Squadron conducts threats and tactics training

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE --  Airmen in the 509th Weapons Squadron conducted their first KC-135 Stratotanker treats and tactics training Feb. 2.

The goal is to provide the world’s most advanced training in weapons and tactics employments to KC-135 Stratotanker pilots, navigators and enlisted in-flight refueling specialists.

Weapons School graduates are experts in the tactical employment, planning, and execution of integrated air and space power.

Twice a year, six instructor pilots, navigators and three boom operators are hand-selected for the six-month training.

“Students conducted air refueling flights with simulated receivers as part of the threats and tactics phase of the syllabus,” Cmdr. Lt. Col Ian Shelley said. “During the threats and tactics phase, students are challenged to solve near-peer air-to-air threats and accomplish appropriate reactions to those threats while applying tactics to ensure they can provide fuel to simulated receivers”

Students are required to log more than 400 flight hours, complete 15 flying missions and multiple ground missions. 

“509th WPS training is important because it teaches our students how to react to our pacing threat,” instructor Major Patrick Kilbane said. “The sorties provide firsthand exposure of combat formation maneuvers while maintaining an acceptable level of risk”

The 509th is one of 21 weapons squadrons that fall under the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and is the only weapons school for the KC-135.