![]() Also, we have our own tents to operate in an austere environment and bring all the tools and equipment we need to start from scratch.” “We have mobile air-traffic control towers (Humvee attachable), and we can fly in and have our own power generation capabilities. ![]() “In an Agile Combat Employment environment, when you're trying to operate aircraft from multiple locations, some of those locations may have gaps in airfield operations that we would need to fill,” said Lt. For example, a RAWS technician from the 53rd ATCS can technically perform landing zone safety duties and maintain radar equipment, all while wearing an airfield management hat-tasks typically separated by occupation at traditional airfields. Deemed “multi-capable” Airmen, they remain technical experts in their specific career skill sets, but are also trained to perform the duties of their colleagues. This “light package” of Airmen are derived from the air traffic control, airfield management, and radar and weather systems career fields and can deploy to effectively “turn the lights on” and manage an airfield in an austere environment. The 53rd ATCS filled the void, providing Tyndall with a mobile ATC tower and multi-capable Airmen with landing zone certifications. In 2018, when Hurricane Michael hit Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, the base was left without an operational ATC tower. Generating airpower relies on consistent airfield management, but it is not always available.Ĭontingency, crisis and contested operations directly impact airfield operations. In counter-insurgency operations, the Air Force operated mainly on established airfields that are maintained and supported by Airmen, contractors and government employees. This shift created a demand for the 53rd ATCS’ unique style of airfield operations and expertise for training Lead Wings as the owner of ACC's premier Landing Zone Safety Officer course. Air Combat Command’s 53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is a tactical unit that fills this void, and they are training other Lead Wings to fill it as well.Īfter 30 years of counter-insurgency operations from fixed locations, the 53rd ATCS is attempting to meet the National Defense Strategy and Department of Defense shift to contested environments and competition with peer threats. ![]() This means standard airfield services like air traffic control and airfield management will look very different than they do today. In future conflicts, airpower will have to be generated from austere or “barebones” locations like retired or out-of-commission airfields, sites with no power and places with no runway.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |