A pair of MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft recently flew an air-to-ground weapon system evaluation over the Utah Test and Training Range. The Reapers flew a two-ship formation for the first time en-route through civilian air space from Creech AFB, Nev., to the range, according to the May 27 release. “There were no safety violations; everything was spot on,” said SMSgt. Gregory Young, 86th Fighter Weapons Squadron evaluation production superintendent. Combat Hammer’s top-to-bottom evaluation of the Reaper’s strike capability gives combatant commanders “the necessary information to ensure they plan and pair the correct number of weapons against any given type of target,” explained Maj. John Collier, 86th FWS test evaluator. Geographically separate aircrew from several units, including the 432nd Attack Squadron at Ellsworth AFB, S.D., employed AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and GBU-12 Paveway II laser guided bombs over the range, May 12-15.
Top Lawmakers Want 15 Percent Pay Raise for Enlisted Troops
April 19, 2024
A new law introduced by Congress would raise the pay rate 15 percent for junior enlisted troops and seek improvements on a range of quality of life issues, such as pay and compensation, child care, housing, health care access, and military spouse employment.