Airlift instructors modernize training for present, future conflicts

Published March 28, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Damon Kasberg
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- As Dyess Air Force Base replaces its legacy of C-130H aircraft with new C-130J models, 317th Airlift Group Airmen have thrown out the antiquated training of the past and are rewriting the way their aircrews train.

In the past, the training in the United States for C-130s didn't match the routings and airdrop profiles that were being flow in Afghanistan or Iraq. Now, here at Dyess, training has been brought into the 21st century mirroring actual deployment tactics the pilots will face when deployed.

"Our idea, when we came here to stand up the J, was to start with a clean slate. Our leadership gave us the keys to train the way we want," said Maj. Justin Diehl. "Two or three of us arrived here when there weren't any airplanes, so we were able to think this out clearly and start with a new page."

C-130J pilots are taught to exploit the capabilities of the airframe to its maximum extent prior to deploying. The aircraft is weighted down with cement blocks to simulate flying with full loads.

"We challenge them on their profiles and make them fly more aggressive than they would overseas, so when they get into their area of responsibility, it's all very familiar to them. I won't say it's easy, but it's not the hardest thing they've done."

Instructors were able to improve C-130J training because of the aircraft's capabilities and the vast airspace that is now available to Dyess aircrews.

"Other places don't have the freedom of airspace that we do," said Maj. Justin Brumley, 317th AG. "Abilene, San Angelo Approach Control and Fort Worth Center are phenomenal. They bend over backwards to let us train."

"We can turn all of the flat land space we have out here into any territory," added Diehl. "Afghanistan now or any other territory in future conflicts."

This training supports current conflicts, but also helps 317th aircrews prepare to bring relief to nations in distress, such as Japan in 2011 and Haiti in 2010.

"One of our primary missions is humanitarian," Diehl said. "Afghanistan is one of the most dynamic environments you'll ever fly in. If we're training to that standard, pilots are going to be much better trained and be able to adapt to airfields they're not used to, like Japan, Haiti or other places that need humanitarian relief at a moment's notice."