63rd VFS 13 January 2007 Briefing

Missions Overview

Gameplan: Our first A-G training hop will be low intensity by design to allow quality practice and for time to be spent on problem areas. We'll be carrying GBU-33 JDAMs & AGM-65D. The focus will be on employment procedures and any areas where any of us are lacking.

For the GBU-33 I want each pilot to drop 3 targeting with the radar, and 3 in VIS or BORE mode. Our targets will be on the Nellis range and consist of an industrial site and city layout. We can also use the mock airfield that's nearby.

For the AGM-65D we'll follow a similar training strategy with the exception of the target set. For the -65's we'll be targeting armoured units north and east of the original target stpt by about 8-10 miles. We will have an E-8 JSTARS on station to assist with this portion of our training. Each flight member will check-in A-G. I want each pilot to practice finding the targets on thier radar. If you can't get SA on the location then step to using JSTARS. The first 3 AGM-65's will be targeted using your radar. Procedures and tactics will be gone over prior to engaging the armored units. The last 3 -65's will be targeted using VIS or BORE. In addition each pilot will pick a cardinal direction and fly at least 10 miles away, then re-engage picking up the targets visually. Again try this without aid from JSTARS unless you simply cannot get SA on your own.

We'll head back to base and if time allows re-arm with Mk-20D's and Mk-82's.

The target area will be the same but we'll hit the armor first using the Mk-20D's. Half radar dropped and half CCIP.

The Mk-82's will be employed using a POP up attack for the first half, and DTOS for the second.

Tankers will be available between stpts 7 & 8. Camel1 to the West & Canteen1 to the EAST. AWACS will be on station callsign Chalis1 escorted by Claw1 a 2 ship flight of F-15's. JSTARS callsign is Senry1, and will be on station well to the West of our target area.

Mission Details

Cowboy Flight: Nellis AFB TACAN 106X
Take Off: 1215:39 TOT: 1232:00

Falcon Flight: Nellis AFB TACAN 106X
Take Off: 1217:39 TOT: 1232:00

Fury Flight: Nellis AFB TACAN 106X
Take Off: 1219:39 TOT: 1232:00

ALL FLIGHTS: Once in pit start FENCE & cockpit settings. Call in ready to flight lead once basic checks/settings are done. Planned departure will be trail at 2 second intervals, rotate at 160 kts, 5 degs up at EOR, BUSTER at 350 kts. Rejoin procedures 63rd standard: complete weapons checks while rejoining/as directed by lead, fingertip formation, call visual or tied as applicable till rejoin complete & call in position. Initial climb out will be to angels 24. Call in FENCE & weapons checks good when complete.

It's important to keep your head on a swivel and stay heads up to the situation at all times as the mission progresses. Know your responsibilities for flight task sharing in relation to your position in the flight.

Good flight dicipline is critical to everyones safety and mission accomplishment. Practice good flight dicipline at all times. This doesn't mean you can't do anything without permission. What it does mean is that you should follow directions to the best of your ability and be a good wing man. If you need to do something to protect yourself, the element, Flight or Package, and have the time to inform somebody, then do so. If you need to act immediately due to the nature of the threat/situation, then just do what needs to be done and fill in your Lead later. There's a fine balance between being a loose cannon, being diciplined and being frozen into inaction. Use common sense while focusing on teamwork and understanding your position and responsibilities in the Flight, and everything will flow smoothly.

The focus on this flight is training. We want to identify ant problems that any of us are having. Better to get it fixed here at Nellis than over hostile territory. Don't be shy! Speak up about any issues you have or help you may need. There are no stupid questions. We've all been rookies about various things to do with the Viper before, and we all will be again. Don't let the Panthers down by not letting someone know you need some help. I'd much rather take the time here than find out I have a less than capable wingman over enemy territory.

On missions that require them, tight,clean and precisely executed Pop-Up's are critical to mission accomplishment and everyone getting home in one piece. The way we prosecute POP ups is taken right out of the USAF handbook. Right now it's the simplest varient, but some of you may not be familiar with it. The full procedures will be gone over in detail before the second hop, however it can be a handful for someone who's never done it.Again speak up and let your Lead know if you need help.

Keep Leads and wingmen informed of any problems that will affect the flight.

Two tankers are available if anyone needs them. Remember to use established protocol for aerial refueling to avoid any hic-ups. Package and flight Leads will organize which flights tank off of who and in what order if re-fueling is needed.

Lets have a good mission and get everyone home safe.

Aircraft Assignments

Weapons Loadout

Flight Plans

Threats

Target Intel