354 TFW COMMANDER'S SITREP

File: aabfg_01.txt
Page: 01
Total Pages: 20
SUBJECT:  354 TFW COMMANDER'S SITREP

01	080830Z	DEC	90	PP	PP	CC/0900L

FROM: 354TFW//CC/23TFW/CC//

TO: USCENTAF FORWARD//DO/LG/DE/SG//

SUBJECT: COMMANDERS SITREP (U)

PART I. (U) COMBAT CAPABILITY:

1. OPERATIONS - The 23/354 TFWs remain fully combat capable with
96 A-10's prepared to sustain a D-Day tasking of up to 288 sorties per
day. We are flying a 10 x 8 in each of the three day squadrons while
sitting 6 lines of alert. In our night squadron, we are flying a 10
x 8 (night) x 4 (day) in addition to the 4 lines of night alert.
Pilots are currently training to "B" level or above. Our daily
tasking and training is structured as it will be during wartime
conditions and our training with actual units on the ground is
continuously increasing. We began live 30MM TP weapons training on
FAHAD Range on 29 Oct. Approximately 60 percent of pilots have now
fired the gun or dropped BDU-33s. Our north CAS area missions, via
Kiwi AAR Track, are working very well and have provided excellent
training for both us and the multi-national forces. Planning
continues for FOL operations and we have selected the initial Detco
who traveled to KKMC on 3 Dec 90 with a small advon to make initial
preparations. We are working very closely with the 926 TFG and the
10 TFW concerning their pending deployments to KFIA. We have
provided comprehensive packages to both units concerning operations
in theater, tailored equipment/personnel requirements, and suggested
spin-up training at home station. OA-10s have completed local area
orientation sorties.

A. LIMFAC: Only limited capability exists to train with the
30mm GAU-8 and practice free-fall munitions.

(1) DISCUSSION: Limited FAHAD Range time is available
(approximately 5-6 hours per week) At current rate, each pilot can
expect a live fire mission only once every three weeks. We are
working toward missions at Faisal, Ahmad, OED 63, and Pegasus ranges.
The coordination is slow, but if these pan out, we will be in better
shape for weapons delivery training. An adequate range for live
Maverick training is still being pursued.

(2) PROPOSED SOLUTION: Acquire additional ranges/range time
for live/practice weapons delivery training to include 30mm, Maverick
missile, and free-fall weapons. These ranges enhance system
reliability and increase pilot proficiency.

(3) REQUESTED SUPPORT: Request continued CENTAF support for
tactical live fire ranges for air-to-surface employment of the 30mm
gun, Maverick missile, and free-fall munition. Faisal Range is a
giant step in that direction. Request CENTAF pursue a fair share