Behind the deadly striking forces of USAF fighters and bombers are the munitions airmen, such as the ones of the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron at busy Bagram AB, Afghanistan. Air Force journalist Maj. David Kurle reports that the “ammo” airmen at Bagram receive ordnance from supply points, inspect it, store it, combine different components to build it for bombs and missiles, and then deliver it where it is needed. The Bagram operation is a mix of active, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Command airmen.
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.