Category: Defense Intelligence

Source: United States Air Force

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) —  

After almost eight years, Eglin Air Force Base’s McKinley Climatic Lab returns to 96th Test Wing possession as of Oct. 1.

The realignment moves the lab from Arnold Engineering Development Complex back to the 96th Range Group. A 2016 Air Force Test Center consolidation moved the lab under the unit at Arnold AFB, Tennessee.

The return, to better align with local infrastructure and Eglin AFB’s test and evaluation missions, puts the Lab back under the 782nd Test Squadron.

The capabilities available at the Lab help engineers ensure maximum reliability and operational capability of complex systems as global operational theaters continue to impose harsh environments.

Tests at the facility for the Department of Defense, other government agencies and private industry included items such as large aircraft, tanks, missile launchers, shelters, engines, automobiles and tires.

The Climatic Laboratory has five testing chambers: the main chamber; the equipment test chamber; the sun, wind, rain and dust chamber; the salt fog chamber and the altitude chamber.

The main chamber is the largest environmental chamber in the world. At approximately 252 feet wide, 260 feet deep and 70 feet high, tests have consisted of large items and systems for aircraft such as the B-2 Spirit Bomber and the C-5 Galaxy. The temperatures achieved in the chamber range between -65 degrees Fahrenheit to 165 degrees Fahrenheit with a simulation of all climatic conditions including heat, snow, rain, wind, sand and dust.

The equipment test chamber is 130 feet long, 30 feet wide and 25 feet high. Although it is smaller, it has the same capabilities of the main chamber. Tests usually consist of jet engines, small vehicles and turbine-driven ground power units.

The sun, wind, rain and dust chamber produces ambient or hot test conditions. Wind-blown rain at rates up to 25 inches per hour and heavy sand and dust storms can also be created in this chamber.

Because of the corrosive properties of salt fog test conditions, the salt fog chamber was designed to provide an ambient test chamber that is away from other test chambers. The chamber has two steam-fed heat exchangers that create the temperature to perform the salt fog test.

The chamber is approximately 55 feet long, 16 feet wide and 16 feet high. The chamber doesn’t have refrigeration capability.

The altitude chamber can create pressure altitudes as high as 80,000 feet with a temperature capability of -80 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The chamber measures 13 by 9 feet and 6 feet high.

Source: United States Air Force

“It’s good for us to share tactics and techniques with each other to learn from each other,” Schiller said. “We have very different mission sets, the F-15 to the KFIR, but there’s still a lot of commonality and similarities between the two air frames…so it’s easy for us to fly in the same airspace and operate as a cohesive team to achieve a common goal.” 

As an aeromedical evacuation training exercise, Ángel de los Andes aimed to save lives. During the exercise’s simulated earthquake scenario, U.S. C-17 and HH-60 aircraft flew alongside Colombian helicopters, transporting and treating 50 patients in a large-scale recovery effort.

In another exercise scenario, combined teams of special forces parachuted into simulated enemy territory to rescue friendly troops from danger. Flying aboard an HH-60 helicopter, a Colombian and U.S. crew worked side-by-side, conducting river rescues, overcoming difficult terrain and breaking through the language barrier to succeed in their mission, said Colombian AF Maj. César Trivino, a UH-60 helicopter pilot who participated in Ángel de los Andes.

With scenarios unfolding in multiple locations throughout Colombia, overhead imagery was key to assuring safe and accurate exercise missions.

The Air Forces Southern space team partnered with U.S. Space Command’s Joint Task Force-Space Defense Commercial Operations cell for Space Domain Awareness to provide overhead imagery of helicopter landing zones, satellite overflight information and space weather prognostics to aid in decision-making, planning and execution.

Source: United States Air Force

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) —  

In this week’s look around the Air Force, Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. is the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, fees for childcare are restructured to help lower-income families, and Lt. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt retires after a historic trailblazing career that includes being the first female fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. (Hosted by Tech. Sgt. Vernon Young)

Watch on DVIDS | Watch on YouTube
For previous episodes, click here for the Air Force TV page.

Source: United States Air Force

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) —  

Extended reality, or XR, is revolutionizing the way Air Force Special Operations Command is approaching training and readiness. XR is an umbrella term that encompasses virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality to create a spectrum of experiences that range from fully virtual environments to overlays of digital content onto the real world. These technologies manipulate our perception of reality, hence the term extended. The manipulation of reality is at the core of XR, and it’s transforming the training landscape of AFSOC.

The XR training program’s mission is to provide Air Commandos the ability to conduct repetitive readiness training anyplace at any time through secure, autonomous learning distribution and reporting across all command disciplines. The vision is equally ambitious: to be a training program that employs virtual, mixed, and augmented training methods, producing warfighters with greater skillset competencies and proficiency in a more realistic environment, at a reduced cost and on a shortened timeline.

In the beginning of FY23, AFSOC established an XR cross-functional team dedicated to creating an XR training framework for the entire command.

“Our first step as a command was to admit we had fallen behind in the evolution of training technology,” said Capt. Kyle Schoonover, chief of AFSOC XR training program. “In true AFSOC fashion, in just a few months we went from this realization to producing a major-command-wide framework capable of incorporating all existing XR technologies as well as charting a path forward for future development in the years to come.”

This framework operates on a crawl, walk, run strategy, composed of four distinct lines of effort:

LOE 1: Virtual Hangar

The foundational effort for XR in AFSOC focuses on initial qualification academic training for all aircrew support and mission support personnel, including maintenance and Mission Sustainment Teams. A prime example of this is the Virtual Hangar initiative by AFSOC A4, logistics and engineering. This innovative program leverages VR to enhance AC-130J, MC-130J, CV-22 and munitions maintenance workforce training. The Virtual Hangar offers comprehensive instructor tools and custom-built learning modules, ranging from checklist execution to 3D-modeled schematic overlays.

LOE 2: NexGen Instructor

AFSOC plans to incorporate VR into all Flying Training Units responsible for training AFSOC aircrew. Training modules will cover the academic phases of the FTU syllabi such as academics on aircraft systems and mission equipment. Collaborative partnerships with other major commands will be pursued when appropriate, and pathfinding will be the norm when required.

LOE 3: Fusion & Integration

The integration of XR into operational units is a pivotal aspect of AFSOC’s strategy, with a particular emphasis on mission events. These events can range from emulated flight of AFSOC aircraft, to special tactics, to our medical community across the entire continuum of patient care.

LOE 4: The Future Fight

The pinnacle of AFSOC’s XR Training Framework envisions the utilization of Augmented Reality for aircrew and special tactics teams. Imagine a CV-22 pilot flying over Melrose Air Force Range in New Mexico while their visor displays real-world terrain from distant locations like the Indo-Pacific region. Meanwhile, the pilot’s visor reveals a digital wingman controlled by a ground-based XR device. The goal is to replicate any battlespace via XR technology back at the home station.

“AFSOC’s XR framework provides every unit in the command with a readily digestible and easily repeatable strategy to modernize their training through next-generation methodologies of instruction,” Schoonover said.

The AFSOC XR Training Framework’s implementation is ongoing. While teams across AFSOC continue to work through LOE 1 by immersing in VR and Virtual Hangars, LOE 2 is on the horizon with small group XR testing sessions with the AC-130J FTU planned for Summer 2024 and the C-146 FTU planned for Fall 2024. As investment into the training program framework continues, the line of efforts will gain momentum.

“AFSOC is heavily invested in enhancing readiness and training through initiatives like XR,” said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, AFSOC commander. “The use of XR in training allows Air Commandos to experience highly realistic simulations of complex scenarios, missions, and environments they may encounter in real-world operations. This practice is paramount as we prepare for current and future operating environments. I’m excited to see where this program goes and we will be ready to build upon each line of effort as resources become available.”

With a comprehensive XR Training Framework in place, AFSOC is poised to transform its training methodologies, ensuring that Air Commandos are better prepared and equipped for strategic competition.

Source: United States Air Force

TEMPE, Ariz. (AFNS) —  

Leaders from the Secretary of the Air Force Diversity and Inclusion office played pivotal roles at the Defense Department’s “Taking the Pentagon to the People” event Sept. 12 to 13 at Arizona State University in Tempe.

The event aimed to enlighten students on employment, internships, scholarships and the vast opportunities within the DoD, spanning various fields including STEM, business and arts.

Spearheading the Department of the Air Force’s involvement, Col. Jenise Carroll, Secretary of the Air Force Diversity and Inclusion deputy director, and Kristine Billings, SAF/DI’s Affirmative Employment Program manager, made significant contributions to the event’s success.

Carroll was part of the Presidential Roundtable discussion where representatives from different agencies shared best practices on what they are doing to increase representation and opportunities for people in underserved communities through a united DoD effort.

According to Carroll, connections at these events are pivotal and help deliver tomorrow’s leaders within the DAF.

“Connecting with future leaders at academic institutions like ASU is pivotal,” she said. “It bridges the gap between the Department of Defense and potential bright talent, fostering an environment of growth and opportunity for the DAF.”

A recruitment squad from Air Force Personnel Center elaborated on the range of internships available alongside representatives from the 348th Recruiting Squadron and Air Force Reserve Command’s 944th Fighter Wing, who discussed officer and reserve enlisted opportunities.

Billings, who coordinated DAF recruiters for this initiative, said the event was a cornerstone in bridging the gap between the academic realm and the opportunities within the DAF and DoD.

“Our primary goal was to help unveil the myriad of opportunities within the DAF,” she said. “We’re not only educating students and faculty about the multifaceted career opportunities we offer, but also fostering a spirit of collaboration.  Events like this empower our youth, equipping them with the knowledge they need to align their career decisions with their unique interests, strengths, and skill sets.”

Concluding the two-day outreach, Carroll expressed confidence that the event made a lasting impression on all attendees. The DAF’s diverse opportunities were showcased, captivating the attention and imaginations of over 200 participants.

In her post-event reflection, Carroll confirmed the event’s success and emphasized a commitment to improving data analytics and ensuring consistent representation in future events.

Source: United States Air Force

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) —  

The Air Force selected 292 active-duty officers for promotion to colonel, lieutenant colonel and major during recent CY23A, CY23C and CY23D central selection boards.

In total, the Air Force selected 114 lieutenant colonels for promotion to colonel (LAF-J, BSC, DC, MC, and NC), 47 majors to lieutenant colonel (LAF-J and Chaplain) and 131 captains for promotion to major (BSC).

Colonel (M0623A) selection statistics:

• Dental Corps (DC) – 15 selected out of 76 considered.
• Medical Corps (MC) – 56 selected out of 201 considered.

Colonel (P0623C) selection statistics:

• Line of the Air Force – Judge Advocate General (LAF-J) – 21 selected out of 100 considered.
• Nurse Corps (NC) – 12 selected out of 57 considered.
• Biomedical Sciences Corps (BSC) – 10 selected out of 59 considered.

Lieutenant Colonel (P0523C) selection statistics:

• Line of the Air Force – Judge Advocate General (LAF-J) – 35 selected out of 77 considered.
• Chaplain – 12 selected out of 34 considered.

Major (P0423D) selection statistics:

• Biomedical Sciences Corps (BSC) 131 selected out of 159 considered.

The complete list of Airmen selected for promotion is available online by visiting AFPC’s Officer Promotion webpage.

For more information about Air Force personnel programs, visit the AFPC public website.