual NYJ exercise is a commitment to maintaining flexible allied interoperability. This display of strength and capability acts as a deterrent to peer adversaries, and as a promise to the lasting friendship of partner forces.

“Our goal is to fortify our interoperability with our international allies through these jumps,” Mendez said. “Integration events like this help enhance interoperability between the U.S. and Japan Self-Defense Forces in the event of a real-world contingency.”

The New Year’s Jump kicks off a series of bilateral training exercises for Yokota AB, which have long since aimed to increase the combat readiness and friendships between the U.S. and its international partners.

Story by Senior Airman Hannah Bean, 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Photos by Staff Sergeant Braden Anderson and Airman 1st Class Brooklyn Golightly

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

US Army Units Hone Skills Together at Defense Nuclear Weapons School

Tuesday, January 10th, 2023

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. — Units from the U.S. military’s premier all hazards command trained together during a radiological course at the Defense Nuclear Weapons School on Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.

Soldiers from the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command’s 1st Area Medical Laboratory and Nuclear Disablement Teams both participated in the Applied Radiological Response Techniques Level 2 course.

The five-day course is designed to apply radiological hazard theories and develop applied radiological problem-solving methods.

“Approximately 20 percent of the course is conducted in detector laboratories while the remaining course time is dedicated to hands-on radiological experiences and the interpretation of survey data,” said Capt. David D. Manzanares, a Nuclear Medical Science Officer from Nuclear Disablement Team 1. Originally from Miami, Manzanares has been in the U.S. Army for 18 years and served overseas in Baumholder, Germany.

NDTs contribute to the nation’s strategic deterrence by staying ready to exploit and disable nuclear and radiological weapons of mass destruction infrastructure and components to deny near-term capability to adversaries and facilitate WMD elimination operations. The U.S. Army has three NDTs — the NDT 1 “Manhattan,” NDT 2 “Iron Maiden” and NDT 3 “Vandals.”

The 1st AML identifies and evaluates health hazards through unique medical laboratory analyses and rapid health hazard assessments of nuclear, biological, chemical, endemic disease, occupational and environmental health threats. The one-of-a-kind medical laboratory is based on Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

Together with the 1st AML and three NDTs, the 20th CBRNE Command is home to 75 percent of the active-duty Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) specialists, as well as five Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordination Teams.

Headquartered on Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the 20th CBRNE Command has units on 19 bases in 16 states that take on the world’s most dangerous hazards in support of joint, interagency and allied operations around the world.

Tracing its roots to the Manhattan Project, the Defense Nuclear Weapons School provides training on radiological and nuclear weapons, incident command and response and CBRNE modeling for the U.S. Department of Defense and other Federal, state and local agencies.

The school is accredited by the American Council on Education, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the State of New Mexico.

Col. Matthew J. Grieser, the commander of the 1st Area Medical Laboratory, and his senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Jackie S. Mims, visited the Soldiers during the course.

Grieser is a native of Mulino, Oregon, who has deployed to Afghanistan four times and Iraq five times. He has also served in Haiti, Panama and New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

“The skills gained from this course will make us even more effective,” said Grieser. “It takes teamwork to tackle the kinds of challenges that we confront and we have many great partners, including the professionals at the Defense Nuclear Weapons School.”

By Walter Ham

Posted in Army, CBRNE, Guest Post, Training | Comments Off on US Army Units Hone Skills Together at Defense Nuclear Weapons School

Integrated Visual Augmentation System 1.2 Development Task Order Awarded

Monday, January 9th, 2023

Washington – On Dec. 20, 2022, the U.S. Army awarded a task order to Microsoft Corporation to develop the 1.2 variant of the Integrated Visual Augmentation System.

This task order is the latest step in the process that began in March 2021, when the Army awarded Microsoft a firm-fixed-price Other Transaction Authority production agreement to manufacture IVAS. Under that agreement, the Army envisioned improving the system through an iterative process, and this task order will provide improvements based on completed test events.

The IVAS will provide Soldiers with a single device to fight, rehearse and train by integrating next-generation situational awareness tools. To date, the Army has conducted over 30 Soldier test events and more than 100 technical sub-tests, with more than 1,000 Soldiers contributing nearly 100,000 hours of IVAS user feedback. These tests validated the system’s continued progress while identifying areas for focused improvements.

IVAS will begin incremental fielding in September 2023. IVAS 1.0 provides baseline warfighter capability, and the IVAS 1.1 features an improved low-light sensor to aid maneuver and positive target identification. In addition to the IVAS 1.1 improvements, IVAS 1.2 will include a new form factor to address Human Systems Integration, including physiological impacts identified during testing, and a lower profile heads-up display with distributed counterweight for improved user interface and comfort. IVAS 1.2 will also include software improvements for increased reliability and reduced power demand.

Delivery orders for IVAS 1.2 production systems will be placed after qualification and operational testing.

The Army will continue to work with its IVAS industry partner, Microsoft, to execute the IVAS program in a rapid and innovative manner. The iterative and Soldier feedback oriented developmental process for IVAS will result in fielding substantial capability several years ahead of traditional acquisition program timelines. The Army is fully committed to IVAS and the leap-ahead capability it will provide for Soldiers to prevail on the battlefield.

By U.S. Army Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Contracts, Guest Post, Optics, PEO-Soldier | Comments Off on Integrated Visual Augmentation System 1.2 Development Task Order Awarded

Soldier Earns Ranger Tab, Airborne Wings, Air Assault Badge in One Year

Saturday, January 7th, 2023

BOISE, Idaho — Pfc. Cooper Hayes has only served in the Idaho Army National Guard for 14 months, but he has already compiled a career’s worth of accomplishments. Over the past 11 months, the 20-year-old has completed the U.S. Army’s Ranger, Airborne and Air Assault schools.

“It’s been a long year,” Hayes said.

Hayes moved from Bothell, Washington, to Boise to attend Boise State University and enlisted into the Idaho Army National Guard in October 2021 to help pay for college, where he is a business student.

He took a semester off from school to attend the Army’s 11B infantry school at Fort Benning and was planning on being home in time to resume classes in August. That changed after he was offered the chance to attend Ranger School.

“I wanted to challenge myself and be the best Soldier I can be,” he said. “So, I decided to take another semester off and go to Ranger School. It sucked in the moment, but it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve done in my life.”

On average, less than 50 percent of Soldiers complete the first phase of the three-phase course, making it one of the Army’s most challenging courses. The course is 61 days and tests Soldiers’ physical stamina, mental toughness and tactical fundamentals.

After earning his Ranger tab, Hayes completed the Basic Airborne Course to earn his jump wings. Earlier this month, he completed the Army’s Air Assault School. Air Assault School has close to a 55 percent fail rate, including a washout rate of 15 percent on the first day.

“Airborne and air assault were great experiences,” Hayes said. “They are both another thing to add to my resume.”

Hayes is currently assigned to C Company, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion, Idaho’s only infantry company. He plans to commission through the Boise State University Army ROTC program.

By MAJ Robert Taylor, Idaho Army National Guard

Posted in Army, Guest Post | 17 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Ragnar Vest

Friday, January 6th, 2023

A carrier for multi-mission flexibility.

Named for the intrepid explorer and cunning warrior Ragnar Lodbrok, the Ragnar Vest and its accessory components are suited for a wide variety of roles and circumstances. The carrier is covered in loop fabric and can be altered with different cummerbunds. Four special built-in pockets with retention tabs allow for storage of accessories based upon situational requirements. You can upgrade the cummerbund to the Ragnar Tubes Tactical Cummerbund to increase functionality. This is a great multi-mission vest with the sort of flexibility that allows you to use one system for a variety of profiles.

*While Supplies Last

Visit FirstSpear to find America’s best tactical gear and equipment.

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus: Ragnar Vest

Colorado’s 138th Space Control Squadron Pioneers New Training

Friday, January 6th, 2023

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. — The Colorado Air National Guard’s 138th Space Control Squadron, in conjunction with the National Space Test and Training Complex, conducted a training event named “Neptune Falcon,” which took place at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado, to test new capabilities for meeting wartime objectives in the space domain.

The exercise, held over 10 days in October 2022 at a newly created forward operating base by Airmen of the 138th, simulated real-world expeditionary operations and prepared them for upcoming deployments.

“This is a Secretary of Defense level joint interoperability exercise that includes aircraft from Air Combat Command, space participants from the 138th Space Control Squadron, Colorado Air National Guard, and the 25th Space Range Squadron, as well as a host of other participants,” U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Andy Gold, commander,138th SPCS, said.

There have been many significant milestones that the 138th SPCS has led along the way, according to Gold.

“This is the first time a U.S. Air Force or Air National Guard weapons system has ever connected to the Range Closed Loop Environment,” Maj. Matthew Thampy, assistant director of operations, 25th Space Range Squadron, said. “The RCLE provides a highly realistic electronic warfare system to train and test our systems.”

This is also the first time the RCLE has been requested by a combatant command to support a joint interoperability exercise, such as Neptune Falcon. Additionally, this marks the first Total Force event (integration of Active Duty and Reserve forces) in which the combatant command and Air National Guard unit employed the RCLE, paving the way for future support for the broader Department of Defense need of realistic, dynamic environments to support the warfighter.

“During this exercise, we are training to deal with crew dynamics, tactics, techniques, and procedures, as well as getting hands-on system time,” U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Lindsey Sequoia, 138th SPCS space control operator, and Neptune Falcon participant, said. “Getting that practice on how to respond in a real-world scenario is invaluable to me.”

Neptune Falcon also signifies a key Total Force Integration partnership for future training and test events involving the National Guard Bureau, Space Operations Command, and Space Training and Readiness Command.

“Events like this also meet key U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force directives for highly realistic training events/scenarios in preparing Guardians, Airmen for war,” Thampy said.

The 138th SPCS stood up in May 2019 and has rapidly improved the training environment to create the most realistic wartime scenarios possible, preparing space professionals for future wartime missions. Forward Operating Base Schriever is the latest iteration of technological advances in training for the members, which creates a superior training environment never before experienced by Air National Guard or Active Duty space warriors.

By Mr. John Rohrer, 140th Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Space | Comments Off on Colorado’s 138th Space Control Squadron Pioneers New Training

Soldier of the Future to be Fielded by RIA-JMTC

Thursday, January 5th, 2023

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. — What formerly belonged to the realm of science fiction has become reality for Soldiers, with advances enabling them to fight and win with next-generation technology.

Rock Island Arsenal – Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center will help distribute one of these advances to Soldiers across the force and in the field, a mixed-reality headset called the Integrated Visual Augmentation System, or IVAS, in a partnership with Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier.

The IVAS is designed for dismounted close-combat force Soldiers to integrate key technology systems into one device enhancing situational awareness, lethality, survivability, maneuverability and other warfighter capabilities, to include synchronization with Soldiers in armored vehicles and helicopters.

IVAS provides Soldiers a field of view nearly twice as wide as those offered by current systems. It is capable of navigation and passive target interrogation, which allows users to identify targets without being seen by opposing forces.

Currently, thousands of IVAS systems are on ground in RIA-JMTC’s staging facility, in preparation for fielding. The Army anticipates procuring up to 121,500 units for close-combat forces over the coming years.

The RIA-JMTC IVAS team is on track to begin deliveries to units in the fall of 2023.

“That gives us time to receive everything, dress-right-dress,” said Sunny Koshal, branch chief, Program Management IVAS, RIA-JMTC. “It gives us time to get a good accountability. It gives us time to pack and ship each item that needs to go because every item has to go as a lot, not as an individual item.”

Besides their partnership with IVAS, RIA-JMTC and PEO Soldier have built a strong relationship through their work on other programs, to include a four-year partnership with PM Lethality for weapon cleaning kits. At one time, the warehouse held more than $20 million worth of kits awaiting fielding.

The IVAS is delivered in multiple packages so RIA-JMTC employees will need time to package each kit with the system, batteries and any other required components prior to shipping to Soldiers all over the world.

This fight-rehearse-train system will not only assist Soldiers on the battlefield but also improve their training opportunities. The goggles allow Soldiers to plan a mission virtually, without concern for available space, in addition to providing real-time mapping and augmented reality capabilities. Soldiers can train for missions and rehearse operations at the point of need.

The mixed-reality headsets allow Soldiers to see through smoke and around corners, use holographic imagery, thermal and low-light sensors to see in the dark and display 3D terrain maps and a compass projected into their field of vision. They provide tools to better conduct land navigation, battlefield tracking and movement through urban buildings and open terrain.

The IVAS will be the single most advanced fighting goggle available anywhere in the world. Its capabilities result from the tireless, integrated efforts of the Army and industry. The partnership between RIA-JMTC and PEO Soldier will help ensure these systems get to our Soldiers as soon as they are ready.

Rock Island Arsenal – Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center develops, manufactures and delivers readiness solutions through conventional and advanced manufacturing processes for the U.S. Army and Department of Defense systems globally.

By Debralee Lutgen

Posted in Army, Guest Post | 6 Comments »

Massachusetts Army Guardsman Wins CENTCOM Innovation Contest

Wednesday, January 4th, 2023

WASHINGTON — Before deploying this summer with his Massachusetts Army National Guard unit, Sgt. Mickey Reeve had little idea he’d be on a world tour just a few months later talking about innovation in the military.

However, that’s where he found himself after winning the U.S. Central Command’s Innovation Oasis contest this fall for his counter-unmanned aerial system training software.

The tool simulates U.S. military c-UAS operating systems allowing operators to train with adjustable scenarios and locations. The customizable trainer can be used by teams to sharpen reaction time, refine engagement drills and streamline communications.

“This tool will potentially have the ability to influence operators to become more proficient at their jobs, which could positively impact the mission and save lives,” Reeve said. “I think it is going to be a massive benefit to our organization.”

For CENTCOM, the contest was a way to find a practical idea to help the joint force and inspire change across the command.

“This program is about building a culture of innovation across all of CENTCOM,” said Gen. Michael Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM. “It’s about finding those great ideas hidden from view inside a squad, trapped inside of a ship, locked down in a cubicle in one of our bases, or tucked away in an aircraft hangar. We want to unlock, embrace and then uplift those ideas and then implement them across the entire organization.”

Reeve came up with the winning idea while assigned to the Prince Sultan Air Base counter UAS team. Noticing a training gap within their simulators, he used his programming background to find a solution.

“I’m somebody that’s always had that work-oriented mindset, and I’m always craving that next thing to do,” he said. “This was a great opportunity for me to provide that outlet and to work on a solution that I found for my base.”

After seeing flyers for Innovation Oasis, he decided to enter and spent hours refining a functional prototype for his pitch. Thanks to the help from those around him, the Interim Platform Agnostic Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Trainer was born.

“My team did a fantastic job of supporting me the entire way,” he said. “None of this would’ve been possible without them.”

CENTCOM awarded Reeve the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for winning Innovation Oasis. He also can attend the military school of his choice during the calendar year.

After the selection, Reeve went on a tour of Washington, D.C. and the Middle East to promote his idea and innovation throughout CENTCOM.

“The ideas are out there and they’re good ideas,” he said. “We have a tremendous talent pool throughout our organization.”

Army Futures Command’s Software Factory will work on bringing Reeve’s idea to the field.

With the success of the first Innovation Oasis, CENTCOM is planning for another contest this spring.

By Christopher Hurd, Army News Service

Posted in Army, Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on Massachusetts Army Guardsman Wins CENTCOM Innovation Contest