Tensions in the Caribbean are on the side. With the US undergoing counter drug operations and the US landing F-35s in Puerto Rico, Venezuela is starting to move some of its key and only air defense systems around. Check this article out!

http://www.twz.com/air/status-of-venezuelas-air-defense-capabilities

twz.com

Status Of Venezuela’s Air Defense Capabilities

Growing tensions in the Caribbean could lead to a confrontation between U.S. combat aircraft and Venezuela’s hodgepodge of air defense systems. Growing tensions in the Caribbean could lead to a confrontation between U.S. combat aircraft and Venezuela’s hodgepodge of air … Continue reading

It looks like the T-7 is finally making its debut tentatively this December at Randolph AFB in San Antonio TX. Even with the first being delivered it is said to be a minimum of 2 years before any UPT pilots will be in the cockpit. With that being said, the members here on BD reading this now will most likely be some of the first individuals to…

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airforcetimes.com

US Air Force revamps pilot training as T-7 era nears

Air Education and Training Command is preparing to teach instructor pilots on the T-7 and revamping its flying syllabus for the fifth-gen trainer.

In light of drug operations in the south, I figured it would be cool to showcase an in depth look at the MQ-9 that is doing good work currently. I know there have been several BD members selected to fly these as well!

m.youtube.com/watch?v=LeIdy6uwYpI&pp=ygUETXEtOQ%3D%3D

I’ve posted in the past unique mission sets that the guard offers to pilots. New York’s 109th Wing is an example of that. Unexpected challenges in unexplored locations! If you’ve ever wanted to go to the poles, C130 units potentially offer that opportunity!

http://www.twz.com/air/funds-shifted-to-develop-new-lc-130j-ski-bird-polar-airlifters

twz.com

Funds Shifted To Develop New LC-130J “Ski Bird” Polar Airlifters

The unique ski-equipped LC-130Hs of the New York Air National Guard badly need replacements, with their mission growing in importance. The unique LC-130H “Ski Birds” of the New York Air National Guard badly need replacement, with their mission growing in … Continue reading

I’m sure you like most of America knew about the meeting SECDEF had call for today, however the intent of the major meeting was not clear. This article just posted by the Air Force Times goes into detail what the meeting was about it and in spark notes form talks about brining the fighting force back into lethal shape. Worth a…

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airforcetimes.com

Hegseth blasts ‘fat troops’ in rare gathering with military brass

Before hundreds of top brass, Hegseth pledged to create more fitness and grooming rules and encouraged commanders to quit if they don’t like his policies.

Pilots have been talking about this type of support for years but the changes in the battle field have made it more difficult. I remember when there were talks of Buffs being missile trucks housing tons of missiles but….. they are not the stealthiest. Here is an article about possible support drones carrying mixed loadouts to support jets in the…

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twz.com

Flying Wing Arsenal Plane Packed With Air-To-Air Missiles Eyed By USAF: Report

The Air Force is examining the use of a flying wing that totes dozens of air-to-air missiles to support fighter operations. The idea of an air-to-air-capable B-21 Raider has come up before, but the Air Force is now said to … Continue reading

Good morning BD! Piling onto what Husky said, you’ll typically hear about WIC or weapons school at fighter units and other platforms as well; however there is another “patch” that isn’t always talked about in the guard. Test pilot, and TPS (test pilot school), were usually reserved for those on AD just because for the sheer time and…

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