Predator Program Expands in Multi-state, total force program
3/4/2004 - WASHINGTON -- The Predator remotely piloted aircraft program has expanded across state lines in a transformation effort that will integrate active duty Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve personnel.
"The Air Force is creating integrated Predator teams that will increase combat capability and make Air Force history," said Maj. Gen. Ronald J. Bath, director of Air Force strategic planning. "This is the first case of Guard personnel from two states working with their active duty and Air Force Reserve counterparts within a single state. The crossing of state lines while keeping individual state identity makes this transformational, " he said.
Maj Gen Giles Vanderhoof, Adjutant General of Nevada and Maj Gen Dan Gibson, Commander, California Air National Guard, working with state political leaders, led the integration effort.
"We believe this represents a significant milestone where, once again, the Air Force has identified new ways to organizationally transform itself to meet our battlefield challenges and provide joint force commanders the tools they need," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force vice chief of staff.
The present plan is to integrate specific California and Nevada ANG assets into the 11th and 15th Reconnaissance Squadron now made up of Air Force active duty and Reserve assets. These squadrons currently operate from Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field, Nev. "Future Total Force provides the Air Force Reserve the opportunity to continue to be an integral member of the Air Force team. By exploring new organizational constructs, we are poised to make transformational leaps now and throughout the 21st century by leveraging the unique strengths that active duty and citizen airmen bring to the fight," said Lt. Gen. James E. Sherrard, III, chief of Air Force Reserve and commander of Air Force Reserve Command at Robbins Air Force Base, Ga.
The Predator system, once used only for surveillance, is now being used increasingly as an offensive weapon equipped with laser-guided missiles. It has recently been used successfully in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Air Force has expanded the mission of the Predator because of its remarkable successes as a force-multiplier.
According to the Air National Guard's Office of Strategic Planning, the new integrated Predator program will also support state missions. The effectiveness of RPAs as war fighting tools generated enormous interest about their capabilities in areas such as homeland defense, disaster relief and forest fire reconnaissance. Air Force leaders hope such cooperation can become more commonplace in the years ahead.
"The Air National Guard seeks the optimum synergy resulting from melding the right concepts and missions at the right times and places for the right reasons," said Lt. Gen. Daniel James, III, director of the Air National Guard in Arlington, Va.
"This attempt could be the first step in implementing new and innovative ideas that will ease the demands placed on our deploying forces and ensure the maximum utility of our Airmen who perform their valuable missions at home station," said General Moseley.
For further information, please contact the Office of Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs, Lt Col Jennifer Cassidy at 703-697-5175. |
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Phone: 703-695-0640
Alt Phone: 703-697-4425
FAX: 703-614-7486
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