354 TFW COMMANDERS SITREP

File: aabia_01.txt
Page: 01
Total Pages: 18
    
SUBJECT:  354 TFW COMMANDERS 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-10s 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
    range time allocation for air-to-surface ranges.
    
    B. LIMFAC: King FAHD International Airport (KFIA) has limited