Virginia National Guard officials say the state has been selected to form one of the five additional National Guard chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear enhanced response force packages. Currently there are 12 CERFPs, but the Fiscal 2006 defense authorization bill added another five. The Virginia CERFP will comprise elements of the state’s Army and Air National Guard forces. ANG units that will train for the new mission are the 203rd RED HORSE at Virginia Beach and 192nd Medical Squadron, currently in Sandston but moving to Langley AFB, Va. Unlike their normal mission of constructing air fields, the RED HORSE airmen will aid in removing victims from damaged structures.
Air Force F-16 pilots are testing out new sensors that could help maximize their performance and avoid deadly accidents while flying fast fighter jets under heavy G-forces and stressful conditions.