Category: Defense

Source: United States Air Force

MIROSLAWIEC, Poland (AFNS) —  

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa achieved a significant technological proof of concept for the MQ-9A Reaper’s Satellite Launch and Recovery Package, or SLR-P, at the 12th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Air Base in Mirosławiec.

While various iterations of the concept have surfaced in different contexts, the SLR-P offers a compact, “wallet-sized” innovation poised to launch and recover the MQ-9A at strategic theater locations situated in some of the most rugged, remote outposts in Europe. This marks a departure from conventional practices that necessitated returning to home stations for basic level maintenance.

“We live in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world, which means it takes an innovative and motivated group of people – like what you see here – to influence change and propel us into the future,” said Maj. Philip West, USAFE-AFAFRICA project lead. “With this technology, we’re putting the ‘A’ in ‘ACE’ [Agile Combat Employment] for the MQ-9A.”

Tailored specifically for the European and African theaters, the SLR-P consists of a small, mobile container with an inventory list finely tuned to address the unique operational requirements and environmental nuances of each specific region. The container can be retrofitted with its own wheels to be towed or be carried by any means of available transportation and is designed to be highly mobile.

One of the most dramatic impacts of this concept is to reduce the “boots on the ground” needed to operate and maintain precision aircraft. Where traditional remotely piloted operations required teams of 30 to 150 personnel, the SLR-P can execute with a lean crew of just eight multi-capable Airmen.

This lean crew of multiple capable Airmen came from USAFE-AFAFRICA’s 435th Contingency Response Group.

“Empowering multi-capable Airmen is what we do every day,” said Col. Robert Rayner, 435th CRG commander. “The creation of the CRG 25 years ago aimed to extend airpower beyond our main bases. While our primary mission is supporting mobility operations, we’ve adapted our capabilities to respond to what the Air Force, and specifically what USAFE, needs.”

“Today, we’re launching and recovering MQ-9As, but tomorrow it could be F-16s, and the next day, C-17s. Whatever the requirement, the 435th CRG remains light, lean and lethal to support,” he added.

The SLR-P’s integration with satellite technology also ushers in a new era of connectivity and maintenance efficiency. This capability facilitates rapid power-up of the MQ-9A and seamless satellite link establishment, minimizing pre-mission preparations.

By simplifying maintenance functions, the SLR-P allows the maintenance team to focus solely on essential tasks, leading to reduced downtime and heightened mission readiness.

This successful proof of concept not only marks the emergence of a new era in remotely piloted operations, but it also highlights the steadfast dedication of both the U.S. and Poland to shared security goals and technological progress.

“Hosting this first-ever proof of concept underscores Poland’s commitment to protecting not only Polish sovereignty but also fulfilling its obligation as a pivotal member of the NATO alliance,” said Col. Marcin Szubiński, Polish Air Force’s 12th UAV Air Base commander. “We are proud to contribute to testing this capability, building on our five-year history of implementing cutting-edge ISR technologies within EU airspace by prioritizing interoperability with our NATO allies while refining procedures and capabilities as needed.”

This proof of concept notably commenced amidst challenging weather conditions. Under typical circumstances, the mission for the day might have been canceled; however, the weather in Poland proved to be favorable for testing the system’s resilience, prompting the team to make a pivotal choice – executing a weather diversion to this new field or returning the MQ-9A back to its home station.

Airmen stationed with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard undertook a task unprecedented at this airfield, achieving a milestone that holds immense significance. In the process, they officially designated this location as a future alternate launch site, particularly in periods of adverse weather.

Poland now stands as destination for America’s most powerful, capable aircraft, ready to serve as an alternate launch location during times of inclement weather. This development further emphasizes the adaptability and resilience that characterize this transformative proof of concept.

Source: United States Air Force

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

The 433rd Medical Group returned home after validating its readiness to deploy by participating in Patriot Medic 23. The training, part of a larger exercise called Global Medic, involved more than 7,100 Reserve, active duty and allied forces as well as coalition partners.

Seventy Reserve Airmen from the 433rd MDG spent 19 days undergoing rigorous and realistic training at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio and Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. On top of validating the Airmen’s readiness to deploy, the annual exercise served to enhance interoperability between units, medics, individual reservists and the joint force.

Patriot Medic 23 provided “Alamo Wing” reservists opportunities to sharpen their skills beyond what can typically be accomplished during monthly unit training activities.

“What I’m grateful for is that I’d never seen our people in the 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron come together before, they’d never had too before” said Maj. Reginald Whittington, 433rd ASTS Bravo Flight commander. “I was very impressed with the junior Airmen, the senior leadership … I would go to war with these people … we have people in the unit that I would trust with my life.”

Participation in Patriot Medic led to learning moments for new Airmen and veterans alike. Airmen from the 433rd ASTS embedded with the 914th ASTS, based out of Niagara Falls ARS, New York as part of their training at the exercise.

“It was the first time in my career that we embedded with another unit,” Whittington, who has served for more than 20 years, noted. “We literally came together with another ASTS who has the same challenges, the same successes, the same, or different, solutions to certain things, and we were able to maximize what works best.”

For several of the “Alamo Wing” reservists, this was only their first or second exercise with the unit.

“When I went in there, honestly I didn’t know what to expect,” said Senior Airman Luis Martinez, a 433rd ASTS medic. “My job here is as a medic so that’s my mentality, I’m going to go be a medic … but it turned out to be a lot more than that. I learned new roles and responsibilities. I learned how to be a leader and I learned also how to be a follower.”

The exercise not only tested the Reserve Airmen’s knowledge of their jobs and their physical capabilities, but also their mental resiliency. Many of the lessons were learned the hard way.

“We failed a lot, which was a good thing because you need to feel that pain and then you come up with better solutions next time,” said Senior Airman Lindsey Neubauer, 433rd ASTS medic.

Both Neubauer and Martinez received challenge coins for their performance at the exercise, a traditional way for military leaders to recognize the efforts of their troops.

Patriot Medic also allowed 433rd MDG senior leaders to evaluate and mentor their Airmen, while strengthening the bonds between the members of their teams.

“I’ve been in for 16 years … this is probably one of the most realistic ones,” Master Sgt. Julie Fuleky, 433rd Medical Squadron Bravo flight chief, pointed out. “As we went through it, you started to see the team come together … it was a very valuable exercise because, where we normally only see each other two days a month, we were working closely together for 19 days.”

Col. Michelle Van Sickle, 433rd MDG commander, served as the joint task force surgeon at Fort McCoy during the exercise. She observed after the exercise that many of the newer medics were able to fully understand their mission and the importance of training prior to deployment, while more seasoned medics expanded their knowledge about operating in a contested environment.

“They all came together to accomplish the mission, and all performed at, or above, the standard we expected,” Van Sickle said. “I am proud of them.”

Source: United States Air Force

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) —  

A new tool aims to streamline operations, reduce data isolation and redundancy, and optimize resource usage across the security enterprise.

The Security Enterprise Communication and User Reporting Environment consolidates security-related information and data from multiple systems and users into a single platform, enabling security professionals to attain an enterprise risk picture more efficiently and stay ahead of adversaries.

“Within our security community, we have different mission areas that we each support, and the data is generally not shared between them. These sub-communities each have their own processes, though much of the data collected is common among all,” said Lucas Wellman, Air Force Materiel Command Information Protection team. “This tool captures the requirement and connects the communities, ultimately resulting in a more holistic mission risk picture for professionals across the enterprise.”

SECURE is the first Total Air Force digital security enterprise system. Built by the Air Force Research Laboratory and championed by AFMC, the platform includes a suite of tools for security process reporting, with the ability to build customized workflows and analytic reports.

“Security is always a top priority, but the research, development, and funding of new security tools is not always a top priority. I wanted to develop a tool that was specifically designed and created alongside the actual users,” said Enoch May, strategic advisor, Integration and Operations at the Air Force Research Laboratory, and a key contributor to the SECURE platform development. “The goal was to be able to empower the security professionals to be able to provide leadership with recommendations based on actual data trends.”

A key aspect of SECURE is the ability for users at all levels to input data into the system, which rapidly integrates information to generate an enterprise sight picture.

“We collect and have so many data points and useful information within the collective security community, but it often remains at the local level for action. This tool helps make the information widely accessible and actionable. It also greatly reduces the task time, alleviates inconsistencies in data and format, and helps us provide greater value to our customers,” Wellman said.

Piloted at United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, the initial release of SECURE’s foreign travel and foreign contact monitoring module provided the ability to accurately track the data required to meet reporting requirements for employees with security clearances. SECURE eliminated manual data entry processes, consolidated the data into one system, and ensured compliance with Security Agent Directive 3 – Reporting Requirements for Personnel with Access to Classified Information or Who Hold a Sensitive Position.

“Using SECURE allows USAFE-AFAFRICA to accurately track foreign travel and foreign contacts to meet reporting requirements that otherwise would be unmanageable due to the amount of travel reporting by personnel in our region. The manual process is cumbersome and time-consuming. With SECURE, once a profile is built in the system, the process is seamless,” said Joel Alaimo, director, Information Protection, USAFE-AFARICA Headquarters.

AFMC is currently deploying SECURE to manage foreign travel and foreign contact reporting across the major command.

The Risk Identification and Security Countermeasure module is also in the final stages of deployment, with the goal of augmenting science and technology information protection through greater awareness of research partnerships to mitigate technology compromise on a global scale.

Two additional SECURE modules will begin pilot testing in early 2024.

A Security Classification Management module will enable accurate and consistent classification levels and support classification management across the life cycle. SECURE will automate the development of the Security Classification Guide and help identify inconsistencies in common classification areas to ensure information is not over or under-classified.

The Security Incident Management module will help report and manage security incidents. SECURE will review loss and trends across a portfolio and help security professionals better understand what technology, systems or capabilities are compromised, generating decision data to support tailored countermeasures.

“SECURE remains at the forefront of security digital innovation, continually adapting to new challenges and refining its capabilities. As a grassroots idea within the security community, it quickly gained traction and support as a necessity in today’s ever-evolving security and threat landscape,” Wellman said. “As the tool continues to evolve, the community remains committed to its ongoing enhancement and the collective goal of a safer digital landscape.”

Source: United States Air Force

GRAND FORCE AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) —  

The Air Force Wounded Warrior roadshow visited Grand Forks Air Force Base Aug. 24 to Aug. 25.

AFW2 is a congressionally mandated, federally funded program that provides personalized care, services and advocacy to eligible Airmen, Guardians and their families during and after their service. The mission of AFW2 is to facilitate a smooth transition back to service or civilian life for injured, ill and wounded personnel.

During the two-day visit, four AFW2 ambassadors and program team members gave briefings to various squadrons, allowing the volunteers to share their personal testimonies.

“The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program is for the Air Force, by the Air Force. to take care of our most seriously wounded, ill and injured warriors,” said Ron Johnson, the AFW2 program lead at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.

Retired Tech. Sgt. Bernice Ortiz, an AFW2 ambassador, shared her story of how AFW2 impacted her transition during a briefing with the 319th Medical Group.

Ortiz served as a medical administrator, responsible for many behind-the-scenes operations of medical treatment facilities to ensure doctors, nurses and medics have what they need to treat patients.

She expressed the healthcare services management career field wasn’t her first choice when enlisting, but when she was called to deploy with only four days’ notice, she hit the ground running.

While serving in a medical bay in Afghanistan, she came face-to-face with many distressing scenes.

“When trauma was called, everyone dropped what they were doing and rushed to the trauma bay, so that’s exactly what I did too,” Ortiz said. “I didn’t know that we treated local nationals; there was a three-year-old little boy on a table burned from head to toe.”

Despite the physical, mental and emotional stress Ortiz and her wingmen endured, the strength of the children they treated helped keep them resilient.

“I went with it anyways because the kids over there, they made our deployments,” Ortiz said. “They gave us light to keep going, and every day we’d go to the ward to see them, just to know how they were doing.”

About a month before redeployment, Ortiz fell sick and was returned to home station early. She lamented she wanted to remain in Afghanistan to be close to her teammates who became her support network.

“I started to self-medicate when I got home to push through all the negative feelings,” Ortiz said. “I convinced myself if I just worked really hard and did it for them, I could get through it on my own.”

Peer and social support, a key domain under the spectrum of resilience, is considered a protective factor from self-harm and suicide. Following her return home, Ortiz was missing the peer support network she built during her deployment.

According to the American Psychological Association, veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than civilian adults.

“Every day when I would commute to work and come home, I would pull into my garage and hit the garage door button – shutting my car off after that,” Ortiz said. “One day I hit that garage door button and I hesitated. I thought that I could just go to sleep, and it would be so peaceful. Then I saw my baby boy in the car seat in the back and that’s when I knew I had to get help.”

Ortiz began a six-week treatment, eventually came before a Medical Evaluation Board and was returned to duty for another four years. She hopes more service members will push through invisible barriers, understand asking for help is a good thing and promote a positive culture of help-seeking.

Ortiz said she later experienced sexual harassment that triggered another downward spiral. Pulling from her previous experience, she sought treatment, this time before her struggle turned to a crisis.

“I decided that after this next MEB, I would be done with serving in the Air Force. I didn’t fight it, I got out and I took my care seriously,” Ortiz said.

Following her final MEB, she was introduced to AFW2. Although hesitant at first, not considering herself a wounded warrior, Ortiz recalled her biggest regret was not seeking the program out sooner.

“I was able to find the love and support and comradery that I was missing all this time,” Ortiz said. “It gave me the courage to have my voice again and to realize that I’m not alone. Refer yourself, refer your friends – the wounded warrior program will never leave you hanging.”

The Department of the Air Force defines ‘wounded warrior’ as any seriously wounded, ill or injured member who requires a MEB or Physical Examination Board to determine fitness for duty. All Airmen and Guardians who think they may qualify for the program are encouraged to inquire.