Air Force Special Agent Travis Guthmiller has received an Army Commendation Medal with a “V” device for Valor for his actions following an attack on a weapons-intelligence convoy in southern Baghdad. After the rear vehicle in the convoy struck an improvised explosive device, Guthmiller swept the area for additional IEDs and then brought the lead vehicle close to the blast site to provide security. He then assisted the medics and, on the way back to the hospital, stabilized the wounded gunner’s head and monitored his breathing. Guthmiller deployed to Iraq from Minot AFB, N.D.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.