The 6th Combat Training Squadron at Nellis AFB, Nev., has opened a state-of-the-art facility to train joint terminal attack controllers. Simulating combat scenarios in real-time, the facility provides JTAC trainees the opportunity to practice skills in a realistic environment, without the danger of live-fire exercises and actual combat. The new facility is a “great tool to make sure our airmen demonstrate an ability to operate live aircraft before they actually do it,” said TSgt. James Spreter, a 6th CTS training instructor. The simulator prepares trainees “before they go in the field and have to deal with fatigue and weather,” he said. This instills “proper utilization” beforehand, so that in combat “no matter what happens, they will instinctively react,” he added. (Nellis report by SrA. Michael Charles)
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
