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MATBOCK Monday – Most Advanced Indirect Firing System

Monday, April 14th, 2025

The Multi-Weapon Aiming Device (MWAD) is a multi-platform capable ballistic computer that digitally displays range and azimuth for indirect fire weapon systems. The MWAD provides real-time ballistic solutions accounting for environmental conditions, round type, platform, and lot deviations, allowing the user to put rounds on target more accurately and in less time than legacy aiming systems. Full integration into ATAK architecture allows receipt of call for fire missions, informs team leaders of aim point for entire teams, and enables accurate engagement of moving targets. The MWAD is compatible with 40mm and 60mm and has various crew-served weapon platforms. Software modifications can be made on request to include any direct fire weapons system.

NSN: 1240-01-718-6292

www.matbock.com

ITAR Controlled: Multi-Weapon Aiming Device, MWAD Version 1, Part Number MB-MWAD, is subject to its jurisdiction in accordance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR parts 120-130). It is designated a defense article under Category XII(c)(2)(iii) of the U.S. Munitions List. Pursuant to the ITAR, a license or other approval is required prior to any export from, or temporary import into, the United States.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on MATBOCK Monday – Most Advanced Indirect Firing System

Michael Kelly, IVAS Acquisition and Operations Chief

Monday, April 14th, 2025

Fort Belvoir, Va

If you had told 18-year-old Army recruit Michael J. Kelly in 1987 where he would be nearly four decades from then, he wouldn’t have believed it.

“I didn’t think I would be here after I retired from the Army,” Kelly said during a recent interview. “I didn’t think I’d go back into government civilian work.”

Yet after serving honorably in the Army for 25 years, Kelly proudly serves as the Acquisition and Operations Chief for Project Manager IVAS.

The Integrated Visual Augmentation Systems (IVAS) is the Army’s cutting-edge mixed-reality headset of the future that provides Soldiers with a single platform to train, rehearse, and fight through a mixed-reality heads up display. IVAS has the flexibility to integrate situational awareness tools such as low light and thermal sensors, augmented reality, advanced targeting capabilities, 3D mapping and navigation, squad immersive training, and much more all in one platform.

IVAS provides Soldiers with a level of situational awareness and human-machine integration capabilities not currently seen anywhere else in the world.

It’s that unprecedented level of flexibility and Soldier integration that Kelly is most excited about while working with IVAS.

“It’s the extensibility and everything else that we can bring into the system,” Kelly said about IVAS, noting the advancements offered to Soldiers now compared to when he was in the Army.

Having used old PVS-5 night vision goggles, which he jokingly described as “like strapping a brick to your face,” Kelly knows first-hand just how much Soldiers will benefit from using IVAS headsets.

“There’s no extensibility in goggles,” Kelly said, holding his hands up to his face to mimic binoculars as a way to demonstrate a goggle’s smaller field of vision. “You don’t get the extensibility or ability to be extensible.”

IVAS is unique in that it provides both low-light and thermal vision to Soldiers, as well a fused option to provide soldiers with an unprecedented amount of visibility all in one headset.

“When you’re in the woods, even with low-light and enhanced night vision there’s still parts you can’t see,” Kelly explained. “But if you turn thermals on, if there’s a person there they won’t be able to hide.”

That’s also in-part due to IVAS providing Soldiers a significantly wider FOV that what night vision or thermal goggles.

There’s a lot more that Kelly enjoys about working with IVAS, such as the headset’s digital zoom feature to allow soldiers to see objects from further away, or IVAS’ ability to create 3D maps and models that can be shared across all soldiers to provide enhanced situational awareness.

But it’s getting to work with the IVAS team that Kelly most appreciates.

“I like this team,” Kelly says, answering almost immediately when asked about what he liked most about his position. “This is a very high-performing team. It’s one of the things I enjoy about this. More than most places I’ve worked, it’s the team here at IVAS. And I’ve been on a lot of teams in a lot of situations both in and out of the Army.”

Kelly definitely speaks from experience, having served multiple tours in the Middle East during the height of the War on Terror.

Although he prefers not to think of moments during his life and career as highlights, Kelly did mention one moment in particular as something he is particularly proud of.

In 2008, Kelly was again deployed to Iraq as a First Sergeant. His unit was moved around a lot, due in part to the fact that America had already begun the process of withdrawing from the country. Despite that, all of Kelly’s unit returned home.

“We brought everybody back,” Kelly says. “We had some injuries, but no KIAs.”

Kelly has lived a fascinating life, one that has taken turns that even he never would have expected. Throughout all of it, however, Kelly has always held the mindset of embracing things as they come, and it’s led him to where he is today.

“Never say never. Because you don’t know what is going to change in your life,” Kelly said, reflecting on how he never imagined he’d have the duties and position he has now. “So keep your possibilities open. Keep your options open.”

By Zach Montanaro

Posted in Guest Post, PEO-Soldier | 5 Comments »

Army Junior Officer Counsel Drives Change from the Ground Floor

Sunday, April 13th, 2025

WASHINGTON — The Army Junior Officer Counsel is a pilot program sponsored by the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, that is led by junior officers. Its goal is to transform how the Army learns, develops and retains young leaders in the officer grades of O-1 to O-3 and WO-1 to CW-3.

AJOC gives junior officers a formal platform to improve Soldiers’ quality of service and life, which supports junior officer retention and career satisfaction. It’s proving to be a valuable asset by fostering innovation and positive change within the Army while cultivating the next generation of Army leaders.

The name AJOC deliberately contains the word “counsel” to highlight its advisory role to senior leaders, which allows JOs to share perspectives, insights and innovative ideas. The program capitalizes on the leading-edge knowledge and experience of junior officers because they are often the most recently formally trained, and they work close on the final planning and execution of many of the Army’s missions.

“We’re taking the knowledge we gain in our specific fields and applying it to broader Army challenges,” said Maj. Chris Slininger, AJOC’s director and founder. “AJOC provides a space to hone these skills amongst our peers, allowing for candid feedback and rapid growth.”

AJOC is designed to have numerous chapters at different installations gathering feedback, research and recommendations from JOs. It currently has three active chapters at Fort Stewart, Georgia; Smith Barracks in Baumholder, Germany; and Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

Slininger said AJOC chapters prioritize action-oriented, collaborative problem-solving approaches that focus on delivering rigorous research and tangible results. They also emphasize active listening, encouraging JOs to gather information effectively, understand diverse perspectives and build consensus.

“This isn’t about endless debates and discussions,” explained Slininger. “AJOC is about identifying challenges, developing practical solutions and driving meaningful change within the Army.”

AJOC also offers significant professional development opportunities for participating JOs by cultivating critical thinking and encouraging them to leverage data, artificial intelligence and other resources to inform and improve decision-making.

One of the program’s core strengths involves encouraging JOs to take ownership of driving change within the Army profession. It also gives senior leaders who want to support change an opportunity to hear from JOs and mentor them to help implement effective solutions to identified challenges and gaps.

Interaction with senior leaders is an invaluable experience for JOs as it gives them first-hand access to the perspectives of senior leaders, who help them understand the Army’s broader vision and its network of stakeholders, campaigns and responsibilities.

Slininger created AJOC as a junior officer after recognizing the need for a more structured and effective system to understand and address the perspectives and needs of junior officers. Even now, as a field grade officer, he is a strong advocate for the program because of its value to the Army and JOs.

“AJOC offers a unique opportunity for JOs who want to make a tangible impact on the Army,” said Slininger. “Whether driven by a desire to improve their units, enhance their leadership skills or contribute to solving complex challenges, AJOC provides a platform for JOs to drive tomorrow’s solutions today.”

As AJOC expands, its impact on the Army’s future is poised to grow even further.

U.S. Army Public Affairs there you go

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 1 Comment »

Project Convergence Capstone 5 Experiments at NTC

Saturday, April 12th, 2025

FORT IRWIN, Calif. — In early March, Soldiers, technology, equipment and defense industry partners came together at the National Training Center to execute Project Convergence Capstone 5 (PC-C5), a critical component of the U.S. Army’s Continuous Transformation efforts. The first portion of PC-C5 focused on enabling operations at the Corps and below level along with integration with Joint and Multinational allies and partners.

Participants of previous Project Convergence events can see similarities, as PC-C5 was built upon the successes and lessons learned from earlier experiments. However, they will also see the vast differences that planners developed to ensure concept-driven experimental objectives align with the future Army Warfighting Concept and the Joint Warfighting Design.

PC-C5 is a critical proving ground for emerging technologies and concepts crucial to enabling a data-centric and networked fighting force. Participants are engaging in both live and simulated experiments focused on:

Data-Driven Decision Making: Evaluating the effectiveness of advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence to provide real-time situational awareness for rapid, informed decisions.

Expanded Maneuver: Experimenting with new concepts and technologies that enhance the ability to maneuver and engage adversaries across land, air, sea, space and cyberspace.

Forging Seamless Joint and Multinational Interoperability: Refining the ability of allied forces to operate together seamlessly across all domains.

Brig. Gen. Zachary Miller, PC-C5 Deputy Experiment Director, and U.S. Army Joint Modernization Command commanding general, said, “What Project Convergence does is bring every single war-fighting system we have together in one place.”

Additionally, the Army is exploring four primary warfighting notions during PC-C5. The first is expanded maneuver aimed at how the joint force is thinking about time and space in all domains. Second is cross-domain fires, involving how to shoot and create effects across all domains of warfare. Third is formation-based layered protection, which is the idea of how to protect units in all domains, such as the electromagnetic spectrum, dispersion of command posts and countering unmanned aerial systems. Last is command and control (C2) and counter-C2, which prevents the adversary from being able to command their forces.

To explore these notions, the experiment consists of more than 6,000 personnel from joint and multinational military forces, plus defense industry participants executing multiple vignettes across two scenarios.

Participants brought legacy equipment and new technologies to the event, including drones, robotics, and concealment equipment.

“Since last Capstone, the Army has thought deeply about the future operating environment and what it is going to take to win, and what we don’t have now,” Miller said. “We’re layering new technology, new capabilities, with a new way to organize and seeing if that helps us achieve the warfighting aims we know we have.”

To gauge the effectiveness of these emerging technologies, participating units experimented with the equipment in a replicated combat scenario. PC-C5 included the primary units from the 82nd Airborne Division and the 1st Armored Division, with many other U.S. military units supporting, along with forces from Britain, France, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. Together, they executed three vignettes.

During Vignette One, the 82nd Airborne Division, British and Australian forces conducted a joint forcible entry operation. This vignette focused on a large-scale maneuver by an Army division that needed to suppress enemy defenses to reduce enemy air space while increasing friendly air space.

Vignette Two saw elements of the 1st Armored Division supporting the 82nd Airborne Division along with multinational partners conduct a combined arms breach. C2, fires and using human-machine integration formations with robotic and autonomous technologies were crucial to survivability and lethality during this vignette, which set the conditions for Vignette Three.

Vignette Three was built on the previous vignettes, in which the 1st Armored Division defended the seized objective. During this vignette, the unit had to retain key terrain for the joint force while generating combat power to destroy enemy capabilities.

Across all three vignettes, C2 and data-driven decision-making were critical elements driving successful actions.

“What we’re trying to do is take these emerging technologies where we can get this data better and faster to execute,” said Lt. Col. Tad Coleman, commander of 2-37 Armor Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division.

PC Capstone events present a unique opportunity to demonstrate the Army’s transformation efforts to senior leadership. Within the first few weeks of his confirmation as the 26th Secretary of the Army, the Honorable Daniel Driscoll, accompanied by Gen. Randy George, the Army’s chief of staff, visited Soldiers during PC-C5 and saw first-hand how the Army is pushing transformation efforts into the future.

During Driscoll’s confirmation, he highlighted readiness and modernization as priorities.

“The world is changing rapidly, and we must ensure the Army is prepared to operate in new, complex, and contested environments,” Driscoll said. “From advancing our capabilities in multi-domain operations, to cutting-edge technologies, my sacred duty to our Army is to ensure our Soldiers have the world’s finest training, equipment and leadership to accomplish any mission.”

Viewing live experimentation at PC-C5 gives leaders an understanding on how technologies in the hands of Soldiers shapes future decisions. Some of these technologies may end up in Transforming in Contact 2.0 or future iterations.

In an interview with Breaking Defense George stated, “TiC is very, very valuable to us because we can do it in formation after formation after formation. We can also do it in every different environment, like Europe, [the Indo-Pacific Command] INDOPACOM, stateside [or] in the Arctic… that’s the real advantage of TiC.”

Some participants will transition to Scenario B as Scenario A finishes at NTC.

Scenario B, conducted in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, is experimenting with all service components at the combatant command level.

Experimenting in the Pacific is not new, but incorporating experimentation into existing exercises provides additional learning opportunities.

As part of the U.S. Army’s campaign of learning, PC is designed to aggressively advance and integrate the Army’s contributions to the Joint and Multinational Force and ensure that the Army, as part of the Joint and Multinational fight, can rapidly and continuously converge effects across all domains — air, land, sea, space and cyberspace — to overmatch our adversaries.

By SGT Joseph Enoch and David Miller, PC-C5 Joint Information Center

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Project Convergence Capstone 5 Experiments at NTC

MIL-STD-1553B: The Backbone of Modern Defense Tech

Friday, April 11th, 2025

For nearly half a century, MIL-STD-1553B has been the backbone of military and aerospace data communication, remaining indispensable thanks to its unmatched robustness, deterministic performance, and fail-safe architecture. As defense and aerospace systems evolve, this standard’s adaptability and reliability keep it at the forefront of the industry, proving that innovation isn’t always about replacing the old but enhancing time-tested foundations. Here, Jamal Hagi, RF engineer at connector specialist PEI-Genesis, explains how this standard is essential for innovative defense technology.

MIL-STD-1553B is a time-division multiplexing (TDM) data bus standard, first adopted by the U.S. Department of Defense in the early 1970s and initially used on the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet. It soon became a de facto standard across military aircraft, ground vehicles, and maritime vessels and has since been adopted by all branches of the U.S. military, NATO, and NASA. Increasingly, it’s also finding applications in commercial aerospace and industrial environments.

A legacy of reliability

Operating at 1 Mbps, the 1553B bus employs a dual-redundant architecture, ensuring data integrity and continuity even in the event of a failure. Its low-frequency transmission, below 500 MHz, and two signal paths—a primary and a backup—provide a critical layer of reliability. The standard supports up to 31 remote terminals, including flight control systems, mission computers, and weapons systems, enabling synchronized and secure data exchange.

One of the key technical advantages of MIL-STD-1553B is its deterministic communication protocol. Unlike Ethernet-based systems, where packet delivery times can vary, the 1553B standard guarantees message delivery within a defined time frame. This predictability is essential in applications where timing precision and low-latency response directly impact mission success.

Moreover, the system topology includes not only the remote terminals (RTs) but also a Bus Controller (BC), which manages communication over the bus, and a Bus Monitor (BM), which observes data traffic without interfering. These components ensure seamless operation and data integrity across the system.

The System Controller (SC) oversees the entire system, ensuring proper coordination, while the System Monitor (SM) handles performance monitoring and diagnostics. This bus architecture is typically arranged in a daisy-chain configuration, with each terminal connected through the bus, facilitating efficient communication and data flow. The fail-safe redundancy architecture minimizes the risk of single points of failure, a critical factor in high-stakes environments.

Modern innovations

Despite its longevity, MIL-STD-1553B has not remained static. Modern implementations incorporate enhanced physical layer components, such as advanced transformer-coupled connectors and transceivers that offer increased signal integrity and reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Twinax and triax connectors, like those offered by Cinch under the Trompeter brand, provide exceptional EMI protection and noise rejection through up to 90% shielding coverage and twisted-pair configurations. Similarly, Cinch offers a wide range of MIL-STD-1553 connectivity solutions, adapters, RFI caps, and terminators, as well as box bus couplers with 1–8 stubs and various fixed-length cable assemblies. These components are designed to meet stringent protocol requirements, ensuring low attenuation, precise impedance, and superior noise rejection—all critical for reliable data transmission in harsh environments.

In addition to connectors, MIL-STD-1553B cable assemblies are constructed with multiple layers of electrical shielding and environmental protection to withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, and mechanical shock. This combination of rugged design and advanced materials ensures consistent performance in mission-critical applications.

Furthermore, hybrid architectures that combine MIL-STD-1553B with higher-speed data protocols are becoming more common. These hybrid systems leverage 1553B’s reliability for critical command and control functions while offloading high-bandwidth data to faster channels. This approach preserves the robustness of the standard while addressing the growing need for data-intensive operations in modern defense systems.

Real-world applications

MIL-STD-1553B’s continued use across various platforms speaks to its versatility and dependability. In aviation, it forms the backbone of data exchange between flight control systems, navigation equipment, and weapon systems. Military ground vehicles rely on its robust architecture for onboard diagnostics and command functions. Even space exploration missions have adopted 1553B due to its proven resilience in extreme environments.

For example, missile systems use MIL-STD-1553 data buses to download targeting information from aircraft just before launch and coordinate information flow during flight. The International Space Station and lunar payload programs also leverage 1553B for common data links between space applications.

As the defense sector increasingly integrates AI-driven autonomous systems and advanced sensor networks, the deterministic nature of 1553B becomes even more valuable. Ensuring that decision-making algorithms receive precise, timely data from multiple subsystems is crucial for operational efficiency and safety.

The standard’s guaranteed message delivery within strict timeframes helps prevent data bottlenecks and ensures synchronized operation across complex systems. In AI-driven defense applications like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous ground systems, this reliability is vital for real-time decision-making and mission execution. MIL-STD-1553B’s ability to support multiple remote terminals ensures seamless communication between flight control, mission computers, and sensor arrays, creating a cohesive, integrated system ready for any operational challenge.

The future of MIL-STD-1553B

While newer data bus standards offer higher data rates and more advanced features, MIL-STD-1553B’s legacy of reliability and predictability ensures its ongoing relevance. Modernized implementations, such as advanced bus controllers and enhanced remote terminals, further extend the standard’s capabilities, allowing it to integrate with evolving digital infrastructure. These innovations not only maintain the standard’s robustness but also open opportunities for enhanced functionality in next-generation defense systems.

As a trusted partner, PEI-Genesis continues to support this evolution, providing state-of-the-art components that enhance the performance and longevity of MIL-STD-1553B systems. Our commitment to quality and customization ensures that a 50-year-old standard remains poised to support the next generation of aerospace and defense technology.

In an industry where failure is not an option, the enduring strength of MIL-STD-1553B—and the innovations keeping it relevant—serve as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best way forward is to build on the foundations that have already proven their worth.

To learn more about the wide range of MIL-STD-1553 connectivity solutions offered by PEI-Genesis, visit www.peigenesis.com.

Posted in Guest Post, Industry | Comments Off on MIL-STD-1553B: The Backbone of Modern Defense Tech

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Multi-Purpose Pack

Friday, April 11th, 2025

The FIRSTSPEAR MULTI-PURPOSE PACK is a highly versatile and durable pack originally developed as a medical bag for a U.S. Special Operations Forces element. It has since proven adaptable for a variety of uses such as a range bag, escape and evasion (E&E) pack, or a compact day-pack.

One of its standout features is the inclusion of five external pockets, offering ample organization and quick access to essential gear. A large hydration compartment ensures users remain mission-ready and hydrated during intense activity. The low-profile padded shoulder straps provide comfort during extended wear without adding bulk.

This pack’s design emphasizes discretion and utility, making it an exceptional choice for those needing low-visibility gear. Exterior compression straps help to stabilize the load and reduce the overall footprint of the bag, which is ideal for tactical or high-mobility scenarios.

The MULTI-PURPOSE PACK is especially valued for its ability to seamlessly transition between roles, catering to users who need flexibility in their gear. For those seeking a compact, low-profile pack with elite origins, the FIRSTSPEAR MULTI-PURPOSE PACK is a standout option.

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.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Packs | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus: Multi-Purpose Pack

USSOCOM: Changing Operational Demands Require Acquisition Changes

Friday, April 11th, 2025

Worldwide threats put the U.S. at risk and sometimes demand attention from U.S. Special Operations Command. To best meet those challenges, U.S. military acquisition needs to change, said Army Gen. Bryan P. Fenton, Socom commander.

“The character of war is changing faster than we’ve ever seen,” he said today before the House Armed Services Committee’s intelligence and special operations subcommittee.

“The innovation cycle now turns in days and weeks, not months and years. Our adversaries use $10,000 one-way drones that we shoot down with $2 million missiles — that cost-benefit curve is upside down,” he said.

Fenton noted that this is the most complex asymmetric and hybrid threat security environment he has seen during his 38 years of service. Contending with these challenges demands more from special operations forces.

“[It] requires tough choices, forcing trade-offs, as we strive to balance an increase in operations readiness and the need for modernization,” he said.

Fenton explained that over the past two years, for example, demand for SOCOM capabilities by combatant commands has increased by more than 35%, while at the same time, SOCOM has dealt with years of flat budgets.

To meet the demands of increased mission requirements and increasingly complex missions, he said SOCOM needs to improve its acquisition process.

“Our current acquisition procurement system … I would just offer, it’s outdated,” he said. “It’s glacial. I think it works in years and decades.”

He added that the lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine made it clear how the U.S. military acquisition process can be changed for the better.

“What we’re seeing through the lens of Ukraine needs to be an acquisition … and procurement system that is hyper-speed, supersonic,” he said. “Because over there, we’re watching the changes in minutes, hours and days, and that is a very stark contrast” to what the U.S. does.

Fenton said changes to the requirements process, including simplifying it, as well as changes to authorities, could help SOCOM quickly get what it needs.

“If I could say it so bluntly, take more people out of that system, get less hands on the requirements process,” he told lawmakers. “Go from operator to commander and then acquisition.”

Fenton also suggested how changes in funding could benefit acquisition within Socom.

Funding for systems comes in the form of operations and maintenance funds; research, development, testing and engineering funds; and procurement funds. The Defense Department can’t easily move money between those budget lines, and that could be simplified, he said.

“I think there’s a way to take a lot of that off, compress the multiple lines to just a couple, and really modernize there,” Fenton said.

The general also asked for greater flexibility in how the department contracts new systems, particularly the option to increase the length of multiyear procurements.

“Give us an opportunity to think through multiyear processes,” he said. “Two years might seem multiyear, I think, to all of us. Multiyear probably needs to be five to 10 years so we can move at the speed and evolution of what we’re seeing out on the battlefield.”

By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News

Posted in Congress, Guest Post, SOF | 1 Comment »

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