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.”
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.