The tactical air controllers of the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron are practicing their basic close-combat skills at Wheeler Army Air Field, Hawaii, in preparation for an upcoming deployment to Southwest Asia. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party airmen serve with Army forces, where they may need this type training, which provides a “basis for all combative skills,” said SMSgt. John Knipe, 25th ASOS superintendent. According to SSgt. George Earhart—a TACP who definitely is in the right job—called the training “fun,” saying it “keeps you physically active.”
A top Pentagon tech official called on industry this week to help the military develop “lighter, more efficient” directed energy weapons designed to go on aircraft and conduct special operations missions or down drones—areas where the Air Force’s directed energy efforts have been quiet as of late.