The 36th Wing at Andersen AFB, Guam, opened a new commando warrior technical training facility at the base’s Northwest Field Jan. 20. The wing’s 736th Security Forces Squadron will use the facility to train about 1,500 airmen per year in robust combat skills before they deploy in support of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Prior to its arrival, such training had to be conducted at dispersed locations across the base. According to Lt. Col. Troy Roberts, commander of the 736th SFS, the facility is the first-of-its-kind consolidated training campus in the Pacific region. In addition to airmen, the Air Force will be able to train military members of Pacific partner nations at the facility. (Andersen report by A1C Courtney Witt)
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.