B-1 school sees pilots losing currency during sequestration

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Peter Thompson
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A unit responsible for producing elite B-1 Lancer weapons officers has had its budget cut nearly in half due to sequestration.

The 77th Weapons School at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, took this as a challenge and opportunity to maximize efficiency.

"We have taken notice of the mentality that we need to have at this time," said Lt. Col. Brian Vlaun, 77th WPS director of operations. "Efficiency is closely linked to a call to find innovative solutions, which applies to us by maximizing the training we have in our syllabus."

Without funding to supply flying hours for the squadron, instructors at the 77th WPS won't be able to complete their yearly proficiency requirements, which allow them to fly as instructors, aircraft commanders or mission leads.

"Based on the last time each of our instructors flew, their currencies will last them through the middle of July," said Lt. Col. Jonathan Creer, 77th WPS commander. "Bottom line is we won't be able to fly."

The weapons squadron, and U.S. Air Force Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., were forced to cancel a full six-month course, which normally produces a batch of officers trained in applying multiple weapons platforms and strategies to the battlefield.

When the first class of 2013 was cut short in May, the squadron took a day to evaluate their situation and plan steps they would take to maximize efficiency with their almost non-existent budget.

The weapons school has four main objectives to work toward until they regain funding. Their first and primary objective is to update their syllabus.

Normally, the 77th WPS takes the short amount of time between classes to assess their syllabus and make adjustments as needed. This revision process is now the squadron's main priority.

The first class of fiscal year 2014 will learn from the enhanced legacy syllabus. The second class of the year will be the first at the 77th WPS to train using the B-1 Bomber's newest upgrade, Sustainment-Block 16, which is the most advanced hardware and software enhancement to date for the bomber.

The squadron's second objective is to upgrade their tactics, techniques and procedures manuals.

"We will work with the 337th Test and Evaluations Squadron to develop new manuals that will be used to employ the upgraded aircraft," Creer said.

Their third goal is to simultaneously provide cadre and instructors to support combat operations, and operational testing and training across the B-1 fleet. Instructors have transitioned their efforts from teaching classes to providing their expertise to 9th Bomb Squadron operators as they prepare for future deployments.

"We have the expertise available to help other squadrons with their academics and training," Vlaun said. "It is our duty to provide for the B-1 community."


To meet their fourth and final objective, 77th WPS instructors are prepared to continue producing the Air Force's best weapons officers, and maintain currencies once funding is available.

Looking forward, the 77th WPS's intent is to create opportunities to grow and learn from their present situation. Their outlook is that even though they have a minimal budget, they are still operational.

"I tell my guys all the time, this is not a throttle back, it's a change in roles and duties," Creer said. "We challenge them to do better, exceed their expectations, think critically, receive and give criticism, communicate more effectively and become problem solvers."