The summer crop of A-10 pilots flying out of Bagram AB, Afghanistan, are a true mixed bag—almost 50/50 active and reserve. The active duty pilots hail from Spangdahlem AB, Germany, and the Air Force Reserve Command pilots are from Whiteman AFB, Mo. The Reservists have more experience, but they all have extensive training in the Warthog’s dedicated close air support mission. And, says Reserve Col. Tony Johnson, in the end “an A-10 pilot is an A-10 pilot no matter where you go.”
While the Pentagon has signaled its intent to scale technology, field new systems faster, and work more with nontraditional vendors, a new report identifies persistent manufacturing capacity, resourcing, workforce, and modernization challenges that could hinder its ability to deliver on those goals.