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BJACH Soldier earns advanced CT credential, strengthens imaging readiness
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, April 27 -- The U.S. Army Medicine posted the following news:
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BJACH Soldier earns advanced CT credential, strengthens imaging readiness
FORT POLK, La. - Less than a year after earning his first national credential, Spc. Johnny Rainwater, a radiology specialist at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, has added a second professional milestone by passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists computed tomography registry exam March 23 in Shreveport.
Computed tomography, commonly known as CT, uses advanced X-ray technology to create detailed cross-sectional
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SAN ANTONIO, Texas, April 27 -- The U.S. Army Medicine posted the following news:
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BJACH Soldier earns advanced CT credential, strengthens imaging readiness
FORT POLK, La. - Less than a year after earning his first national credential, Spc. Johnny Rainwater, a radiology specialist at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, has added a second professional milestone by passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists computed tomography registry exam March 23 in Shreveport.
Computed tomography, commonly known as CT, uses advanced X-ray technology to create detailed cross-sectionalimages that help providers diagnose injuries and illnesses quickly. The capability is especially valuable in emergency and high-tempo care settings.
The advanced certification expands Rainwater's qualifications in diagnostic imaging and supports the hospital's ability to deliver timely care to Soldiers, Families, retirees and other beneficiaries at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk.
Rainwater previously earned his ARRT radiography credential in July 2025. He said pursuing the CT registry was a natural next step.
"I like to always have something to work toward," Rainwater said. "I was already working in CT, so I felt like I should take advantage of the opportunity, study for it and earn the credential."
A native of Mississippi, Rainwater joined the Army after earning a bachelor's degree in healthcare management from the University of South Alabama. He said military service provided an opportunity to gain hands-on patient care experience while continuing to build a long-term career in healthcare.
"I like to have options," he said. "I want to keep learning, keep growing and be prepared for whatever opportunity comes next."
Maj. Zarana Trivedi, chief of radiology at BJACH, said Rainwater's dual credentials bring immediate value to the department.
"With this recent CT certification, Specialist Rainwater has demonstrated not just technical proficiency but also a commitment to professional growth," Trivedi said. "This cross-training allows for more departmental flexibility and improves patient throughput at a small hospital like ours."
Trivedi added that Rainwater consistently produces quality diagnostic images while maintaining patient care and safety.
"His strong understanding of anatomy has contributed to better image acquisition, reducing the need for repeat exams," she said. "He has shown sound clinical judgment and humility by researching and verifying information when faced with uncertainty."
Sgt. 1st Class Michelle Ellison, noncommissioned officer in charge of radiology, said Rainwater recognized early that BJACH's smaller setting offers opportunities to train across multiple imaging areas.
"Earning multiple registries is the goal of many radiology Soldiers," Ellison said. "SPC Rainwater recognized that early and began working hard to complete the requirements needed to challenge the registry."
Ellison said credentialed Soldiers increase the Army's medical capability across a variety of assignments.
"It benefits the Army to have competent, well-trained and credentialed X-ray technicians who can adapt to mission requirements across every area of operation, whether in garrison or overseas," she said.
Staff Sgt. James E. Brunson III, assistant noncommissioned officer in charge of radiology, said Rainwater's accomplishment is already influencing others in the section.
"It showed the rest of the team that this isn't some far-off goal," Brunson said. "It's achievable right here, right now."
Brunson said another Soldier is already working toward an initial registry with plans to pursue CT next.
"He's already demonstrating the ownership and professional development we expect from future leaders," Brunson said.
Rainwater said that while the credential is meaningful, it is also part of a larger mindset centered on progress.
"I don't like wasting time," he said. "If there's an opportunity to improve myself or learn something new, I want to take it."
As Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital continues to support readiness and healthcare delivery at Fort Polk, Rainwater's achievement reflects the value of Soldiers who combine initiative, technical skill and commitment to continuous growth.
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Original text here: https://www.army.mil/article/291991/bjach_soldier_earns_advanced_ct_credential_strengthens_imaging_readiness
Balikatan 2026: DESRON-7, Task Force Ashland Commence Multinational Maritime Event
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The U.S. Navy issued the following news story:
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Balikatan 2026: DESRON-7, Task Force Ashland Commence Multinational Maritime Event
WESTERN PHILIPPINE SEA - Members of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 and Task Force (TF) Ashland, composed of Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) and embarked Marines from I Marine Expeditionary Force, began participation in Exercise Balikatan 2026, April 20.
Exercise Balikatan 2026 demonstrates the unwavering commitment to the ironclad U.S.-Philippine Alliance, highlighting the robust and effective
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WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The U.S. Navy issued the following news story:
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Balikatan 2026: DESRON-7, Task Force Ashland Commence Multinational Maritime Event
WESTERN PHILIPPINE SEA - Members of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 and Task Force (TF) Ashland, composed of Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) and embarked Marines from I Marine Expeditionary Force, began participation in Exercise Balikatan 2026, April 20.
Exercise Balikatan 2026 demonstrates the unwavering commitment to the ironclad U.S.-Philippine Alliance, highlighting the robust and effectivemilitary-to-military relationship. The Tagalog phrase "Balikatan," meaning "shoulder-to-shoulder," captures the spirit of the exercise and the close friendship between the United States and the Philippines. Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty, more than 17,000 personnel from the Philippines, United States, Australia, Japan, Canada, France, and New Zealand will train shoulder-to-shoulder during the exercise.
Assigned to DESRON 7, TF Ashland joins ships from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and U.S. Coast Guard for the Multinational Maritime Exercise that includes anti-submarine warfare and gunnery exercises, deck-landing qualifications, and search-and-rescue and medical evacuation exercises.
DESRON 7 staff embarked aboard Ashland will serve as the MME Task Group commander, directing RAN and RCN lead surface action groups totaling 10 ships from the five participating forces.
"BK26 continues to demonstrate the closeness and cooperation amongst our Allies and partners. This year's iteration continues to enhance upon previous years, increasing our interoperability to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region," said Capt. John Baggett, commodore, DESRON 7. "The 41st iteration of Exercise Balikatan is the largest we have ever seen in terms of scope and scale, spanning a wide-range of skills and capabilities needed to ensure peace and prosperity in the region."
During Exercise Balikatan, MME participants will include Ashland; U.S. Coast Guard Legend-class cutter USCGC Midgett (WMSL 757); Philippine Navy landing platform dock BRP Tarlac (LD601), Miguel Malvar-class guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG6) and Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FFG15); JMSDF Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182), Murasame-class destroyer JS Ikazuchi (DD 107) and Osumi-class tank-landing ship JS Shimokita (LST 4002); RCN Halifax-class frigate HMCS Charlottetown (FFG 339); and RAN Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba (FFG 156).
Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen our ironclad Alliance, improve our capable combined force, and demonstrate our commitment to regional security and stability.
As the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed DESRON in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of assigned ships deployed to the Southeast Asia area of operations.
U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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Original text here: https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/display-news/Article/4471124/balikatan-2026-desron-7-task-force-ashland-commence-multinational-maritime-event/
APHIS Updates Guidance on the Interstate Movement of Lactating Dairy Cattle
WASHINGTON, April 27 (TNSrpt) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued the following program update:
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APHIS Updates Guidance on the Interstate Movement of Lactating Dairy Cattle
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Cattle Moving Interstate From Unaffected States Do Not Have To Test for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued updated guidance related to the April 2024 Federal Order (145.34 KB) that required testing of lactating dairy cattle before they move across State lines.
Effective immediately, lactating
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 27 (TNSrpt) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued the following program update:
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APHIS Updates Guidance on the Interstate Movement of Lactating Dairy Cattle
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Cattle Moving Interstate From Unaffected States Do Not Have To Test for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued updated guidance related to the April 2024 Federal Order (145.34 KB) that required testing of lactating dairy cattle before they move across State lines.
Effective immediately, lactatingdairy cattle moving interstate from States with Unaffected State Status under the National Milk Testing Strategy are no longer required to be tested for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 prior to movement.
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Key Points
* No testing required for lactating dairy cattle originating from States with Unaffected State Status under the National Milk Testing Strategy.
* Unaffected State Status requires ongoing testing and surveillance activities to confirm the absence of HPAI in the State's dairy herds.
* This update follows a United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) resolution received in October 2025 and is expected to be widely supported by dairy and State animal health regulatory officials.
* APHIS does not anticipate any impact on trade of cattle or beef/dairy products.
Public Health and Food Safety
The detection of HPAI H5N1 in lactating dairy cattle does not pose a risk to consumer health or compromise the safety of the commercial milk supply. Pasteurization effectively inactivates HPAI virus. Milk from affected animals is diverted or destroyed to prevent entry into the food supply. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to consider the public health risk low.
The Importance of Biosecurity
USDA remains committed to working with State partners to monitor, investigate, and mitigate the spread of HPAI in livestock. This update does not change USDA's HPAI eradication strategy. Biosecurity is still key to mitigating the risk of disease introduction or spread between premises.
APHIS recommends enhanced biosecurity measures for all dairy farms. Producers should immediately report any livestock with clinical signs, or any unusual sick or dead wildlife, to their State veterinarian.
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REPORT: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/aphis-requirements-hpai-livestock-2026.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/program-update/aphis-updates-guidance-interstate-movement-lactating-dairy-cattle
Amtrak & the NYC Metro Area: Keeping the Empire State Moving
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak & the NYC Metro Area: Keeping the Empire State Moving
New York City is the largest metropolitan area in the U.S. and the cultural, entertainment and financial capital of the world.
It is also home to Moynihan Train Hall and New York Penn Station, where Amtrak's Northeast Corridor (NEC) plays a critical role connecting Boston, Washington, D.C. and the entire East Coast.
Via the busiest train station complex in the Western Hemisphere in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, customers can reach
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WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak & the NYC Metro Area: Keeping the Empire State Moving
New York City is the largest metropolitan area in the U.S. and the cultural, entertainment and financial capital of the world.
It is also home to Moynihan Train Hall and New York Penn Station, where Amtrak's Northeast Corridor (NEC) plays a critical role connecting Boston, Washington, D.C. and the entire East Coast.
Via the busiest train station complex in the Western Hemisphere in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, customers can reachone-third of the region's jobs and nearly one-quarter of the nation's top universities located within five miles of any NEC station.
Download Fact Sheet: https://media.amtrak.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/NYC-Fact-Sheet.pdf
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/04/amtrak-the-nyc-metro-area-keeping-the-empire-state-moving/
AETC Lines of Effort Power the Force Behind the 2026 National Defense Strategy
RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, April 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news:
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AETC Lines of Effort Power the Force Behind the 2026 National Defense Strategy
Air Education and Training Command has revamped its Lines of Effort, establishing the strategic framework guiding how the command recruits, trains and educates Airmen and Guardians to deliver combat-credible forces capable of deterring aggression and winning in a high-end fight.
Aligned with the 2026 National Defense Strategy, the Lines of Effort position AETC as a critical enabler in developing
... Show Full Article
RANDOLPH AFB, Texas, April 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news:
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AETC Lines of Effort Power the Force Behind the 2026 National Defense Strategy
Air Education and Training Command has revamped its Lines of Effort, establishing the strategic framework guiding how the command recruits, trains and educates Airmen and Guardians to deliver combat-credible forces capable of deterring aggression and winning in a high-end fight.
Aligned with the 2026 National Defense Strategy, the Lines of Effort position AETC as a critical enabler in developingAirmen and Guardians ready to fly, fix and fight to win.
"The future battlespace will be defined by speed and lethality, and this strategy is our response," said Lt. Gen. Clark Quinn, commander of Air Education and Training Command. "These Lines of Effort focus our enterprise on developing Airmen and Guardians of character, modernizing training for speed and agility, and building an agile, resilient and combat-credible force required to win in a future where victory will be measured in seconds."
AETC delivers initial military training for every Airman and Guardian entering the Department of the Air Force and trains approximately 293,000 students annually across basic military training, technical training, flying training and professional military education. As the foundation of force development, the command is responsible for producing the Airmen and Guardians the operational force depends on.
These Lines of Effort are not independent initiatives. They are four interconnected efforts designed to develop the world's most capable Airmen and Guardians while accelerating the transformation required to meet the evolving operational environment.
Forge Airmen of Character
This effort establishes character as the foundation of warfighting capability. AETC is cultivating a contested environment mindset from day one, shifting training from a peacetime model to one that develops combat-ready Airmen and Guardians.
Every training pipeline reinforces how individual roles contribute to airpower, building air-minded warriors who understand the mission and can execute under pressure. Training now incorporates degraded communications, uncertainty and time-constrained decision making to develop resilience, adaptability and mission command.
"From the moment an Airman or Guardian enters the service, they must understand their role in generating combat power," Quinn said. "Every Airman contributes to the mission."
Inspire and Attract the Next Generation of Airmen
This effort focuses on building a precision accession enterprise capable of attracting war-winning talent. AETC is shifting from broad outreach to targeted, data-driven strategies designed to generate high-quality candidates across all mission areas.
Through synchronized efforts with the Air Force Accessions Center and modern engagement strategies, the command is strengthening awareness, credibility and propensity to serve, ensuring the Department of the Air Force remains competitive in securing the talent required for future operations.
Modernize Training for Speed and Agility
This effort transforms AETC's learning enterprise to develop Airmen and Guardians who can out-think and outpace any adversary. The command is implementing data-driven learning engineering, expanding immersive training technologies like VR/AR, and cultivating an AI-ready force to deliver on-demand access to training across an Airman's career.
These changes accelerate the time to competency while maintaining standards, ensuring graduates arrive at operational units ready to perform in complex environments.
Support Quality of Life and Family Readiness
This effort recognizes that people are the decisive advantage and that readiness is directly tied to the well-being of Airmen, Guardians and their families. AETC is prioritizing improvements to housing, childcare, healthcare access and spousal employment opportunities to sustain a resilient and mission-focused force.
By strengthening family readiness, the command reinforces its ability to recruit, develop and retain the talent required to meet national defense priorities.
Together, these Lines of Effort provide a unified framework that aligns recruiting, training and education with operational requirements across the Department of the Air Force.
"As the First Command, we do more than train-we build the foundation for every future victory," Quinn said. "The character, lethality and warrior spirit we forge today will be the decisive advantage on tomorrow's battlefield."
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Original text here: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4471421/aetc-lines-of-effort-power-the-force-behind-the-2026-national-defense-strategy/
95th FS, FGS enhance lethality through advanced threat training during Ready Tiger 26-3
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following news:
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95th FS, FGS enhance lethality through advanced threat training during Ready Tiger 26-3
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) - Airmen and F-35A Lightning II aircraft from the 95th Fighter and Fighter Generation Squadrons deployed, April 13-17, to Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia, to enhance combat capability and lethality during exercise Ready Tiger 26-3.
The exercise is designed to test Airmen's ability to rapidly deploy, sustain operation and generate airpower in simulated austere environments. During the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following news:
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95th FS, FGS enhance lethality through advanced threat training during Ready Tiger 26-3
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) - Airmen and F-35A Lightning II aircraft from the 95th Fighter and Fighter Generation Squadrons deployed, April 13-17, to Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia, to enhance combat capability and lethality during exercise Ready Tiger 26-3.
The exercise is designed to test Airmen's ability to rapidly deploy, sustain operation and generate airpower in simulated austere environments. During theexercise, pilots, intelligence personnel and maintainers generated sorties to detect and eliminate low-observable aerial targets, mimicking drone attacks. This tested Airmen's ability to operate in hazardous conditions, strengthening their combat readiness for future operations in contested environments.
"Low-observable planes are very hard to detect with radar," said Maj. Heath Williams, 95th FS chief of operations group standardization and evaluations. "The best way to overcome the challenge is practice and repetition."
While drones are slower than the F-35A, they operate at lower altitudes and present detection challenges that require precise sensor employment and coordination to defeat.
Wiliams explained the biggest challenge was incorporating sensor-setting recommendations from pilots with real-world experience and applying them to the F-35A aircraft, serving as a key building block in ensuring a higher level of fidelity against these drones.
Throughout the exercise, Airmen worked with Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft units operating out of McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, sharing lessons learned across the F-35 community. The joint collaboration allowed the services to refine tactics, improve targeting processes and strengthen interoperability across formations from dispersed locations, enabling teams to overcome communication challenges they may experience during deployed locations.
"It brings in a level of difficulty because we are not physically across the table from one another," Williams said. "But when we get out there, there is a level of understanding... so, we are at least on the same operating page and common thought process on how to mitigate these drones."
Reinforcing joint-force interoperability enhances integration, enabling synchronized operations and strengthening the delivery of combat airpower in any environment.
"When you bring another formation from the Marines, Navy or whoever... we are able to essentially just hit play and execute the tactics that are recommended," Williams said.
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Original text here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4471703/95th-fs-fgs-enhance-lethality-through-advanced-threat-training-during-ready-tig/
42nd, 58th Aerial Port Squadrons compete in AFRC's 2026 Port Dawg Challenge
ROBINS AFB, Georgia, April 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Reserve Command posted the following news:
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42nd, 58th Aerial Port Squadrons compete in AFRC's 2026 Port Dawg Challenge
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DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. - Grit, determination and teamwork were on full display as more than 160 competitors gathered at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, April 14-16 for the Air Force Reserve Command's 2026 Port Dawg Challenge.
Since 2010, small teams of air transportation Airmen, known as Port Dawgs, have gathered biennially at Dobbins ARB's Transportation Proficiency Center to compete in the Air Force's
... Show Full Article
ROBINS AFB, Georgia, April 27 -- The U.S. Air Force Reserve Command posted the following news:
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42nd, 58th Aerial Port Squadrons compete in AFRC's 2026 Port Dawg Challenge
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DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. - Grit, determination and teamwork were on full display as more than 160 competitors gathered at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, April 14-16 for the Air Force Reserve Command's 2026 Port Dawg Challenge.
Since 2010, small teams of air transportation Airmen, known as Port Dawgs, have gathered biennially at Dobbins ARB's Transportation Proficiency Center to compete in the Air Force'spremier aerial port competition.
"Looking out at this group, I don't just see Airmen; I see the muscle, brains and the relentless drive that keeps the Air Force moving," said Col. Dori Mansur, 2026 PDC commander, during the event's opening ceremony. "You are the elite of the 2T2X1 career field. As air transportation specialists, you are the logistical backbone of global mobility."
Aerial porters are responsible for managing the movement of cargo and passengers throughout the military airlift system, providing critical support to military operations and humanitarian missions worldwide.
The Port Dawg Challenge serves as a formal readiness demonstration designed to evaluate individual and unit proficiency, strengthen warfighting capability and showcase mission readiness across the force.
Over three days, competitors were tested in 12 time-sensitive events focused on core air transportation skills. These included operating material handling equipment, loading cargo onto aircraft, and inspecting shipments to ensure they met weight, balance and safety requirements.
This year marked the seventh AFRC-sponsored competition since 2010, bringing together 25 teams from across the Command, along with two international teams from the United Kingdom and Canada. Each six-member team included at least one first-term Airman.
"Being here showed me what it really means to be a Port Dawg," said Airman 1st Class Melody Cruz, a cargo and special handling representative with the 42nd Aerial Port Squadron. "This challenge tested everything we train for. I'm excited to bring back what I've learned and share it with my unit."
Westover Air Reserve Base sent teams from both the 42nd and 58th Aerial Port Squadrons to compete, exchange best practices and strengthen relationships across units and partner nations.
The event also promoted interoperability with allied forces. In addition to the Royal Canadian Air Force and the United Kingdom's Royal Auxiliary Air Force, the Philippine Air Force participated through the Reserve Allies and Partners Program.
The program enhances operational integration, information sharing and force development through reserve-to-reserve engagements with allied nations in support of Department of the Air Force priorities.
From engine-running onloads and offloads to detailed load planning, the competition played a key role in strengthening the readiness of Airmen who execute global mobility missions.
"The U.S. Air Force is the greatest in the world because of its global reach, anytime, anywhere, anything," said Col. Javier Rodriguez, 439th Mission Support Group commander. "Our Port Dawgs deliver the 'anything.' AFRC provides nearly half of the Air Force's air mobility capability, and exercises like this ensure we remain ready to meet that mission."
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Original text here: https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4464358/42nd-58th-aerial-port-squadrons-compete-in-afrcs-2026-port-dawg-challenge/
124th ASOS TACP Airmen conduct CAS training at Razorback Range
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following news:
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124th ASOS TACP Airmen conduct CAS training at Razorback Range
FORT SMITH, Ark. (AFNS) - Tactical Air Control Party Airmen from the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard, conducted close air support training at the 188th Wing's Razorback Range at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center, April 20-21.
Razorback Range provides ASOS personnel across the country the ability to train in the mission of close air support in a unique, dynamic environment that is supported by the total force,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following news:
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124th ASOS TACP Airmen conduct CAS training at Razorback Range
FORT SMITH, Ark. (AFNS) - Tactical Air Control Party Airmen from the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard, conducted close air support training at the 188th Wing's Razorback Range at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center, April 20-21.
Razorback Range provides ASOS personnel across the country the ability to train in the mission of close air support in a unique, dynamic environment that is supported by the total force,including contract air.
Combat lethality requires effective communication between ground forces and aircrews. Training in an unfamiliar environment, like Razorback, develops the ability to rapidly adjust communication tactics, techniques and procedures.
"We're the liaison between the ground force commander and the aircrew," said Master Sgt. Tyler Herlihy, a TACP specialist with the 124th ASOS and the joint terminal air controller instructor for the Razorback exercise. "The nature of our job is very reactionary. So, we train to tackle complex, dynamic situations in simulated combat environments."
Executing CAS objectives often boils down to knowing what tactical assets are at play.
"Situational awareness is key for JTACs," said Capt. Roger Knizat, 124th ASOS flight commander. "We must be aware of not only our targets, but of all friendly air and ground assets on the battlefield. These exercises allow us to set up communications networks in different environments to induce the chaos that can accompany talking to multiple air and ground assets at once."
Intelligence and mission planning often establish the who, what and where of a tactical threat. It's up to TACPs to respond quickly and with precision when threats arise.
"It's important we do our due diligence and focus on mission planning and objectives, but the game plan often goes out the window on first contact," Herlihy said. "When it comes to reinforcing fundamentals and having a good operational baseline, places like this range provide a great opportunity to prepare ourselves for those moments."
Focusing on fundamentals and TTPs aligns with another core principle of the ASOS - contingency planning.
"TACPs are proficient mission planners," Kzinat said. "We work contingencies into our training and into our plans. You cannot anticipate when something will go wrong in the real world. If you have a well-developed plan and all players are on the same sheet of music, bombs will still make it to their target."
The 124th ASOS emphasizes training at every level and in every environment, to remain always ready, always there.
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Original text here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4471283/124th-asos-tacp-airmen-conduct-cas-training-at-razorback-range/
