The age of computer models and network simulations is enabling the Air Force and Navy to “save” their high demand/low density and aging airframes from direct participation in exercises such as Northern Edge 2006. USAF E-3 AWACS and E-8 Joint STARS and Navy EP-3 Aries aircraft are participating in the Alaskan exercise via cyberspace. Helping provide the “feel” of a large air campaign are airmen of the 505th Distributed Warfare Group, based at Kirtland AFB, N.M. The unit’s Distributed Mission Operations Center is working with Pacific Air Forces air operations center at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, and marks the first time US Pacific Command has utilized a DMOC in joint training.
Members of the House Armed Services Committee say the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile program has been set back three months due to the ongoing government shutdown. The comment is noteworthy because the JATM's status has been kept tightly under wraps.
