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AFSOC to Host Second Iteration of Emerald Warrior 24

Thursday, August 1st, 2024

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Air Force Special Operations Command is hosting a second iteration of the Emerald Warrior exercise this year from July 29 – August 18, 2024.

This joint, combined exercise provides realistic and relevant, high-end training to prepare special operations forces, conventional forces, and international partners in the evolving strategic environment, shifting focus to growing kinetic and non-kinetic effects in strategic competition. It will be held at multiple locations in Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Nevada, and Puerto Rico.

This exercise hones the skills of participating units and is an opportunity to test future concepts in support of Agile Combat Employment operating under the Air Force Force Generation deployment model. In line with AFSOC’s Strategic Guidance, the exercise fuels on-going pathfinding and experimentation efforts within the command.

Additionally, Emerald Warrior applies lessons learned from real-world operations to provide trained and ready personnel to the joint force, while addressing priorities laid out in the 2022 National Defense Strategy.

Residents near training locations may experience increased military activity in their area. All training occurs at designated sites and is coordinated with local authorities.

Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

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Air Force Special Operations Command and Armaments Research Company Successfully Complete Prototyping Effort

Wednesday, July 24th, 2024

(A Special Operations Mission Sustainment Team member with 27 Special Operations Wing demonstrates firing from cover. Source: 371 Special Operations Combat Training Squadron)

Highlights:

• Milestones completed in collaboration with the 371st Special Operations Training Squadron.

• Technology integration supports future developments for Enhanced Situational Awareness combined with small unmanned aerial systems.

• ARC artificial intelligence-enabled weapon sensors support training for austere airfield defense within Agile Combat Employment.

Washington, DC – July 22, 2024 – Armaments Research Company (ARC) announced today that it has successfully completed a prototyping effort with the United States Air Force Special Operations Command to enhance training for austere airfield defense.

“Over the past year, we’ve worked to develop and demonstrate a tool that will enable connectivity, situational awareness, and decision-making at our tactical echelon. In future conflicts, the USAF must rapidly maneuver our bases and elements across the battlefield to generate combat air power in an expeditionary environment. That level of maneuver requires our tactical leaders command and control their forces, secure their location, and generate combat power.” – Lt Col Sean M. Williams, 371st Special Operations Combat Training Squadron Commander.

Through ARC’s Engage capability, Airmen are enabled to collect tactical scenario training data in real-time related to orientation of weapons, ammunition consumption, and maneuver of friendly forces.

The effort focused on leveraging advanced technologies and simulation systems to replicate real-world scenarios, providing aircrew members with immersive training experiences that closely mirror operational environments. AFSOC aims to empower its personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in high-intensity, rapidly changing combat situations within emerging Agile Combat Employment doctrine.

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AFSOC Seeks sUAS Group 3 Swarm Carrier Drone Capability

Wednesday, July 24th, 2024

The U.S. Air Force Offensive small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) System Program Office (SPO) has issued a Request for Information to Industry to conduct market research to determine Industry’s ability to provide capabilities supporting the Air Force Special Operations Command’s (AFSOC) Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) concept within 24 – 36 months.

What they are after is a Group 3 sUAS capable of internally carrying and deploying Group 2 sUAS equipped with an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) payload. Essentially, a drone capable of being launched from a C-130 which carries and deploys a swarm of even smaller drones.

This is one of three distinct RFIs to be issued that will cover the sUAS platform needs for fielding Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) capabilities within 24 – 36 months of this RFI.

The SPO intends to release three distinct RFIs, each covering a specific A2E sUAS capability, detailed below. The SPO is seeking Industry responses to help inform how it can provide AFSOC with air-launched sUAS capabilities that integrate Group 2 Air-Launched ISR systems, Group 3 Air-Launched Swarm Carrier systems, and Group 3 Air-Launched Signature Managed systems within the A2E architecture (see Appendix A, Figure 1) while complying with a Modular Open System Approach (MOSA). Specifically, the SPO will be seeking responses for each of the three capabilities below via three separate and distinct RFIs:

• Group 2 ISR – To be internally carried and air-launched via Common Launch Tube (CLT) from a Group 3 Swarm Carrier.

• Group 3 Swarm Carrier – To be deployed from a C-130 as an air-dropped, palletized effect, internally carrying and able to launch Group 2 ISR sUAS from CLTs.

• Group 3 Signature Managed – To be air-launched from a Group 5 system, act as a C2 node in a network/swarm of sUAS and send data from the contested/denied environment to the Joint Force.

Solutions must align with MOSA design principles and be cost-effective for the government. They must also be compatible with an Autonomous Government Referenced Architecture and the software chosen to support that architecture. Finally, solutions must demonstrate a maturity level and production capacity that confidently conveys the ability to deliver scalable quantity within 36 months.

RFI responses are due no later than (NLT) 1700 EST (sic) on August 09, 2024.

Read the details at sam.gov.

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Naval Special Warfare, Submarine Squadron 11 Display Fleet Lethality

Saturday, July 20th, 2024

PACIFIC OCEAN — West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare (NSW) operators participated in fleet interoperability training off the coast of Southern California June 24, focusing on increasing warfighting capabilities in the maritime domain.

The training involved aircraft from Commander, U.S. Naval Air Forces and the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Greeneville (SSN 772), assigned to Commander Submarine Squadron 11 (CSS-11).

“This training opportunity provided the submarine warfighters aboard USS Greeneville the opportunity to practice a unique capability,” said Capt. Kenneth Douglas, Commander, Submarine Squadron 11. “Expanding joint interoperability capabilities effectively demonstrates our asymmetric advantage on and under the world’s oceans and I look forward to continued training events with our Naval Special Warfare operators.”

During the training, Naval Special Warfare (NSW) operators performed a military freefall and conducted an airborne drop of combat rubber raiding crafts (CRRC) off the coast of Southern California. Following this, the NSW operators rendezvoused with Greeneville at a designated location before returning to shore.

“Undertaking an operation of this caliber highlights the indispensable role that NSW and the submarine force play within the joint force,” said Capt. Blake L. Chaney, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Group 1. “By synchronizing our operations, activities and investments, we not only bolster fleet lethality but also provide substantial value in securing access to either denied or contested areas.”

Engaging in ongoing training with Naval Special Warfare and Commander Submarine Squadron 11, ensures that the U.S. Naval force is well-prepared to tackle the challenges of a dynamic and competitive maritime environment.

CSS-11 is home to five Los Angeles-class fast attack submarines, which are capable of supporting various missions, including: anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Naval Special Warfare is the nation’s elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach and gain and maintain access for the Joint Force in competition and conflict.

By Petty Officer 1st Class Alex Perlman And Petty Officer 1st Class Alex Smedegard

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Virtual Symposium Develops Air Commandos to Maximize Potential

Friday, July 19th, 2024

Hurlburt Field, Fl —

Participants across Air Force Special Operations Command took part in the Commando LEAD Symposium on July 15 virtually to learn techniques to continue to build the force we need.

“We have a duty as leaders to ensure anyone who chooses to serve has an environment to thrive,” said Maj. Gen. Rebecca Sonkiss, Deputy Commander of Air Force Special Operations Command. “We are talking about building strong teams, a fabric of unique and different thoughts, with trust, that are ready to deliver the full capabilities of our nation with the lethality we need to win,” she added.

The Commando LEAD Symposium had an array of speakers, which all focused on the need to maximize an Air Commandos potential and to sharpen their mindset.

“The Air Commando Mindset is a bias for action, setting really high standards, and holding each other accountable. It is this mindset that actually earns us the title Air Commando and comes from a rich heritage,” said CMSgt Anthony Green, Command Chief Master Sergeant at Air Force Special Operations Command. “We must have all three things and remain adaptive. We cannot allow ourselves to stagnate because of the risk of failure. Know the mission, seek our purpose, and unleash that out the box thinking that AFSOC has always been known for,” he added.

At the virtual symposium, participants were provided insights on how to cultivate a professional workplace, nurture workforce talent, and promote an inclusive environment.

“We are not a social justice organization, we are a combat capability generating and warfighting organization, but we can still find ways to take care of each other. And so, to that end, Air Force capabilities and warfighting skills are enhanced by the diversity of its personnel,” said SMSgt Remy Voisin, Senior Enlisted Advisor for the 1st Special Operation Wing Commanders Action Group.

Topics at the event included “Air Commando Mindset,” “Diversity as an Operational Necessity,” and “Overcoming Systemic Barrier’s.”

When we foster an environment of inclusion, our force becomes a more engaged, effective, and lethal.

“Bringing broad spectrum of teammates to the table so they perform to the best they can stands the test of time. Our expectation is everyone is a leader, and everyone needs to be leading in this space,” said Sonkiss.

LEAD stands for Leadership, Equity, Advocacy and Development.

Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, SOF, Training | 1 Comment »

BG Joseph G Lock Takes Command of Special Operations Command Europe

Thursday, July 18th, 2024

STUTTGART, Germany – U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Steven G. Edwards, the outgoing Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) commanding general, transferred command to U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Joseph G. Lock during a change of command ceremony at Patch Barracks on July 15.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, presided over the ceremony and spoke of the mission entrusted to Lock: “You’re inheriting a command that is located at the forefront of our nation’s mission. There just couldn’t be a more important time. The events of the past two years have jolted us awake. The war in Ukraine has served as a terrible reminder of the large-scale wars throughout history and a reminder that they can occur again today.”

Lock most recently served as Military Deputy Director of Program Analysis and Evaluation at Department of the Army Headquarters (HQDA), G-8, and was responsible for the independent assessment, integration, and synchronization of the Army Program and Army’s Program Objective Memorandum (POM). Brig. Gen. Lock’s previous General Officer assignments include: Commanding General, Special Operations Joint Task Force Central; Commanding General, Over the Horizon Counterterrorism Command; and Assistant Commanding General, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).

“Under the dedicated and reliable leadership of Brigadier General Lock, SOCEUR will continue to prosper,” said Edwards. “With over 25 years spent in the special operations community, his expertise, ethics, and leadership is key for the future success of SOCEUR’s efforts in supporting higher headquarters’ priorities. I have no doubt that he will excel in his new role as SOCEUR commander.”

Edwards took command of SOCEUR in 2022. Prior to this assignment he worked as the Chief of Staff, Headquarters United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Edwards, who began his career as an Army Warrant Officer, is retiring after 33 years of service.

“I want to personally thank Major General Edwards for his leadership during the past two years here at SOCEUR,” Lock said. “His dedicated service to all allies and partners and the unique cultures they bring to our theater has fostered an inclusive operational footprint. I am honored to be a part of this dynamic command that continues to work throughout the theater, preserving security during this critical time.”

Courtesy Story
U.S. Special Operations Command Europe
Photos by SFC Tim Beery

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General Conley Takes Command of Air Force Special Operations Command

Friday, July 5th, 2024

HURLBURT FIELD, Fl. —

Lt. Gen. Michael Conley assumed command of Air Force Special Operations Command from Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind in a change of command ceremony at the Freedom Hangar here July 2.

Presiding over the ceremony, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin praised Bauernfeind’s past accomplishments and Conley’s future potential as the commander of AFSOC. Allvin said the image that came to mind when he thought of the transition to a new commander was the passing of a baton in a race.

“Races are won or lost by fractions of a second,” he said. “The stakes are high for our Air Force, our special operations community and our nation and we can’t afford to take a pause. Mike Conley is up to speed. He’s ready. He brings a breadth of experience working with the Air Force, major command and joint staff. He also has a depth of experience in the AFSOC mission.”

During the ceremony, four formations of Air Commandos stood at attention to represent the Airmen of AFSOC. The military formation, comprised of 85 Airmen, represented the five active-duty, one Reserve wing, and two National Guard wings; and more than 20,000 active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and civilian Airmen who serve across AFSOC.

U.S. Army Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander of United States Special Operations Command, also provided remarks during the ceremony, as AFSOC is the Air Force component of USSOCOM. Fenton welcomed Conley as AFSOC’s new commander and praised the command for its spirit of innovation.

“Mike, welcome aboard,” he said. “You are taking charge of an exceptional team. You know this already because you’ve been a key part. You’re inheriting an incredible organization that is not only pathfinding and trailblazing for SOCOM but equally for our Air Force and on top of that, the Department of Defense. And they are doing it at lightning speed. You’re exactly what AFSOC needs to continue that transformation.”

Lt. Gen. Michael Conley assumed command of Air Force Special Operations Command after previously serving as the director of operations for Headquarters AFSOC. He was responsible for implementing and directing operational command policy for AFSOC’s worldwide special operations units including 20,800 personnel, approximately 300 aircraft and $17 billion in assets. He also served as the vice commander for AFSOC’s 27th Special Operations Wing and the commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing.

“I am honored and humbled for this opportunity,” he said. “I am committed to making this command the best it can be in ensuring we are ready to go whenever you need us to.

Bauernfeind was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal as well as the USSOCOM ceremonial colors for his accomplishments as commander and then received the final salute from the Air Commandos. He will depart AFSOC to become the next Superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy.

By Lucelia Ball, Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

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Air Commandos Bid Farewell to Lt Gen Bauernfeind

Thursday, July 4th, 2024

HURLBURT FIELD, Fl. —

Air Commandos throughout Air Force Special Operations Command will bid farewell to Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind on July 2nd, as he prepares to depart AFSOC to serve as the Superintendent, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

When he assumed command in December 2022, one of his first actions was to address the more than 22,000 total force and civilian Air Commandos worldwide. In his initial communication, the 13th Commander of AFSOC noted their outstanding dedication to the mission, the Air Force core values, and their oath to the Constitution of the United States.

“Equally inspiring is your devotion to the professionalism and high standards necessary to uphold our sacred trust to the American public,” he said. “Your service is clearly making an impact for our nation, and we will focus on enhancing your quality of service.”

Bauernfeind followed through by modernizing missions, such as the retirement of the final operational MC-130H Combat Talon II and carrying the mission over to the MC-130J Commando II aircrews, maintainers and support teams.

The general also took on the challenge of wing standardization during his command. In March 2023, five wings assigned to AFSOC implemented the wing air staff (A-staff) structure. The new structure reduced the administrative burden at the squadron level to allow them to focus on the mission. AFSOC also established a new headquarters directorate, A7, Air Commando Development in April 2023, designed to provide policy and oversight for how Air Commandos deliberately train, exercise, experience, and educate for deployments.

In addition, AFSOC executed Exercise Talon Spear, the command’s first Small Unmanned Aerial Systems collaboration exercise. It marked the first step for AFSOC on its path toward modernization through the Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) concept. The exercise marked the beginning of the evolution from using the MQ-9 Reaper platform exclusively for its intelligence gathering and strike capabilities to a node (mobile control center) in a distributed command and control concept, furthering AFSOC’s power projection capabilities.

Next, Bauernfeind addressed Air Commandos and their families.

“We recognize the challenges and sacrifices you and your families make to serve this great nation, and we will focus on enhancing your quality of life,” he said.

He accomplished this by improvements to the Integrated Resiliency Optimization Network, which encouraged communication between helping agencies and enabled coordination within the psychological, social, physical, and spiritual resiliency pillars. This effort allowed consolidation of support efforts to take care of Air Commandos.

He also advocated for infrastructure improvements when he tackled the traffic congestion issue at Hurlburt Field, inviting community leaders and state and county officials to several roundtable discussions to brainstorm solutions to the highly congested Highway 98 near the base which can limit mission effectiveness for AFSOC’s alert requirements.

Bauernfeind also provided the vision for the opening of the Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park to the public for the first time in 20 years, allowing visitors to come face-to-face with the aircraft, mission and stories – past, present and future. Static aircraft are displayed alongside memorials and informational plaques to provide insight into the men and women who served in AFSOC.

Bauernfeind concluded his introduction by addressing the transformation of the command.

He helmed the command during the ongoing transformation of AFSOC, which involved the continued development of the force generation cycle, implementation of mission command, progression of Special Operations Task Groups and creation of multi-domain theater-focused squadrons.

Additionally, the first activated Special Operations Theater Air Operations Squadron was introduced, which allows AFSOC to bolster the AFSOF unique capabilities offered to Theater Special Operation Commands as well as Theater Air Components, adapting to the ever-changing operational landscape.

“Today is a pivotal time to serve in AFSOC as we navigate a strategic inflection point and continue the work of transforming the command,” he said. “While we face many challenges, we are confident in our future because of your dedication to our mission and innovative spirit.”

These projects, along with countless others, will continue as the general passes command to his successor.

Safe journey Sir!

By Lucelia Ball, Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

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