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18X Hits Major Milestone: Command Pilot Rating

Sunday, December 21st, 2025

CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. —  

In 1913, the first two military aviation badges, silver wings, were issued to members of the U.S. Army Air Corps. As time went on, pilots of all airframes have been awarded their silver wings and given the rating of pilot, senior pilot and command pilot. Since then, the Air Force has grown rapidly by constantly adapting to new playing fields and integrating technology into everyday operations while preparing for the future fight. 

This innovation led to a new class of airframe, remotely piloted aircraft. They perform a multitude of missions including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and precision strike. However, it was not until 2025 that remotely piloted aircraft pilots or the 18X career field could be awarded the rating of command pilot on just their airframe.

There have been pilots in the RPA career field who have obtained this rating, but only if they had been on other airframes prior to being an RPA pilot.

Pilots of all airframes must have 15 years of service as a rated pilot, and 3000 total hours of flight time for the rating of command pilot, which is the highest rating a pilot can receive.

Compared to other career fields, they are relatively new, and their history began a little over 15 years ago. In 2008, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz brought attention to the shortage of pilots for the RPA mission.

To combat the shortage, it was initially decided that 100 graduates from standard undergraduate pilot training each year would learn to fly RPA’s instead of manned aircraft, but an official career field was not established.

“When I first started in the career field in 2009, we were just this test group,” said Lt. Col. Eric Baldock, 15th Attack Squadron director of operations. “The command pilot rating for us signifies how mature our career field has gotten and shows that it was needed to meet the Air Force’s mission requirements.”

In 2009, the 18X career field was established to create professional RPA pilots to meet joint warfighter requirements. It officially began in 2010 by Air Staff officials institutionalizing it with undergraduate RPA training and rolling out the first class of trained RPA MQ-1 Predator pilots.

In 2010, Lt. Gen. Philip Breedlove, then-Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, plans and Requirements at Headquarters Air Force, stated that the formalized training signified the Air Force’s commitment to RPAs and the importance of the aircraft to the joint community.

“I have been in the 18X career field since 2013, and I always saw the potential of what this career field could be,” said Lt. Col. Justin Storm, 489th Attack Squadron director of operations. “This career field fits into the Air Forces overall mission, and I see that growing with mission planning, intelligence and how we contribute to air power overall.”

Since 2010, the RPA mission has grown to the size of two wings entirely dedicated to it, including the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing and the 25th Attack Wing.

The RPA community have continually changed and adapted, honing their skills while innovating their technology such as the recent change to Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability-enabled Satellite Launch and Recovery. Additionally, they continue to adapt by re-designating their squadrons such as the 489th ATKS becoming the 42nd ATKS sometime in 2026 and 11th Attack Squadron returning to combat operations from being a training squadron.

“Our career field has such an innovative spirit,” said Lt. Col. Ahmed Nelson, 17th Attack Squadron commander. “We have always been adapting and integrating technology into how we operate, and I think we will see more of that as time goes on. We have also over time been integrated in multiple domains and I think that, along with our sister services, that will expand as well.”

Additionally, they have performed combat and ISR operations 24/7/365 in multiple Areas of Responsibility around the globe over the last fifteen years.

“We have changed so much over the years since I have been in,” said Nelson. ”We have had a greater emphasis on our standardized training in how we get our young officers to be full-fledged pilots. Additionally, there was no such thing as dwell time or the Air Force Generation model which is better for our airmen, and they now have time to rest, repair and to certify before going to deploy. We also have huge/tremendous support from organizations like the Human Performance Team, which is read into our missions and can provide us appropriate mental health care.

As time goes on, the 18X career field will continue to grow their operations and conquer even more milestones. The 18X career field being able to obtain the command pilot rating without being on any other airframe is a testament to the pilots’ dedication to the future fight as  the Air Force continues to adapt to obstacles as they come with new innovation.

“Our career field has experienced so much, and we still have so much more to come,” said Nelson. “I, myself, am the first 18X squadron commander for the 17th ATKS and it is an honor to be one of the firsts.”

The 18X career field being able to obtain the command pilot rating without being on any other airframe is a testament to their career field’s dedication to the future fight as the Air Force continues to adapt to obstacles as they come with innovation. They will continue to grow as MQ-9 Reapers and other RPAs continue to take to the skies piloted by the vital 18X pilots.

By Senior Airman Victoria Nuzzi, 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

Scarlet Dragon Links Military, Industry to Test Artificial Intelligence for Warfighters

Sunday, December 21st, 2025

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — On a cold, December day deep in Fort Bragg’s training area, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and civilian industry partners came together to test the latest drone and counter unmanned aircraft systems technology, while rapidly sharing targeting data through the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Maven Smart System.

Scarlet Dragon is the XVIII Airborne Corps’ premier innovation exercise, where new ideas and technologies are tested to solve current issues on the battlefield. “We’re focused on bringing new technologies and approaches to solve operational capability gaps and requirements that we identify from operational plans around the globe,” said Rob Braun, XVIII Airborne Corps chief technical officer.

The Scarlet Dragon exercise series started in 2020 as a table-top exercise in the basement of the XVIII Airborne Corps’ headquarters and has evolved into a triannual innovation event where joint services, government agencies, and industry partners come together to test and integrate the latest technology for the modern warfighter.

During this iteration, known as Scarlet Dragon 26-1, the XVIII Airborne Corps tested several initiatives. The 18th Field Artillery Brigade trained with the U.S. Air Force to rapidly load and deploy an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System from a C-17 Globemaster III, all while simultaneously receiving targeting data through the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Maven Smart System. The streamlined data-sharing allows the HIMARS unit to rapidly deploy anywhere in the world and quickly set up for offensive or defensive engagements. “We’re doing cold-load training with a C-130, putting the HIMARS on the aircraft, driving it off, executing a rapid-fire mission, and getting back on quickly,” said 2nd Lt. Ryan Mitchell, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, HIMARS platoon leader. “Through Scarlet Dragon, we are doing advanced targeting with data received through Maven, rapidly getting that information to the launcher so we can deploy and shoot faster.”

Another initiative included real time data sharing and tracking between AH-64 Apache helicopters from the 82nd Airborne Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade, drones and small UAS with the XVIII Airborne Corps Air and Missile Defense team, Sentinel radars from the 82nd Airborne Division, and newly fielded SGT STOUT systems from the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. The Sentinel radars and SGT STOUTs tracked Apaches and drones, pushing data to the Corps headquarters to validate faster early warning systems for troops on the ground. Apache pilots tested their ability to identify and track small drones, while the SGT STOUT Short Range Air Defense system teams validated their tracking and targeting capabilities.

The integration of the SGT STOUT into the maneuver force is a critical step in providing protection against short-range air threats. “What I like about Scarlet Dragon is how I push, not just the Soldiers, but also the equipment that we have to our limits and to see what we are capable of and how we can improve our system capabilities,” said Spc. Daniel Rosas, XVIII Airborne Corps air defense battle management system operator. “With the way the world is currently moving, especially when it comes to UAS or drones, it is a big threat and it helps for us to push forward on what we can adapt when it comes to gauging and tracking these threats.”

Scarlet Dragon gives service members and industry partners the opportunity to test new ideas and innovations in an open and minimum-risk environment. “That’s what I really like about Scarlet Dragon,” said CW4 Sean Benson, XVIII Airborne Corps Senior Geo-Intelligence Imagery Technician. “It’s not an exercise with defined timelines or deliverables. It’s whatever we want to try to get to the outcome we need. If you have an idea and it sticks when you throw it on the wall, we’ll give it a shot.”

The Future of Scarlet Dragon

With every iteration of Scarlet Dragon, the integration process is refined and the technology improves. In the future, the Scarlet Dragon exercise series will be tied in with Fort Bragg and XVIII Airborne Corps’ new Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost, which will officially open on Jan. 23, 2026.

“During Scarlet Dragon 26-1, the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg held a soft opening for our new Joint Innovation Outpost, or JIOP,” said Lt. Gen. Greg Anderson, commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps. “With the JIOP and our Scarlet Dragon series of exercises, we will be able to develop and test Soldier-driven, rapid innovation and technical transformation while providing the Army a model to revolutionize the acquisition process. It is making us more lethal at the tactical and operational levels of war.”

The JIOP will allow Soldiers to bring innovative solutions to the facility to work with civilian industry and academic partners to refine and produce new technology that can then be tested in Scarlet Dragon exercises and eventually shared across the Joint Force.

In 2026, Scarlet Dragon will shift to the Indo-Pacific theater and U.S. Army Japan for their annual combined exercise with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces, Yama Sakura.

By MAJ Matthew St Clair, XVIII Airborne Corps Public Affairs

Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon System Battery activates on Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Sunday, December 21st, 2025

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash — In a significant advancement of its military capabilities today, the U.S. Army activated the Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Multi-Domain Task Force, a unit fully designated to operate the Dark Eagle, the services Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system.

Soldiers and Families gathered in the overcast (location/1-17 FA motor pool) for a ceremony to stand up the battery that will utilize the Dark Eagle system. The ceremony represents a pivotal moment in the Army’s ability to deliver decisive effects in support of the Joint Force across the Indo-Pacific.

“The environment we face is complex and fast evolving,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey M. Orban, the 1-17th FAR commander. “The Indo-Pacific is vast, dynamic, and critically important to global stability. Our allies, our partners, and our nation depend on our ability to deter aggression.”

Hypersonic systems, capable of flying at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound (Mach 5) provide a combination of speed, range, maneuverability, and altitude that enables highly survivable and rapid defeat of time-critical and heavily defended targets.

”1st. Sgt. Davenport and I are committed to building the formation and ensuring every Soldier within it pursues excellence,” said Capt. Adam Donlan, the Bravo Battery commander. “We must be ready once we receive the TELs [transporter erector launcher] to deploy to the Pacific and deter our adversaries.”

In July 2025 the 3d Multi-Domain Task force successfully deployed the Dark Eagle system for the first time, demonstrating the unit’s ability to project long-range fires capability.

Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said, “The deployment of the LRHW system to Australia marks a significant achievement for U.S. Indo-pacific Command, as it validates the Army’s ability to deploy, position, and exercise command and control (C2) of the system in a forward environment.”

By 1LT Junelle Sweitzer

EOTG holds Close Quarters Tactics Course for Recon Marines

Saturday, December 20th, 2025

OKINAWA, Japan —

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan?– U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division completed a Close Quarters Tactics Course from Sept. 15 to Nov. 5, across Camp Hansen. This training, hosted by the III Marine Expeditionary Force’s Expeditionary Operations Training Group, aimed to enhance their lethality as small unit leaders during high-paced, close-quarters combat.

“Close quarter tactics is probably the most dangerous thing that we can do. It is extremely high risk. We’re shooting very close to one another in a confined space.”

– Capt. Christopher Ori Jr., an infantry reconnaissance officer with Force Reconnaissance Company

The Marines started their three-week course by conducting ranges simulating various urban scenarios of escalating complexity. They practiced transition drills from rifle to pistol during both static and dynamic ranges.

After these ranges, the Marines moved on to house qualification. This event consisted of teams of four navigating a shoot house to clear doors and hallways to secure a building. The evaluation began with a briefing on the scenario, followed by dry runs with no ammunition, and then the Marines were tested in a live-fire qualification. This event tested their ability to work together in close quarters while safely firing in proximity to one another.

The Marines then entered the platoon tactics portion of the course, conducting limited scale raids on specific target objectives. Using civilian vehicles to blend into their environment, a group of Marines scouted the objective area while other Marines moved to their objective point to complete an assigned mission, where they were required to distinguish threats from non-threats.

The culminating event of the course was an aerial sniper vehicle interdiction. The Marines fired from helicopters to engage and halt a target vehicle. Then other Marine reinforcements moved in to secure and extract the target personnel and equipment.

For the majority of the course, Marines used non-lethal live ammunition, known as Special Effects Small Arms Marking System rounds. These paintball-like rounds enhanced the realism of the training while maintaining a safe environment. The course also included live role players to simulate opposing forces and non-threat personnel.

On Nov. 5, the Marines graduated the CQTC course, completing their required training to carry out their duties effectively in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

“It’s a huge capability for the 31st MEU and for III MEF, having a well-trained, professional, and capable maritime raid force that we can bring to the fight,” Ori said. “Whether it’s limited scale raids or striking a specific target, that’s where we come into play.”

Story by U.S. Marine Corps story by Lance Cpl. Eadan Avramidis, PEO Land Systems with images by LCpl Justin Cledera.

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Assaulters Gun Belt (AGB)

Friday, December 19th, 2025

The FirstSpear ASSAULTERS GUN BELT (AGB) is a purpose-built belt system designed to perform in high-stress operational environments. Built for durability and reliability, the AGB features a two-point, high-strength metallic buckle capable of supporting combat-equipped buddy drags when it matters most.

The belt provides the stiffness required to carry holsters, magazines, and mission-essential equipment without rolling or sagging under load. Its removable buckle allows the belt to be easily routed through smaller pant belt loops, making it practical for both overt and low-profile use.

When integrated with the AGB Padded Sleeve, the system delivers increased comfort during extended wear and adds 6/12 attachment points for secure, modular equipment placement.

The AGB is fully compatible with a wide range of FirstSpear components, allowing the end user to configure the belt for mission-specific requirements. With the padded sleeve installed, the belt becomes a stable, load-bearing platform suitable for full duty or combat setups. It is also compatible with the FirstSpear Base Belt and Base Belt Lite when used in conjunction with the AGB Sleeve, enhancing scalability across kit configurations. Whether employed as a streamlined gun belt or a fully built-out war belt, the AGB maintains stability during movement, transitions, and dynamic tasks. Its low-profile 1.75-inch design balances strength with mobility, avoiding unnecessary bulk.

The system is built to withstand harsh conditions and repeated use without compromise. Designed with professional end users in mind, the Assaulters Gun Belt delivers the strength, modularity, and reliability required for military, law enforcement, and special operations professionals operating in demanding environments.

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting-edge tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train.

For more information visit First-Spear.com.

UK Launches New Military Intelligence Services as Hostile Threats Surge

Friday, December 19th, 2025

New unified organisation to speed up how Defence gathers and shares intelligence.

UK military intelligence will be more efficient, faster, and better able to anticipate future threats as the Ministry of Defence launches the new Military Intelligence Services (MIS). This major overhaul of Defence’s intelligence organisations comes amid increasing threats to the UK and will keep Britain ahead of hostile states and terrorists. 

Following the recommendations in the Strategic Defence Review, the reforms bring every intelligence unit and organisation within Defence under one organisation for the first time, including units from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force – speeding up how information is gathered, analysed and shared across the Armed Forces. 

The announcement comes amid escalating threats to the UK, as adversaries intensify cyber-attacks, disrupt satellites, threaten global shipping lanes, and spread disinformation. These actions increasingly impact everyday life, driving up food prices, increasing economic uncertainty, and threatening energy security and national infrastructure. 

To boost Defence’s resilience further, today also sees the launch of the new Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit (DCIU). Over the past year, hostile intelligence activity against the MOD has risen by more than 50%, revealing just how quickly our adversaries are intensifying their efforts.  

The Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns MP, and Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones MP, launched the MIS and DCIU at one of the UK’s key intelligence sites – Wyton in Cambridgeshire – which includes a football-pitch-sized intelligence fusion centre, bringing together top secret intelligence from across the Five Eyes partnership.  

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

As threats increase, we are making defence intelligence smarter.

This Government is delivering the recommendations in the Strategic Defence Review, putting Britain at the leading edge of military innovation. For intelligence, this means cutting-edge technology, clearer structures and faster data flows. This gives us sharper insights into what our adversaries might do next, so we protect our forces, safeguard critical infrastructure, and deter changing threats.

Our intelligence work is usually unseen but always essential. I am grateful to all our Military Intelligence Services personnel whose round-the-clock vigilance keeps the UK secure at home and strong abroad.

The Military Intelligence Services bring together intelligence units from the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, UK Space Command, and Permanent Joint Headquarters, ensuring they operate as one system.  

Under the command of the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command, and the leadership of the Chief of Defence Intelligence, this will give Defence faster and clearer warnings of threats to our forces and the public, allowing the UK to use data from land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace in real time, sharpening the nation’s ability to deter adversaries before they act.  

It will be supported by the new Defence Intelligence Academy who offer world-class training in key intelligence disciplines such as cyber, space and geospatial analysis. 

General Sir Jim Hockenhull, Commander of the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command, said:

Intelligence sits at the heart of defence. Underpinning everything we do, it provides the insight and foresight we need and enables our operations.

In an increasingly complex and volatile world where threats are always evolving, our intelligence operations are always on, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The establishment of the Military Intelligence Services and the Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit are significant steps forward in strengthening the UK’s ability to anticipate threats, enabling faster and more precise action, supporting our Armed Forces, and protecting our citizens.

The Dawn Sturgess Inquiry, published last week, made clear that foreign intelligence services are now operating far beyond traditional espionage norms, targeting Defence personnel, technology programmes, supply chains, and wider defence industry both at home and overseas. 

The Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit will unify counter-intelligence professionals from across Defence, giving them the tools and structure needed to disrupt and deter hostile activity more effectively.  

Their work will protect the UK’s most sensitive capabilities – including the nuclear deterrent, high-tech industrial projects, and critical infrastructure – while strengthening cooperation with the UK intelligence agencies and NATO allies.

Earlier this year, the Prime Minister made a historic commitment to spend 5% of GDP on national security from 2035, alongside the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – hitting 2.6% of GDP by 2027 – and an extra £5 billion for defence this year alone.

From: Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon John Healey MP

NorArm Tactical – Fallujah Field Uniform

Thursday, December 18th, 2025

Meet the Fallujah Field Uniform, our next generation combat clothing. Made in NYCO Stretch, a state of the art Rip-Stop fabric that is ultra-light, breathable, but still highly durable. The Fallujah offers both unparalleled comfort and mission-ready performance with its minimalistic design and high quality materials from brands such as CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics, VELCRO®, YKK™ and D3O® Protection.

Perfect for warmer climates or activities that will make you sweat, due to its breathable fabric, but also suitable for colder climates by layering it with a wool baselayer, like our Finnmark Baselayer, or our Finnmark Half Zip Sweater.

The Fallujah Field Pants are compatible with the D3O P12 Knee Pad and have a knee height adjustment system located in the front pockets.

The Fallujah Field Jacket has few bulk pockets for better mobility under gear and can be comfortably worn with plate carriers and chest rigs.

CSAF, Leaders at All Flying Units Step to the Jet Again

Thursday, December 18th, 2025

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFNS) —  

On June 17th, Gen. Ken Wilsbach thought he had successfully flown his last sortie in the F-22 Raptor, but on Nov. 24th, he returned to the cockpit in America’s premier air supremacy platform.

“Every opportunity to step to the jet is a great privilege,” Wilsbach said. “For leaders of flying units, being current and qualified builds credibility and demonstrates leading from the front.”

Hours after Wilsbach assumed the duties of Chief of Staff of the Air Force, he encouraged commanders and leaders of all flying units to maintain or regain active flying status in their primary mission design series—the aircraft to which they are primarily assigned.

“Air superiority is not a given, it must be earned every day,” Wilsbach urged. “To maintain our edge as the world’s greatest and most powerful Air Force, our warfighting abilities must be constantly honed.”

As Americans heard the story of their Air Force flawlessly executing the bombing run on Iranian nuclear facilities this summer, the skill of the entire Air Force enterprise was on clear display.

Alongside the bombers of Air Force Global Strike, which dropped bombs during Operation Midnight Hammer, Air Combat Command is the primary force provider of combat airpower and vital to America’s defense strategy.

“Flightline operations is both the hardest and most important thing we do,” said ACC Commander Gen. Adrian Spain. “You can’t truly understand the ecosystem of the flightline unless you’re out there on it … seeing how support, operations, and maintenance come together in real time. As a senior leader, I need that firsthand awareness to recognize where the balance is fragile and where roadblocks exist, so that I can help clear them. Flying and experiencing that flightline convergence also enables a visceral sense of our battlefield standards that keep our Air Force ready to fight and win.”

In a contest with a peer adversary, flying acumen and experience across the Total Force will be indispensable.

Mobility aircrews enable the joint force to overcome the tyranny of distance when operating under mission type orders in anti-access, area denial scenarios while facing increased operational risk.

“The touchpoints with Airmen when stepping to the aircraft, running your checklists, and executing the mission deliver insights not found in a slide deck or a headquarters building,” said Commander of Air Mobility Command Gen. Johnny Lamontagne. “Remaining current isn’t just about flying an aircraft, it’s about experiencing the latest tactics, techniques and procedures, and the challenges our Airmen must overcome as we face an evolving, contested strategic environment.”

Special operations aircrews must be prepared to conduct battlefield air operations, agile combat support; information operations, precision strike, specialized air mobility, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, and more.

On preparing for these mission sets, Air Force Special Operations Command Commander Lt. Gen. Michael Conley said, “Flying keeps me connected to the mission, and more importantly, our Air Commandos. Training alongside them reinforces my trust in the aircraft, our crews, our maintainers, and everyone who plays a role in ensuring we’re ready to fight. As the commander, it also provides me firsthand perspectives of the challenges and opportunities we face in delivering specialized airpower where the nation needs it.”

Readiness in every MDS [Mission Design Series] for every mission begins with realistic, world-class training. From the first time on the stick to track selection, from undergraduate pilot and navigator to loadmaster, boom operator and aerial gunner training, and from weapons school to test pilot school, Air Education and Training Command facilitates it all.

“Our Airmen expect leaders that are grounded in the realities of the daily mission,” said AETC Commander Lt. Gen. Clark Quinn. “While flying is just one part of our mission, it provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with the Total Force team that fly, fix and support our operations. Briefing, flying and debriefing with our teams ensures I see firsthand the challenges our instructors and students face every day and the effort our maintenance teams put in to keep our aircraft mission ready.”

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs