2 minute read
CHINDIT CHATTER
By Dennis Barnett, Col, USAF (Ret)
The Air Commando Association prides itself in serving as the “Tribe of Tribes,” the full spectrum of Air Commandos encompassing all realms, platforms, and most of all, people that have done and are still doing great things for the nation. As we all know, it takes a “team of teams” and a wide variety of skills and platforms to ensure mission success in today’s complex and highly volatile battlefield. As in the past, we have chosen one of those tribes or teams to highlight in an edition of the Air Commando Journal. In each past issue, we have tried to show the capabilities of the various platforms, but most of all, reinforcing the SOF truth that humans are more important than hardware. This edition is no different as we chose to theme this effort around the capabilities and contributions of the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) mission set.
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For time eternal, having good intelligence of a combatant’s capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses for countering and exploitation has been critical to success on the battlefield. Both Clausewitz and Sun Tzu deemed it essential and their eternal wisdom has proven accurate every day during modern-day efforts to defeat terrorists and all things evil. Only the platforms for acquiring that key essential element have changed. In this edition of ACJ, we show how rapid adaptations of technology and innovation, coupled with true Air Commando spirit have changed the ISR realm forever. We explore some historical uses of using technology unique to AC-130s to accomplish the ISR mission in Central America that they were not intended for—using available equipment in ways not anticipated by the enemy. Additionally, we have a great article that demonstrates how identification of a battlefield need rapidly went from concept to combat—the rapid development and fielding of the manned U-28 ISR platform. Additionally, several articles show how Air Commandos embraced new concepts and requirements to absorb and adapt the rapidly changing world and use of remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs). This edition of the journal also showcases the quiet professionals of the ISR team at Joint Special Operations Air Component—Africa. The challenges they overcome every day to ensure the SOF teams on the ground have the ISR they need, when they need it, is inspirational. As you explore these efforts with us, I think you will agree that the SOF truth about the importance of humans in the equation, and more importantly, the Air Commando ethos, come through loudly and clearly throughout.
Unfortunately, we are constantly reminded that rarely is a new capability fielded and sent in to combat without major sacrifices. Sadly, far too often, that includes some that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The U-28 is no exception. Therefore, we dedicate this edition of the ACJ to the crews of two U-28s that were tragically lost. The first was a combat loss in Africa in 2012, and the second, a training mishap at Cannon, AFB in 2017. May they all rest in peace and may God bless their families, friends, and teammates.
Capt Ryan P. Hall, (Pilot, 30, 319th SOS), Capt Nicholas S. Whitlock, (Copilot, 29, 34th SOS), 1st Lt Justin J. Wilkens (Combat Systems Officer, 26, 34th SOS), SrA Julian S. Scholten, (Tactical Systems Operator, 26, 25th Intelligence Squadron).
Capt Andrew Becker (Pilot, 33, 318th SOS), Capt Kenneth Dalga (Combat Systems Officer, 29, 318th SOS), 1st Lt Frederick Dellecker (Copilot, 26, 318th SOS).
Dennis Barnett, Col, USAF (Ret) ACA Chief Operating Officer and Editor-in-Chief
