Among the unusual duties being performed by airmen today is the supply route patrol conducted by members of the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron outside Camp Bucca, Iraq. Their job is to ensure the route is clear of improvised explosive devices or other hazards, reports SrA. Andrew Dumboski. They generally travel in machine-mounted Humvees, but they often have to patrol on foot to get closer looks at the terrain. Early in their tour, says, SSgt. Charles Lemley, a fire-team leader for Scorpion 1-6, they had to call out the explosive ordnance disposal technicians “a lot, but we all know the area very well now. We can tell if something has been put out there recently.” Iraqi children often approach the patrol to ask for water, which the airmen provide. On one day, “someone noticed that the kids weren’t there,” recalls SSgt. Chris Forsythe, adding, “It wasn’t even a second after they said something over the radio that we were hit.”
Air Force Picks a Prototype for Its New Aircrew Helmet
June 27, 2022
The Air Force has selected a prototype to develop as its new helmet for all fixed-wing aircrew, Air Combat Command announced, picking LIFT Airborne Technologies’ design. The new helmet, which still has to undergo additional research and testing before the Air Force confirms the design and offers a production contract,…