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Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Directorate On Boarded into the Air Force ISR and Cyber Effects Operations Staff

Saturday, October 16th, 2021

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

Headquarters Air Force staff officially transferred the Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) Superiority Directorate from strategy, integration and requirements directorate to the intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and cyber effects operations directorate Oct. 1.

In conjunction with the directorate move, the EMS Superiority Directorate also absorbed the Air Force Spectrum Management Office (AFSMO) as its fourth division. This move consolidates Electromagnetic Spectrum Operation functions under a single staff – focused on Information Warfare integration efforts across the conflict continuum and is the latest milestone within the Air Force – streamlining oversight, policy and guidance to foster greater collaboration of efforts across various competitive and increasingly dynamic domains.

“It is vital that we leverage, defend and compete across the entire electromagnetic spectrum in order to deliver effects in and through the information environment now and into the future,” said Lt. Gen. Mary O’Brien, deputy chief of staff for ISR and cyber effects operations (A2/6).

Since its inception in 2019, current EMS Superiority Director, Brig. Gen. Tad Clark and his team have been working to ensure the Department of the Air Force is able to “maintain the advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum to stay one step ahead of the strategic competition and maintain freedom of action.”

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. highlighted their work during the Fall 2021 Air Force Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference stating, “I am glad to see the directorate developing the next generation of Airmen and making the changes needed to ensure dominance.”

The Department of Defense published an Electromagnetic Spectrum Strategy (EMSS) in 2020 providing direction and highlighting the importance of EMS superiority in future warfare. Subsequently, the Air Force published its own Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Strategy in Apr. 2021.

Following the establishment of the EMSS and the development of the electromagnetic spectrum implementation strategy, Air Combat Command stood up the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing in June of 2021 to implement EMS capabilities across the operations and test and evaluation communities.

“If we lose the fight in the EMS, we will lose the fights in all other domains,” said Col. William Young, 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing Commander. “We’re here to help make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Young added, “Standing up this unit emphasizes the Air Force’s commitment to consolidating and modernizing our entire enterprise so that joint warfighters have the freedom to attack, maneuver and protect themselves at the time, place and parameters of their choosing.”

According to General Clark, “Superiority in the electromagnetic spectrum is a precursor to all operations in all domains. I’m excited to see our Air Force better prioritize the EMS to ensure our warfighters have the tools and capabilities needed to win!”

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, CEMA, Guest Post | Comments Off on Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Directorate On Boarded into the Air Force ISR and Cyber Effects Operations Staff

FirstSpear Friday Focus: NEW Performance Briefs with Fly (2-Pack)

Friday, October 15th, 2021

• 100% American Made with American Materials, Berry Compliant
• Ultra-lightweight flex grid blend with fly opening
• Moisture Wicking / Anti-Microbial
• Low profile comfort waistband
• Enhanced front panel for extra support
• Pack of 2

Our feature-rich performance briefs are back and now with a fly. Constructed from a flex grid polyester/spandex blend allows the Briefs to be extremely lightweight and breathable which translates to all-day comfort! Superimposed flat seam technology and a soft brushed elastic waistband that won’t roll over and stay where you want it. The flex grid is a four-way stretch design with exceptional antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties. Extra room built into the front panel for extra support along with fly. Sold as a two-pack in graphite and black.

To check out the performance briefs, go to www.first-spear.com/performance-briefs-1.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus: NEW Performance Briefs with Fly (2-Pack)

PEO Soldier Issues Integrated Visual Augmentation System Program Update

Thursday, October 14th, 2021

FORT BELVOIR, VA – The Army decided to shift the IVAS Operational Test and fielding to a date later in FY22. The Army is fully committed to its partnership with Microsoft to advance specific technologies to meet operational requirements and maximize warfighter impact. The Army conducted an Adversarial Electronic Warfare and Cybersecurity Test in September 2021, and plans to execute testing regularly throughout FY22. This decision allows the Army and Industry team to continue to enhance the IVAS technology platform ensuring Soldiers achieve overmatch in Multi Domain Operations. The Army intends to continue developing and fielding this revolutionary, first-of-its-kind technology in FY22.

Project Timeline:

• OCT / NOV 2020: Soldier Touchpoint 3 (STP 3) & Distinguished Visitor Days

• DEC 2020: Rapid Fielding Decision

• JAN 2021: Vehicle Integration VE2 – Stryker & Bradley

• FEB 2021: Cold Weather Test

• MAR 2021: Production Award

• MAR 2021: Tropical Weather Test

• APR 2021: Soldier Touchpoint 4 (STP 4)

• JUL 2021: OT Entrance Criteria User Jury

• SEP 2021: Vehicle Integration VE3 – Bradley

• SEP 2021: Adversarial Electronic Warfare & Cybersecurity Test

• MAY 2022: Operational Test (IOT)

• SEP 2022: First Unit Equipped (FUE)

– PEO SOLDIER PM IVAS

Posted in Guest Post, PEO-Soldier | Comments Off on PEO Soldier Issues Integrated Visual Augmentation System Program Update

John Noveske – Lost Footage 2011

Thursday, October 14th, 2021

Mil-Spec Monkey sent us this note and video of John Noveske to share with our readers.

Back when we did a Noveske Rifleworks tour, John also did an interview style video with us. He was always a bit camera shy so never got around to telling us to publish the video, however we feel there never was anything to worry about in the footage. Finally deciding to release, we hope folks will appreciate learning more about John’s personality and philosophy on a range of subjects. The footage is lightly edited to let his character and knowledge points shine.

We were fortunate enough to be able to hang out with John for a solid day where he showed great hospitality and being an all around great dude. It was clear we lost an industry great when he passed in 2013.

May John’s legacy live on!

Posted in Guest Post, Industry, Memorial | 2 Comments »

NASCAR Visits Air Force Special Warfare at Pope Army Air Field

Thursday, October 14th, 2021

POPE ARMY AIRFIELD, N.C. —

NASCAR driver, Erik Jones, visits the 352nd Special Warfare Training Squadron to better understand how Special Warfare Airmen are trained and developed at Pope Army Airfield, September 29, 2021. The visit is part of the U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service’s sponsorship of Richard Petty Motorsports with a presence on the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, established early January.

“This is my first time coming around Special Warfare, I met some great men and women, here [352nd SWTS],” said Jones. “It’s cool to see the history of the program, where it started from, and how it was built into what it is today.”

The 352nd SWTS trains, mentors, and develops Special Tactics Officer (STO), Combat Control Team (CCT), and Special Reconnaissance (SR) students in foundational skills to prepare for global employment across the range of Special Warfare.

Jones toured the Chief Master Sgt. “Bull” Benini Heritage center and Museum, training facilities, and donned AFSPECWAR gear used by STOs, CCTs, and SR Airmen, to include weapons and protective vests used in combat operations.

“We’re proud to showcase the history and capabilities of the 352nd SWTS to Erik Jones,” said Maj. Nate Smith, 352nd SWTS commander. “In the SW training community we train Airmen to project Airpower for the USAF. We project our nation’s capability around the world, anytime, anyplace for global access, personnel recovery, precision strike, and humanitarian missions.”

Jones met with Human Performance Squadron strength coaches and took part in an operational-stress workout that incorporates functional fitness into SW Airmen’s fitness skillsets. Events like this combined workout and stress shoot test SW Airmen’s ability to move, shoot, and perform tactical skills in a simulated high-stress environment. It consisted of a warm-up, a five-exercise circuit followed by firing a M249 light machine gun loaded with paint-simulation rounds, and executing a simulation course of fire with an M4 and 9mm pistol for time.

“The coolest part was taking part in the physical training and shooting. Obviously the PT was tough, but just getting a small glimpse of what these guys go through in physical training, but also just getting to be part of it side-by-side with these guys was really cool,” said Jones.

Lastly, leaders, instructors, students, and Jones gathered at the fallen hero memorial outside of the squadron building to conduct memorial push-ups honoring the 11th anniversary of Senior Airman Mark Forrester’s death and other fallen SW Airmen. SrA Forester was killed in action while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Uruzgon Province, Afghanistan, September 29, 2010 and posthumously awarded a Silver Star and Purple Heart for his actions.

“We do memorial pushups as a unit together sounding off, loud and proud, to honor our fallen and remember them,” said Smith. “Jones participated in the event where we told Mark Forester’s story by reading his medal citations and telling his story to the team and students so we can always remember his legacy and sacrifice for liberty, and our nation.”

Jones will have a Special Warfare inspired paint scheme at his next race in the Superspeedway held at Talladega, Alabama, Oct. 3, 2021.

“Number one, thank you for your service,” said Jones. “It’s brutal. It’s not something every person can do. I respect anybody that gets in the [SWTW] pipeline and completes the training and comes out the other side. That’s a huge honor and something that I don’t think anyone can take lightly, so thank you.”

Additionally, AFRS will deploy the Activate: Special Warfare, a virtual reality trailer, during the race to give users an opportunity to experience an intense firefight in a deployed location between Special Warfare operators and enemy combatants. The trailer features five identical user bays, each equipped with technology for the visitors to use, that assess the user’s composure, observation, reaction and effectiveness while playing the game.

Candidates interested in learning more about U.S. Air Force Special Warfare career opportunities, can go to: www.airforce.com/careers/in-demand-careers/special-warfare.

By Nicholas J. De La Pena, Special Warfare Training Wing

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post | 2 Comments »

Air Guard’s 104th Medical Group Trains on Medical Care, Combat Tactics

Wednesday, October 13th, 2021

HARTFORD, Connecticut — Members of the 104th Medical Group attended a two-day Tactical Combat Casualty Care course through the Center for Education, Simulation & Innovation with Hartford HealthCare Sept. 18-19, 2021, in Hartford, Connecticut.

During the interactive event members were taught the goals of TCCC, which are to treat the casualties, prevent additional casualties, and complete the mission. They were also taught the three phases of TCCC; care under fire, tactical field care, and tactical evacuation care.

“TCCC is a new secretary of defense medical initiative that can be used by all members while deployed in theater or during home station emergencies,” said Staff Sgt. Mike Reynolds, 104MDG aerospace medical technician. “During this specific training, 104MDG members went through live action scenarios, hands on skills, and critical thinking situations to perfect their knowledge of combat related casualties.”

According to Rob Lanouette, Department Consultant for the Tactical Medical programs at CESI, good medicine can be bad tactics if you don’t do the right thing at the right time.

“The TCCC course is important in that it is designed to integrate medical care and tactics in a combat environment,” said Lanouette. “TCCC addresses those differences.”

Lanouette went on to describe the purpose of the three phases of care. During the care under fire phase, treatment is limited to suppression of hostile fire, moving the casualty to cover and controlling massive hemorrhaging.

Tactical Field Care is the care rendered to the casualty once the casualty and rescuer are no longer under effective fire. A more in-depth assessment and treatment are rendered.

Tactical Evacuation Care is the care that is rendered during transport by aircraft, vehicle or boat to a higher role of care. The care that was rendered in the Tactical Field Care is continued in this phase. More advanced care may be rendered as additional equipment may be carried by the evacuation unit.

Reynolds said mastering the three phases can play a critical role in saving lives.

“It is important for all military members to be trained in the basics of TCCC so if a situation ever occurs, life can be maintained until the next level of care can be accomplished,” said Reynolds. “This was a great training for the members who participated because it gave us a chance to perform under pressure and to really test our knowledge, not to mention the comradery that was felt throughout the training.”

On the second day of training, the 104MDG Airmen were required to participate in a final scenario. This scenario was a culmination of the TCCC objectives that were learned throughout the course and is designed to simulate an austere environment. Audio and visual devices, environmental conditions and physical activity were utilized to induce stress that is often found in those environments.

Lanouette, also a prior Marine who served as a paramedic for 28 years and state trooper for 21 years, said he was impressed with the work ethic and ability of the 104MDG members to complete the 16 hour course successfully.

“The 104th did a great job representing the Air Forces Medical Services mission by displaying their commitment to delivering trusted care,” said Lanouette. “As the coordinator of the final scenario, I had asked a lot from them. I may have taken some of them out of their comfort zone during this mentally and physically demanding final scenario. The 104th was able to meet the objectives of the course and should be proud of this accomplishment.”

By Randall Burlingame, 104th Fighter Wing

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Medical, Training | Comments Off on Air Guard’s 104th Medical Group Trains on Medical Care, Combat Tactics

TMS Tuesday – Virtual Training: TMS University

Tuesday, October 12th, 2021

Do you want a place where you can have access to learning and relevant information on pre-hospital trauma treatments and equipment? Do you want to do it from the luxury of your home? Do you want this access for free? If you answered yes, TMS University is the place for you!

TMS University is TacMed Solutions online training portal for e-learning and information sharing! When you register, you will have access to:

• Information on TacMed Solutions and other product Tactics
• Discussion Groups
• Published clinical reports, studies, and papers
• Free or low-cost online classes and training
• Associate Trainer Program members hosted training content
• Case studies on incidents and uses
• Anything relevant we can find to help you succeed!

If you want access to all these great resources, get registered today for free! Check it out at TMS University – TacMed Solutions!

Posted in Guest Post, Medical, Training | Comments Off on TMS Tuesday – Virtual Training: TMS University

VCSO Visits Space Systems Command, Shares Vision for New Field Command

Monday, October 11th, 2021

LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — U.S. Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. David D. Thompson met with Guardians and Airmen during his visit to Space Systems Command Oct. 4, marking his first visit to SSC since its activation.

Thompson, who is the first VCSO in USSF history, made resolute expectations for the newly formed field command during an All Call with SSC Guardians and Airmen.

“SSC needs to re-energize its approach to seeing, understanding and rapidly developing while fielding new capabilities to keep us ahead of threats that we see from China and others,” Thompson said.

Noting the important mission that SSC has in the space domain, Thompson stressed to its members to help the U.S. Space Force hasten its pace.

“We have to ask members of SSC to tell us what they need in order to change policy and regulations, and even work with congress to change laws that will allow us to move faster,” Thompson said.

Furthermore, Thompson recognized the importance of bringing prosperity to SSC through ever-expanding partnerships in the acquisitions community.

“Commercial companies are moving so rapidly,” he stated. “We need to develop partnerships with the commercial sector to understand what they are doing as well as be able to leverage it to our benefit.”

Thompson re-emphasized the roles of leadership for SSC as well as other field commands that will help build a more lean and agile U.S. Space Force.

“We have to put authority and responsibility back into the hands of the senior materiel leaders to give them the authority and resources to stay engaged at a strategic level.” Thompson continued. “But leave them alone to do the business we have trained them to do.

By SSgt Andrew Moore

Posted in Guest Post, Space | Comments Off on VCSO Visits Space Systems Command, Shares Vision for New Field Command