Eventually, everyone ends up in a spot they can’t just drive out of and needs a little mechanical assistance. In this week’s tip, Instructor Wyatt doves over winching and recovery.
If you’re in need of in-person training like this, sign up for the Team O’Neil Tactical Driving Course at their facility in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This five-day course includes driving under NODS and is available to military and other government agencies as well as civilians.
WILL ROGERS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Okla. —
On Nov 15, 2024, the 17th Special Operations Squadron hosted a ceremony to publicly observe its alignment under the 492d Special Operations Wing and reassignment to become the formal training unit for Air Force Special Operations Command’s newest aircraft, the OA-1K.
“The ceremony is not just a formal event,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Wnetrzak, 492d Special Operations Wing commander. “It is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence, our unwavering commitment to our nation’s defense and the enduring legacy of those who have come before us.”
The OA-1K is a new multirole crewed aircraft with the first missionized variant expected to arrive in 2025. The propeller-driven aircraft, which is built on the Air Tractor 802U frame, will deliver close air support, precision strike, and armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability in support of combating current and future threats.
“The OA-1K aircraft are truly awesome machines,” says Lt. Col. Jesse Ziegler, incoming 17th Special Operations Squadron commander. “These [block] zero models are not fully modified yet and serve as an initial training aircraft, until both air crew and aircraft reach operation status.”
In addition to WRANGB, the OA-1K will be stationed at Hurlburt Field, Cannon Air Force Base, and pending the results of an environmental impact statement, Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. All training for the aircraft will take place here under the 17 SOS, which will be made up of both active duty and Air National Guard Airmen from the 137th Special Operations Wing.
“Once combined with the full mission equipment and the crews that these cadres will teach, the Special Operations community will have a capability we haven’t seen yet,” said Ziegler.
With the remission to the OA-1K, WRANGB is expected an increase of 150-200 permanent personnel and predicted to positively impact the local economy. The arrival of the OA-1K comes on the heels of the divestment of the MC-12 aircraft at WRANGB, which is expected to conclude in 2027.
Currently WRANGB has two AT-802U trainer aircraft being used to train initial cadre in a representative tail wheel aircraft in preparation for the OA-1K arrival. The 17 SOS will provide special mission qualification, combined systems refresher, as well as proficiency and currency training.
Prior to standing up at WRANGB, the 17 SOS was an AC-130J unit at Cannon Air Force Base. The squadron has a storied history of transformation and the squadron motto “no mission too demanding” is a testament of the unit’s resolute and innovative spirit, which continues as the OA-1K FTU. The squadron has had numerous operations including combat in Southwest and Western Pacific, combat in Southeast Asia, disaster relief missions in the Philippines, and other special operations missions as necessary starting in the 1990s, when AFSOC was activated.
By 492d Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
During the I/ITSEC event in Orlando, Florida, Saab has revealed a UAV training capability which can act both as an asset or threat during military exercises. Saab has also recently received an order from an undisclosed customer to deliver a number of prototype UAV live training systems.
Saab’s new UAV trainer is used as an add-on within live training. It connects to Saab’s exercise control software EXCON and it can be equipped with sensors and simulated weapons as desired by the customer. It also has a laser target system, meaning it can both virtually engage participants as well as simulate getting shot down by ground forces, thereby enabling evaluation of soldier skills and tactical behaviour.
“We see the increased use of military UAVs on the battlefield. The need for a solution that makes soldiers ready to detect, engage and hide from these is crucial. Saab’s UAV live training capability has already received a huge interest from the existing live training customers. It was initially offered to the UK Armed Forces, who became our first customer using Saab’s instrumented UAV service for live training scenarios,” said Joakim Alhbin, head of Saab’s business unit Training and Simulation.
Designed to replicate aerial threats from opposing forces, the Saab UAV trainer, utilising an ‘off-the-shelf’ UAV platform, can be engaged and defeated whilst capturing troop activity on video and is able to drop ‘virtual munitions’ on soldiers on the ground. All data is recorded and used to support objective measurement and feedback to improve counter-UAV survivability.
Saab’s military UAV trainer is initially offered as a service, where Saab supports drone operation during training scenarios. In addition, a large number of customer trials have been ordered and delivered, further confirming the strong interest for this capability.
EAST AURORA, N.Y. – December 2, 2024 –At I/ITSEC 2024, Moog Inc. (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B) invites attendees to pilot a CH-47Chinook at booth 649 via an innovative flight training device, FTD, that brings unmatched motion control and virtual reality to immersive aviation training, exceeding regulatory agency requirements.
“We can tailor our platform to simulate other helicopters, aircraft, or ground vehicles,” said Noud van Bavel, global marketing manager for Simulation & Test at Moog. “This FTD offers a level of realism and fidelity that simply hasn’t been available with other training devices and opens up a world of possibilities for military and civilian organizations to improve safety, reduce the cost of training, and put people into the field faster with enhanced skills.”
Attendees can climb into the pilot’s seat of Moog’s fully working simulator, built on a Moog high-performance motion platform. They can then don a VR Headset and lift off from any Airbase. The simulator is a live demonstration of Moog’s 40 years of experience with every high performing component customers need to make their own line of FTDs:
• A full control loading solution with flight stick and mimicked CH-47 thrust lever with dynamic feedback, and adjustable pedals accurately representing everything a pilot feels in the real helicopter.
• Top-of-the-line motion platform with 6 degrees of freedom, built to last.
“This is no arcade ride; it’s designed for professional systems and only the highest levels of performance,” added van Bavel.
Schedule a flight
Attendees and members of the media can book a VR experience in the Chinook simulator by choosing a day and time at this link: www.moog.com/news/events/2024/iitsec-2024
Moog goes beyond its VR demonstration unit
New this year is the release of two major Moog motion systems, the E60 and P60, for organizations needing larger systems for Level D flight training centers. The standard for all electric motion systems is the E60, an update on Moog’s previous generations, now with even better reliability and simplified maintenance for top simulation OEMs’ exacting requirements. The P60 pneumatic motion system, which leverages enhanced power management and integrated pneumatics, boasts a 75 percent savings in energy over traditional all-electric systems. Stop by the booth at I/ITSEC to talk with the team at Moog on how to build a new energy-efficient product line of simulators with the P60 or leverage the improvements of the E60 to make the best all electric simulator on the market.
McGREGOR RANGE, N.M. —
The 11th Air Task Force conducted its first field training exercise at McGregor Range, New Mexico, Nov. 4-19, 2024.
As the Air Force shifts toward a more agile, team-oriented force structure, the exercise united Airmen from Davis-Monthan and Holloman Air Force Base to test and refine new concepts for combat readiness.
“This is the future of the Air Force,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel Jamerson, 11th Combat Air Base Squadron commander. “We’re here to prepare our Airmen for the next fight, whether in new terrain, against new adversaries, or in different operational conditions than what we’ve faced in the past.”
The exercise focused on protection-based core task training, ensuring Airmen from diverse career fields are ready to operate as a cohesive unit in combat scenarios. This approach contrasts with past models where Airmen were individually deployed and often worked with unfamiliar teams upon arrival. The shift toward integrated team training reflects the Air Force’s vision for agile combat employment, a proactive and reactive operational scheme of maneuver to enable U.S. forces to increase survivability while generating combat power.
Airmen learned and demonstrated base defense drills, weapons tactics, visual signals, guardian angel and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear preparedness. Airmen also gained experience using counter-unmanned aerial systems, M4 carbines, M18 pistols and heavy weapons.
The training culminated in a base defense scenario, led by U.S. Army 2-363rd Training Support Battalion Task Force Black Scorpion out of Fort Bliss, Texas, where Airmen implemented everything they learned and demonstrated their ability to defend a contingency location while under simulated attack.
“This training instills mission ready airmen and agile combat employment techniques to ensure that we are prepared for that next fight,” said Jamerson. “It’s great to be proficient in your primary Air Force Specialty Code, but you need to be prepared at any given day to be whatever we need to be for a combat air base squadron. It all comes down to that mission focused piece.”
Security forces Airmen led focused training for fellow 11th ATF members.
This training is setting us up to be the best technical experts in our AFSCs while training our peers who are deploying with us, said Airman 1st Class Caleb Roy, 355th Security Forces Squadron response force member. Roy explained the team was preparing one another for aircraft protection, access control, vehicle searches, weapons tactics, and day-to-day proficiencies so each Airman is interchangeable down range.
The 11th ATF’s efforts are part of a broader initiative to align Air Force force presentation models with those of sister services. The goal is to provide the Department of Defense with clearer insights into Air Force capabilities and readiness levels. The exercise also served as the first opportunity for the Airmen of the 11th Air Task Force, split between Davis-Monthan and Holloman, to train together.
“This is our first opportunity to [come together] to learn our strengths and weaknesses,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jerome Clark, 11th CABS senior enlisted leader. “It’s much better to work with the team all the way through a cycle. All of that ties into us training together, and then deploying together and having a successful mission.”
The exercise prepared Airmen for the way the Air Force will be operating going forward and familiarizes them with the Air Force Force Generation Cycle. It allows a more predictable deployment cycle and the ability to better plan operations without the disruptions of last-minute assignments. This structured approach not only enhances operational readiness but also builds confidence among the team.
“We’re deliberate, motivated, and excited,” said Clark. “This process is setting the foundation for a stronger, more agile Air Force.”
Jamerson echoes Clark’s feelings.
“The future is here,” said Jamerson. “The combat air base squadron is not just a concept, it’s the reality of how we’re going to fight and win the next conflict. We’re building something transformational, and this is just the beginning.”
By Airman 1st Class Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos, 355th Wing
In this week’s tip, Instructor Wyatt discusses close proximity driving and suggests drills you can use to imporve your skills.
If you’re in need of in-person training like this, sign up for the Team O’Neill Tactical Driving Course at their facility in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This five-day course includes driving under NODS and is available to military and other government agencies as well as civilians.
The principle of “the more you know, the less equipment you need” highlights the importance of mastering basic skills and mindset over dependence on gear in high-stress or resource-limited situations or environments. It emphasizes that in critical moments, you can’t always rely on having access to desired equipment. Instead, your training, experience, and character become your greatest asset.
As a training company, CTOMS™ holds to the philosophy that it is necessary to first train to rely on your own abilities rather than becoming dependant on equipment. Once owned, through training and experience, knowledge and skills are always with you. This approach then leads to knowledgeable equipment choices that extend capabilities, rather than creating compensation.
CTOMS™ Mission Essential Training (MET™) provides tactical and emergency medicine education and training experiences to law enforcement, military, and emergency services, and is now booking 2025 training events.
For more information see the MET™ training catalogue, or contact training@ctomsinc.com
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AFNS) —
Military service members are expected to be fit – it’s all a part of making sure a fighting force is ready for duty and the U.S. Space Force is no exception.
Guardians may spend more time tracking satellites and space debris and staying alert for hostile missiles than engaging in hand-to-hand combat, but that doesn’t mean they can slack off when it comes to physical training. As the newest military service, the U.S. Space Force is taking a more holistic health approach to fitness standards.
“Regular exercise isn’t just about building physical strength; it’s about optimizing our potential,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jacqueline Sauvé, Space Systems Command senior enlisted leader. “Research consistently affirms that exercise isn’t merely a routine; it’s a vital component fostering resilience, mental clarity and holistic health. From safeguarding against cardiovascular risks to bolstering mental well-being, fitness is a mission imperative.”
When the Space Force was first established in December of 2019 without its own formal health and fitness program, it relied mostly on the Air Force’s standard Physical Fitness Assessment test, which includes a plank, crunches, hand-release and conventional push-ups and a 1.5 mile run, or shuttle run to gauge the fitness levels of Guardians.
Early in 2020, the Space Force began the development of a service-specific human performance capability for its Guardians — the Holistic Health Approach, which consists of continuous fitness, performance health optimization and capacity-building. The HHA is intended to increase short and long-term health outcomes for the force by meeting Guardians “where they are” and showing them what “right” looks like.
“It’s a more comprehensive and malleable approach to overall health and wellness, to include physical fitness and public health and prevention,” said Christine Heit, U.S. Space Force Headquarters holistic health approach lead. “For decades, the U.S. Department of Defense has pushed out one-size-fits-all programs that do not take into account differences in individuals. Continuous Fitness is the U.S. Space Force’s developing approach to quantify and qualify important fitness metrics that are unequivocal markers of health, in an enduring, persistent and year-round manner. These metrics are cardiorespiratory fitness, purposeful physical activity and body composition.”
“Wearable fitness technology, such as fitness trackers, helps to make this possible and is now at a point where it can be employed for just such a purpose,” said Carl Sheppard, U.S. Space Force Headquarters holistic health and senior human performance advisor.
“By being able to appraise fitness in an ongoing continual manner, the goal is to leverage physical fitness requirements to actually improve, optimize and maintain health,” Sheppard said. “As opposed to wielding it as a hammer or being constrained by arbitrary test standards.”
“Performance Health Optimization includes the U.S. Space Force Body Composition Program and lifestyle medicine principles,” Heit said. “That allows us to not only have metrics rooted in science for health but also to teach our Guardians ways to make lifestyle changes to increase overall health. Our priority is for Guardians to be healthy and we make concerted efforts to build skills with Guardians to help them be successful.
“To assess body composition, the space Force uses waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). More well-known and often used measures of body composition include body mass index and body fat percentage models such as tape testing and skin-fold testing,” Sheppard said. “While useful in certain public health and athletic settings, these approaches fail to identify the most important aspect of body composition as it relates to health and injury: where is the fat?”
“What we know from scientific literature is that excess abdominal fat, especially when it is stored deeper in the abdomen next to our organs, is a much more significant indicator for the risk of acquiring obesity-related preventable disease and injury, than body fat percentage alone,” Sheppard said. “This accumulation of abdominal fat is referred to as ‘central adiposity’ and WHtR is a very sensitive test to identify it.”
The public health message is simple: “Keep your waist circumference to less than half your height,” said John Hofman, certified strength and conditioning specialist at Los Angeles Air Force Base, the headquarters of Space Systems Command.
“Air Force physical assessments are once or twice annually depending on a person’s score,” Heit said. “People were observed cramming for an assessment, working only in the weeks leading up to the test. The Space Force wanted to develop a science-based mechanism for fitness and health outcomes that promoted consistent physical activity rather than episodic preparation.”
“As a result, the Space Force partnered with the Air Force Research Laboratory to conduct a two-year study using portable wearable fitness devices, which started in June of 2023,” Heit said. “Guardians can voluntarily opt-in to the study and be exempt from the Air Force physical fitness assessment as long as study criteria are met: 600 exercise minutes a month, monthly cardiorespiratory fitness readings and engagement with the AFRL study team. There are also plans to connect increased physical fitness to improved cognitive performance and mission readiness.”
In addition, Space Force is also implementing Guardian Resilience Teams at every U.S. Space Force base, with a virtual team to help geographically separated units and remote Guardians. These teams will include a holistic health integrator, certified strength and conditioning specialist, licensed mental health provider and physical therapist.
“The purpose of the Guardian Resilience Teams is to make sure U.S. Space Force service members have the kind of support they need not just to be physically fit,” Hofman said. “But also, mentally and emotionally ready to perform at the highest level.”
“I like to tell people, ‘We’re just trying to manage stress — enormous stress,” Hofman said. “How do you do that? Well, there’s no real magic pill — it’s eating right, it’s sleep, it’s exercise.”
It’s safe to say Hofman understands the toll stress can take. He spent more than 15 years as an expert tactical strength and conditioning specialist for both law enforcement and fire/rescue. He has won numerous awards, including an Emmy Award for Branded Content in 2021 for Did You Know: ‘Silent No More’ an officer suicide-prevention video, as a member of the California Peace Officer Standards and Training Team. He also played college football and competed for 12 years on the U.S. canoe and kayak team, where he competed in two Olympic trials.
“Space Force wants to make sure our Guardians are getting positive reinforcement and positive feedback to make healthy choices for themselves,” Hofman said. “’Fit for duty’ is always the most common question — what does that mean? Does it mean that because you can run a mile and a half in under 12 minutes and do lots of pushups you’re fit for duty? I don’t think so.”
To Hofman, ‘fit for duty’ isn’t just one physical component, but a comprehensive set that takes the whole person into account. Biofeedback from portable wearable fitness devices and bloodwork can help tailor workouts to exactly what an individual needs — but Guardians may need some help in interpreting the data, Hofman explained.
“For example, if someone is always stressed out, long, slow running is a good way to reduce the cortisol (stress hormone),” Hofman said. “Maybe someone likes to do a lot of boot camps and high-intensity training. This will spike the cortisol, so we can educate them on proper recovery tactics to help bring it down so they can sleep better.”
People are more likely to stick to a workout routine if they enjoy it, so Hofman said he often begins consultations by asking the Guardians what they like to do and going from there.
“Do you eat well? I don’t mean eat perfectly,” Hofman added. “We don’t need to add more stress to eating. Eating shouldn’t be that complicated. We don’t look at diets — we look at habits.”
“The Guardian Resilience Team also has a licensed mental health professional to help Guardians with their mental health, and a physical therapist to help them deal with pain – someone with chronic pain is not going to function at their peak mental and physical ability,” Hofman said. “Chronic sleep problems also take a physical toll on the body and mind and can interfere with a Guardian’s efforts to eat well and exercise.”
“By using a more well-rounded, holistic approach, you’re creating a feedback loop,” Hofman said. “You provide the resources to educate and help to explain what this information is, to keep that loop going. You’re providing resources so they can take accountability for their well-being and you’re there to support them versus, here’s a check box, you’re done.”
“We want Guardians to be aware of what they’re doing — and make those corrections and make healthy choices for themselves,” Hofman said. “We peel back the onion, and now we have a well-rounded individual fit for duty.”
“Our Guardians need to be mentally and physically ready to meet the unique demands of Space,” said Tim Stearns, DrPH, MPH, Los Angeles Air Force Base Guardian resiliency team lead. “When our Guardians are empowered, educated, and given the skills to be successful, they become the most lethal version of themselves and that’s exactly what the HHA does!”
“Guardians are encouraged to participate in fitness activities they enjoy with proper body mechanics, technique, and form resulting in stronger Guardians,” Stearns said. “A physically stronger Guardian is a more resilient Guardian, and a resilient Guardian is a Guardian ready to dominate in the Space Domain and in life. Coach Hofman improves the quality of lives of Guardians by creating a positive relationship with physical fitness that will endure throughout their military career and beyond.”
Story by Lisa Sodders, Space Systems Command Public Affairs
Photos by Van D. Ha
