USAF Weapons School successfully completes first UAS, Raptor validation courses

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Charles
  • 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  The U.S. Air Force Weapons School graduated 96 officers, including members of the Air Force's first unmanned aircraft systems and F-22 Raptor validation courses, during a ceremony at the Flamingo Hotel June 13. 

Comprised of 17 squadrons, the Weapons School teaches graduate-level instructor courses that provide the world's most advanced training in weapons and tactics employment. 

"Our Air Force has been given responsibility for some of the world's most powerful weapons," said Gen. Robert Kehler, U.S. Air Force Space Command commander and keynote speaker. "It is our responsibility to employ these weapons to deliver precise and accurate combat effects as a part of the joint fight. This is why weapons officers are so important to the Air Force." 

Every six months, the school produces a new class of graduates who are expert instructors on weapons, weapons systems and air and space integration. Upon completing the course, graduates return to their home stations, taking the latest tactics, techniques and procedures for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat to their respective units. 

"On average, our instructor aircrew members have nearly 200 combat hours each, and our space, command and control and intelligence instructors have directed or supported combat operations in every contingency since the Cold War ended," said Col. Scott Kindsvater, Air Force Weapons School commandant. 

For the first time, the Weapons School is helping the Air Force to step up efforts to meet the growing demand for unmanned aircraft systems support overseas. The five UAS graduates will remain at the Weapons School as instructors for the new unmanned systems course in July. 

"True innovation comes not because of technological breakthroughs, but from people who execute, debrief and learn better ways to provide effects in flight," General Kehler said. "This requires critical thinkers with in-depth understanding to maximize weapon effectiveness. We provide real time intelligence that allows war-fighters to make quicker, more informed decisions." 

Unmanned systems are, and will remain an incredibly high-value asset providing joint forces commanders with the right mix of combat capabilities while offering flexible solutions to battlefield needs, according to senior Air Force leaders. These systems include the MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper and the RQ-4 Global Hawk. 

The primary mission of the unmanned systems is to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to joint commanders; however, because of the MQ-1 Predator's and MQ-9 Reaper's ability to carry an assortment of air-to-ground weapons, they provide commanders with precision strike capabilities and turning the UAS mission into a formidable battlefield force. 

Since Sept. 11, 2001 Airmen have amassed more than 440,000 combat flying hours operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing joint force commanders critical intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike capabilities.

The two graduates from the F-22 Raptor Weapons Instructor validation course will return to the combat Air Force to serve as weapons officers. 

The Weapons School traces its roots to the Aircraft Gunnery School established in 1949 at Las Vegas Air Force Base, which became Nellis Air Force Base in 1950. The organization brought together a cadre of World War II combat veterans dedicated to teaching the next generation of pilots. The Gunnery School converted to combat crew training to meet the needs of the Korean War. 

The 60-year tradition of excellence associated with the Air Force Weapons School continues as it further evolves to meet the needs of today's Air Force 


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