HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Air Force Special Operations Command hosted senior leaders from the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics and Air Force Materiel Command for the AFSOC Technology, Acquisition, and Sustainment Review, July 20-21.
“TASR is our opportunity to show the acquisitions community how our SOF capabilities support the joint force,” said Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of AFSOC, “It is also an opportunity to support future acquisitions that will help shape the force toward the AFSOC we will need in the future.”
The visit began with a Road to War briefing, where visitors received a simulated mission scenario for the day. As the scenario escalated throughout the day, AFSOC Airmen executed simulated demonstrations in response, showcasing unique capabilities as well as insight on future developmental capabilities that demonstrate how AFSOC is evolving to match the future operating environment.
Operational demos were executed in various locations and demonstrated a variety of capabilities that can generate advantages in strategic competition short of armed conflict. Aircraft demonstrations included a variety of aircraft from AFSOC’s fleet, such as the C-146A Wolfhound, CV-22 Osprey, and the MC-130J Commando II.
“We wanted to walk our leaders through what AFSOC is and what the future of AFSOC could look like,” said Lt Col Josh Trantham, AFSOC/A8I Deputy Chief, Science, Systems, Technology, & Innovations (SST&I) Division. “If they can get a glimpse into SOF and understand what our current capabilities are, they will better be able to see our vision for the future of AFSOC.”
The capabilities demonstrated included forward area refueling and special tactics reaction to contact. They also received briefings on future developmental capabilities such as High-Speed Vertical Take-off and Landing, MC-130J amphibious capability, and palletized munitions.
“AFSOC provides high-return on investment capabilities across the spectrum of conflict, from competition to conflict,” said Slife. “Our people are our competitive advantage and with our service support and investments in key technologies, Air Force special operations forces will create innovative solutions for the joint force and multiply dilemmas for our adversaries.”