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JFCOM releases study on future threats By John T. Bennett - Staff writer Posted : Thursday Dec 4, 2008 15:49:23 EST A new U.S. Joint Forces Command planning document offers insights into planning for irregular conflicts, urges long-promised acquisition reform, and outlines potential threats and enemies. Released Thursday, the “Joint Operating Environment” document is a “historically informed, forward-looking effort to discern most accurately the challenges we will face at the operational level of war, and to determine their inherent implications,” Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis, JFCOM commander, writes in its foreword. “Its purpose is not to predict, but to suggest ways leaders might think about the future.” The study is meant to inform joint concept development and experimentation by the U.S. military and “other leaders and professionals in the national security field.” The study is largely a response to three questions: • What future trends and disruptions are likely to affect the joint force over the next quarter century? • How are these trends and disruptions likely to define the future contexts for joint operations? • What are the implications of these trends and contexts for the joint force?” Its authors considered politics, military efforts, demographic changes, globalization, economic trends, energy competition, food and water scarcity, climate change, cyber threats and pandemics. The study predicts future U.S. forces’ missions will range “from regular and irregular wars in remote lands, to relief and reconstruction in crisis zones, to sustained engagement in the global commons.” Some of these missions will be spawned by “rational political calculation,” others by “uncontrolled passion.” And future foes will attack U.S. forces in a number of ways. “Our enemy’s capabilities will range from explosive vests worn by suicide bombers to long-range precision-guided cyber, space, and missile attacks,” the study said. “The threat of mass destruction — from nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons — will likely expand from stable nation-states to less stable states and even non-state networks.” The document also echoes Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other U.S. military leaders who say America is likely in “an era of persistent conflict.” During the next 25 years, it says, “There will continue to be those who will hijack and exploit Islam and other beliefs for their own extremist ends. There will continue to be opponents who will try to disrupt the political stability and deny the free access to the global commons that is crucial to the world’s economy.” The study gives substantial ink to what could happen in places of strategic import to Washington, such as Russia, China, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Extremists and militias But it calls the Middle East and Central Asia “the center of instability” where U.S. troops will be engaged for some time against radical Islamic groups. The study does not rule out a fight against a peer nation’s military, but stresses preparation for irregular foes such as those that complicated the Iraq war for years. Leaders must avoid “the failure to recognize and fully confront the irregular fight that we are in. The requirement to prepare to meet a wide range of threats is going to prove particularly difficult for American forces in the period between now and the 2030s,” the study said. “The difficulties involved in training to meet regular and nuclear threats must not push preparations to fight irregular war into the background, as occurred in the decades after the Vietnam War.” Irregular wars are likely to be carried out by terrorist groups, “modern-day militias,” and other non-state actors, the study said. It noted the 2006 tussle between Israel and Hezbollah, a militia that “combines state-like technological and war-fighting capabilities with a ‘sub-state’ political and social structure inside the formal state of Lebanon.” One retired Army colonel called the study “the latest in a serious of glaring examples of massive overreaction to a truly modest threat” — Islamist terrorism. “It is causing the United States to essentially undermine itself without terrorists or anyone else for that matter having to do much more than exploit the weaknesses in American military power the overreaction creates,” said Douglas Macgregor, who writes about Defense Department reform at the Washington-based Center for Defense Information. “Unfortunately, the document echoes the neocons, who insist the United States will face the greatest threats from insurgents and extremist groups operating in weak or failing states in the Middle East and Africa.” Macgregor called that “delusional thinking,” adding that he hopes “Georgia’s quick and decisive defeat at the hands of Russian combat forces earlier this year [is] a very stark reminder why terrorism and fighting a war against it using large numbers of military forces should never have been made an organizing principle of U.S. defense policy.” Failing states The study also warns about weak and failing states, including Mexico and Pakistan. “Some forms of collapse in Pakistan would carry with it the likelihood of a sustained violent and bloody civil and sectarian war, an even bigger haven for violent extremists, and the question of what would happen to its nuclear weapons,” said the study. “That ‘perfect storm’ of uncertainty alone might require the engagement of U.S. and coalition forces into a situation of immense complexity and danger with no guarantee they could gain control of the weapons and with the real possibility that a nuclear weapon might be used.” On Mexico, JFCOM warns that how the nation’s politicians and courts react to a “sustained assault” by criminal gangs and drug cartels will decide whether chaos becomes the norm on America’s southern border. “Any descent by Mexico into chaos would demand an American response based on the serious implications for homeland security alone,” said the report. But Macgregor warns against forming military plans around repairing ailing nations. “The world is full of failed states and always has been. Trying to rectify this situation by governing and developing failed societies and said with American military power will bankrupt us and change nothing of substance in these regions,” he said. “It’s time Americans woke up and recognized that so-called [counterinsurgency] in Iraq, along with the nation-building it implies, is a euphemism for territorial imperialism, an economic, military and political loser.” Macgregor said the study seems to suggest the U.S. military should prepare to conduct operations like the one in Iraq in the future. Using the American military to try and impose a Western-style democracy in Iraq — which Macgregor dubs “altruistic imperialism” — has proven difficult, and may yet still fail, he said. “So why would we want to repeat this foolishness again and again?” Bear and dragon The JFCOM study team examines potential rival nations China and Russia. Beijing is dealing with domestic social and economic issues, building up its large military, and keeping a keen eye on Western nations’ economic and military developments. Evidence suggests Chinese officials think their country can compete with America on a near-equal footing in areas such as submarines, space,and cyber warfare, the study said. Yet “the Chinese have drawn the lesson that they must not pursue military development at the expense of economic development” — that means no traditional arms race, the study said. “If one examines their emerging military capabilities in intelligence, submarines, cyber, and space, one sees an asymmetrical operational approach that is different from Western approaches, one consistent with the classical Chinese strategic thinkers.” The report describes a Russia increasingly controlled by security services and funded by oil and gas sales. Yet its authors conclude that it is doubtful Moscow would be able to rebuild the “military machine of the old Soviet Union.” Instead, they say, Russian officials “may be attempting to make up for demographic and conventional military inferiority by modernizing its nuclear forces, including warheads, delivery systems, and doctrines,” according to the report. “It is also exploring and fielding strategic systems based on what it terms “new physical principles” including novel stealth and hypersonic technologies.” Moscow could be preparing to take back some of its former republics that were lost in the collapse of the Soviet Union. “At present there is a dangerous combination of paranoia — some of it justified, considering Russia’s history — nationalism, and bitterness at the loss of what many Russians regard as their rightful place as a great power,” it said. “It was just such a mixture, along with a series of unfortunate events that drove Nazi Germany on its ill-thought-out course.” Find ArmyTime article here.

Call made for China to battle pirates By Christopher Bodeen - The Associated Press Posted : Thursday Dec 4, 2008 9:17:56 EST BEIJING — A Chinese general has called for the country’s navy to join the fight against Somali pirates, saying the mission would boost China’s international stature and give its sailors valuable experience in fighting open ocean combat operations far from their home ports. Chinese ships have been among those seized in a wave of pirate attacks this year, including the fishing vessel Tianyu No. 8, seized in mid-November. International warships from NATO and countries including Russia patrol the Gulf of Aden and have created a security corridor in the area under a U.S.-led initiative, but attacks have not abated. “Piracy doesn’t just interfere in our country’s navigational safety, it also impedes our development and interests,” Major General Jin Yinan told state radio. “I think our navy should send ships to the Gulf of Aden to carry out anti-piracy duties,” Jin said, according to a transcript of the interview posted Thursday on the Web site of the official China News Service. The date of the interview was not given. China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy has little experience operating at long-range, its primary mission being coastal patrol. However, the service is believed to have major ambitions, possibly including the eventual deployment of an aircraft carrier. Jin serves as vice research director at the military’s National Defense University and is frequently quoted on issues concerning deployments overseas. China’s military has strict rules about officers making public statements, and it is highly unlikely he would have given the interview without consent from the top brass. Jin dismissed the possibility that the deployment might stir international concerns about a more aggressive China. “Dispatching ships is a very common act and we wouldn’t just be protecting Chinese shipping,” Jin said. “We are a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and these are the duties of major nation.” Find NavyTimes article here.

Your accounting for all of the factors and calculations appear good. What type of sonar are you using here? While I have my rules and am following your caluclations, I did not have my data annex within my rules binder. An "own ships speed" factor of 1, considering the LA's noted speed of 11kts would mean the sonar being used would have to be a High Speed Towed Array, which may be the case. The differences between low and high speed towed arrays are ever so briefly discussed within 4.4.2.3 Towed Arrays, just past mid way down in the left hand column. Without my annex, I'm at a disadvantage and may just be muddying up the waters. Same-Same here. AK speed of 9kts would mean it too was employing a high speed array for the factor to be 1. Yes, a VLF-LF against a Very Quiet contact gives a baseof 10%, plus 5% for the target's speed of 9kts. The way that I have played it is that since you rolled 26, within 16-35 (your 15+20) you know that it is a submarine, its propulsion type and nationality. Had you rolled <15 you would know so far as the class of the opposing sub. TMA procedure looks good. Problem often is that a Fair TMA is not very encouraging. Each tactical turn, or its equivelent, you you can roll for a better solution. Your solution will only degrade if the target changes course or speed, or if you fail to maintain passive sonar contact with the target. Maintaining contact has been the bugger for me in my gaming. I do not believe anything prevents you from firing with a poor TMA solution, but its not considered poor for no reason. See 4.4.5.1.2 Launch Transients if you have not already done so. Akula is rolling horribly...for them of course. I'd probably keep it at Tactical Turns, unless the Akula was at some scenario-dependent heightened alert level despite not having made any contact. Engagement turns are described to be used for high speed air units in 2.2.4. Looks like you are picking up on it well. More to follow later. Pete

Not a problem, just my personal experience, and it was probably just me. Scrolling through any of the three H4 categories here you will see examples of my toils and folly. Many are cross posted on the Admiralty Trilogy and/or A Willing Foe yahoo groups.

KC, I'll be able to step through your sub v. sub this afternoon. I have not had my H4.1 out for a couple months now so stepping through would be best. I'll be in touch, Pete

KC, I'm reading through the above, unfortunately I did not grab my 4.1 on the way out today so there may be no comment from me until later today at the earliest. Good to see that you jumped right in. After first trying ASW and having a hard time with it, I went on to other "disciplines" ASuW, AAW, strike warfare before going back to subs. I had no prior naval gaming experience, other than HC97 when I picked up 4/4.1. Pete

Damn them! They just got rid of my beloved Saipan earlier this year.

Hi KC. There's a number of people here who will always be around to help. As you may read here, I'm often the H4.1 try-try again person with the grace of a bull in a china shop. Ask away, and welcome.

What the heck is a "Harpoonist"? Is that like a pianist? Let's not digress into vulgar language and name calling on the board Mr Leyte.

militaryhistoryonline.com/vietnam/airpower/wildweasel The Wild Weasels "Daredevils of the skies" by Mike Nastasi Introduction During the early days of the Vietnam War, the United States Air Force had almost full autonomy over the skies of Vietnam. However, once the Soviet Union and China began arming the North Vietnamese Army (NVA), with advanced Surface to Air missile (SAM) systems, the U.S. domination of the skies was abrubtly challenged. To deal with the new SAM threat, the U.S. Air Force decided to dedicate men and machine exclusively to the SAM's. Thus a new breed of aviator and aircraft were born, the "Wild Weasels." The purpose of the "Weasels" was to seek out and engage NVA SAM sites, and if possible destroy them. Often times though, the only way the Weasel pilots could locate a SAM site was by getting the NVA to fire a SAM at them, thus revealing their position. Tantamount to a suicide mission, the Weasel missions were amongst the most dangerous sorties of the war. Losses in the Weasel squadrons were among the highest of the war. In the early stages of the Weasel development, the aircraft and its avionics were not ideally suited for this new and dangerous mission. However as the war progressed, the U.S. Air Force developed a dedicated Weasel aircraft, the Republic F-105G Thunderchief. The "Thud" as it is affectionately known to the pilots who flew it, is recognized as the workhorse of the Vietnam War. The men who flew the F-105 love the airplane and from all accounts the aircraft performed superbly throughout the war. One such Wild Weasel is retired U.S. Air Force Colonel George Acree. Colonel Acree flew the F-105 both as a bomber and a Weasel aircraft. With over 200 missions over North Vietnam to his credit, Colonel Acree was one of a different breed of men. Colonel Acree and the other Weasel pilots flew the most dangerous missions of the war and did so with courage, honor and professionalism. Putting aside the nasty politics that governed the Vietnam War, the Weasel pilots accepted their mission and carried it out faithfully. The men who flew the Weasel missions in the Vietnam War did so to a varying degree of success, but they paved the way for the Wild Weasel program to become a major part of the modern day United States Air Force. The Birth of the Wild Weasels On July 24, 1965 a United States Air Force F-4 was shot down over North Vietnam by a surface to air missile (SAM). This incident marked the beginning of a new kind of war in the skies over Vietnam. Total U.S. domination of the sky was now challenged like never before and it forced the U.S. to rethink its tactics and strategies in carrying their enormous air power into the heart of North Vietnam. During the first few years of the war, the Soviet Union and China were basically staying out of the war in Vietnam. However, once the U.S. committed to total war the Soviets and Chinese began arming the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) with advisors and equipment. At first this was limited to anti-aircraft (AAA) guns and small arms, but eventually the NVA acquired advanced SAM's to defend against the relentless U.S. airstrikes. The system the NVA was provided was the SA-2 Guideline radar guided surface to air missile system. This missile was designed as a medium range, medium altitude surface to air missile by the Soviets, who then began equipping the NVA with the missiles and its FAN SONG guidance radar. Additionally the Soviets provided the NVA with deadly radar directed AAA. This development spelled big trouble for the U.S. and its aircraft. One of the more frustrating aspects of the introduction of the SAM's into North Vietnam was the fact that the U.S. Air Force watched them being built but were powerless to do anything about it. President Lyndon B. Johnson, and Defense Secretary Robert McNamara absolutely prohibited the Air Force from attacking the sites. Because the SAM's were Soviet made, McNamara was sure there were Soviet advisors at the sites and he did not want to chance infuriating the Soviets and possibly draw them into the conflict, so he ordered the sites to be left alone. The U.S. Air Force watched helplessly as hundreds of the deadly SAM sites were constructed and became operational. This micromanagement of the air war would continue throughout the conflict, much to the chagrin of the Air Force and its pilots, who battled the SAM's on a daily basis. Now that the SAM threat in North Vietnam was a reality, the U.S. Air Force was forced to come up with a solution to the SAM problem. As the war dragged on, aircraft and pilot losses to the SAM's were mounting, and something needed to be done to deal with the problem. The solution was a dedicated anti-SAM aircraft, whose sole mission would be to take out the SAM sites. The project was called Project Weasel or Wild Weasel 1, and thus the "Wild Weasels" were born. The project called for the installation of radar homing and warning (RHAW) sets into F-100F Super Sabre aircraft. This new equipment would allow the aircrew in the Super Sabre to get a bearing on a SAM when it turned on its radar. It also was fitted with a launch warning detector, which would alert the aircrew when a SAM was launched. Applied Technologies Corporation developed this new equipment, and the U.S. government signed a contract with them for the production of the new RHAW sets for installation in the F-100's. The sets were designated AN/APR 25, and the installations began immediately. The next step in Project Weasel was to choose aircrews for the new "Weasel" aircraft. Each aircrew was made up of a pilot, and an electronic warfare officer (EWO). EWO's were also known as "Bears", or "Gib"(Guy in the back). The EWO was responsible for monitoring the new radar sets and locating the SAM sites, and basically being the eyes and ears of the aircraft for the pilot. The pilots were chosen from the ranks of the existing F-100F cadre, and they were amongst the best and brightest the Air Force had to offer. The EWO's were picked from the ranks of B-52 bomber aircrews, and were experts in radar and electronics. The relationships between the pilot and the EWO became extremely close, with each man relying on one another for their survival. With the new equipment in place, and the aircrews selected, training began in October 1965. Training was conducted at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Major Gary Willard directed the Wild Weasel project, and it was basically a crash course in SAM suppression. The equipment and tactics were new to the pilots and EWO's. The aircrews were told of the SA-2 and its characteristics, and they flew mock missions against simulated SA-2 radars. The training was rushed, and soon the aircrews were informed of their mission, to locate and destroy NVA SAM positions. There was one catch however, to locate the SAM sites the Weasels had to fly into North Vietnamese airspace in advance of a strike force, let themselves be tracked by the SAM radar, and then be fired upon by the SAM site. With North Vietnam's thick foliage, this was the only surefire way of finding the SAM sites. If this wasn't unsettling enough, the tour of duty for the Weasels was 100 missions into North Vietnam. The new Weasel crews were shocked to hear of their new mission, which was nothing short of a suicide mission. One of the new weasels, EWO Captain Jack Donovan, summed up the feelings of all the Weasels about their new mission, when he said, " You want me to fly in the back of a little tiny fighter aircraft with a crazy fighter pilot who thinks he's invincible, home in on a SAM site in North Vietnam, and shoot it before it shoots me, you gotta be shittin me!" Despite the apprehension, the Weasel crews went forward with their suicide mission, and in early November 1965, they deployed to Korat AFB in Thailand to begin their Wild Weasel missions. Wild Weasel 1 began with five F-100F aircraft and five aircrews. The Weasel crews began their mission in December 1965, with Major Willard leading the first strike into North Vietnam. The Weasel missions were code named Iron Hand missions, and their purpose was to lead a strike force into North Vietnam, and pave the way for the strike force to drop its bombs. They did this by going out in hunter/killer teams. The Weasels would pair up with a flight of F-105D fighter/bombers and try to locate a SAM site. The Weasels would then attack the site to mark it, and the F-105D's would finish it off. With Operation Rolling Thunder (the bombing campaign of North Vietnam that began in 1964) in full effect, the Wild Weasels were about to prove their worth in combat for the first time. On December 22, 1965, the Wild Weasels scored their first SAM kill in North Vietnam. Captain Al Lamb the pilot, and Captain Jack Donovan, his EWO led the mission into North Vietnam that day, and when they encountered a hostile NVA SAM site, they engaged it and destroyed it. With this success, the Weasels demonstrated their worth to the Air Force, and from then on, the Wild Weasels were in Vietnam to stay. Despite the early success however, the original Weasels suffered a fifty-percent casualty rate in their ranks, and it was clear that new tactics and equipment would have to be developed. During the Weasels missions it became clear that the F-100F Super Sabre was not ideally suited to the Weasels mission. It was too slow, and could not keep up with the accompanying F-105D fighter-bombers. Therefore, the Air Force decided to begin testing a prototype F-105 Thunderchief for use as a Wild Weasel aircraft. At the same time, the groundwork was being laid for a dedicated Wild Weasel training school at Nellis AFB in Nevada, to specifically train the new Wild Weasels. In July 1966, the original Wild Weasels in the F-100F flew their last missions in Vietnam, as it had been decided that the Super Sabre was to be phased out of Weasel operations in favor of the faster, and more durable F-105 Thunderchief. The F-105 Thunderchief became the primary Wild Weasel aircraft until the end of the Vietnam War. The "Thud" When it became apparent that the F-100F Super Sabre would not be an ideal aircraft for the Weasel mission, the U.S. Air Force began modifying existing F-105F aircraft to fit the Weasel mission. The F-105 Thunderchief was already noted as the workhorse of the Vietnam War in its bomber role, and now it was to be deployed as a dedicated Wild Weasel aircraft. The F-105 Thunderchief was developed by Republic aviation in the 1950's as a strategic nuclear bomber. However, in the early days of the Vietnam War it quickly became the go to bomber for the Air Force. The Thunderchief conducted over 75% of the USAF bombing strikes during the war. In all 833 F-105's were produced by Republic, most of which were F-105D fighter-bombers. The Wild Weasel versions of the F-105, were designated the F-105F, and F-105G, and it gave the Wild Weasels the much needed firepower they required. The Thunderchief was a single engine, two-seat fighter-bomber, with afterburning capability. It housed an internal 20mm cannon, and had five external weapons stations. The F-105 represented a considerable upgrade over the slower, less capable F-100F Super Sabre. The Thunderchief was faster, more agile, carried more ordnance, and was considerably more durable. Nicknamed the "THUD", for the sound it made when hitting the ground on landing, the pilots that flew it loved it. Retired USAF Weasel pilot Colonel George Acree called the "THUD", " a great airplane" and it was these qualities that persuaded the Air Force to develop it as the next generation of Wild Weasel aircraft. The F-105F was a two-seat trainer that was converted to fit the Weasel role. The AN/APR 25 set was added, and the new AGM-45 Shrike anti-radiation missile was fitted on the new Weasels to make it a formidable SAM killer. The Shrike missile was a short range, passive missile, which locked on to the signals emanating from the SAM's radar to guide it to its target. Although the Shrike was somewhat ineffective, it did afford the Weasel crews some standoff capability. A small weapons payload and limited range hampered the Shrike, but it was an upgrade on the earlier Weasel payloads. The converted F-105F Wild Weasel was brought to Nellis AFB to begin its testing at the newly developed Wild Weasel school. New pilots and EWO's were brought in and they were trained in the F-105F. By May 1966, the new F-105F Weasels were deploying to Vietnam for duty. The new Weasels were designated Wild Weasel 3, and they would write a new chapter in the history of the Wild Weasels. The new F-105F Weasels deployed to Vietnam in May 1966, and began operations almost immediately. It was clear from the beginning that the F-105F was a significantly better suited aircraft for the Weasel mission. The Wild Weasels now had an aircraft that could keep up with the fighter-bombers and fighter escorts, which enabled them to execute their mission more effectively. However, the Air Force was not satisfied with the F-105F, and plans for upgrading the aircraft began. By early 1967, a new version of the Thunderchief was being introduced, the F-105G Wild Weasel. The F-105G was a converted F-105F, with advanced avionics and greater weapons capabilities. The AN/APR-25 RHAW was replaced by an upgraded version, and a replacement for the ineffective Shrike missile was being developed. The AGM-78 Standard anti-radiation missile had an improved seeker head and almost four times the range of the Shrike missile, giving the Weasel pilots much improved standoff capability. The Standard Arm was deployed on the F-105G in 1967, but wasn't readily used until 1972 because of the halt in bombing over North Vietnam. For the Weasels, this was good news, as the equipment and the tactics were getting better, making their jobs a little easier. Now armed with the new and improved Thunderchief as the primary Weasel aircraft, the Weasels set to their task. Their mission was seemingly simple; protect the strike force from SAM sites and destroy the sites whenever possible. This task became increasingly difficult as the war raged on, as NVA air defenses got better and better. The Weasel's job of hunting and killing SAM's more and more resembled a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Cat and Mouse The air war in Vietnam witnessed the beginning of the Wild Weasels as a formidable and integral force. The Weasels showed their bravery and courage time and again, and although it is hard to put an exact number on it, it is safe to say that the Weasels saved countless lives in the performance of their duties. Their mission was no less than suicidal, but despite the odds they pressed on and did their jobs, defying death at every turn. Along the way they paved the way for future generations of Weasels to follow in their footsteps. "Going North", or "Going downtown" were phrases coined by air force pilots who flew into North Vietnam. During the Vietnam War there was no greater risk than venturing into North Vietnam to try and deliver a payload of bombs. Particularly dangerous was flying over "Thud Ridge", a treacherous mountain range just outside of Hanoi that was loaded with deadly AAA guns. The F-105's were especially hit hard over this mountain thus the nickname "Thud Ridge." With Soviet and Chinese assistance, the NVA had built up a formidable air defense network. No one knew this better than the Wild Weasels, the men assigned to deal with the SAM's and the NVA air defenses. A typical Wild Weasel mission lasted almost three hours and was carried out in one of two ways. An Iron Hand mission, which consisted of flying out in front of a strike force to clear the way of SAM's so the strike force could get through. The Weasels adopted the phrase "first in, last out" in reference to these missions because they would fly in before the strike force, attract the attention of the SAM sites, remain on station while the strike force delivered its payload, and then remain on station until the strike force left safely. This made the Weasels ten times more vulnerable to getting shot down. The other method the Weasels employed was that of the hunter-killer concept. The Weasels would team up with a flight of bombers and specifically "troll" for SAM's. They would wait to be tracked by the SAM radar and then attack the site, then guide the bombers to the site, effectively finishing it off. This was not an easy task however, because more often than not, the SAM would launch at the Weasels, causing them to employ evasive maneuvers. One such maneuver was "dancing with the SAMS." This maneuver involved waiting for the SAM to launch, heading straight for it, waiting until it got dangerously close to the aircraft and then pulling violently out of the way of the missile in the hopes that the missile could not replicate the sharp moves of the aircraft. More than any other example, this illustrates the danger of the Weasels mission. In addition to the threat of the SAM and AAA sites, the Weasels also had to contend with Soviet built MIG fighter jets that were supplied to the North Vietnamese Air Force. In April of 1967 Weasel pilot Major Leo Thorsness and his EWO, Captain Harold Johnson shot down a MIG –17 over Hanoi to become the first Weasel pilot to claim a MIG kill. Major Thorsness flew over 90 Weasel missions over North Vietnam, including a mission in which he took on several MIG fighters and saved countless American lives. For this he received the Congressional Medal of Honor. Major Thorsness and Captain Johnson were shot down and spent six years in an NVA prisoner of war camp. Retired United States Air Force Colonel George Acree also served as a Weasel pilot in the Vietnam War. Colonel Acree amassed over 200 missions into North Vietnam, some in an F-105D bomber, and some in an F-105G Weasel aircraft. Colonel Acree stated that the Weasel pilots, "were some of the bravest men I ever met." Over and over again the Weasel pilots distinguished themselves in combat, and they also sustained heavy losses throughout the war. In all the Weasels lost twenty-six aircraft, and forty-two Weasels either Missing in Action (MIA), Killed in Action (KIA), or Prisoner of War (POW). Despite these conditions, the Weasel pilots persisted in executing their mission. The Weasel missions continued through 1968 until President Johnson ordered the bombing of North Vietnam halted. Weasel missions did not end however. They continued their missions in support of reconnaissance flights and the support of troops on the ground. The break in the bombing also allowed the Air Force to implement the F-105G Wild Weasel aircraft with the upgraded avionics package and the Standard Arm missile. F-4C Phantom fighter-bombers were also being developed as Weasel aircraft and it wasn't until 1972 that the Weasels and their new and improved equipment were thrown back into the fury of North Vietnam. With most of the Weasels now being rotated back to the U.S. as part of new President Richard Nixon's Vietnamization plan; only one squadron of Weasels remained in Vietnam in 1972. This was a squadron of the new and improved F-105G. The newly developed F-4C Phantom Weasel soon joined them, and it wasn't long before they were to be tested. In April of 1972, President Nixon ordered unrestricted bombing of North Vietnam resumed, and the Weasels were again called upon to lead the way. Operation Linebacker commenced and the full fury of the USAF was brought to bear against the NVA. The Weasels were simply overwhelmed, with some crews flying up to four missions a day. Then came Linebacker II, which began on December 18, 1972. During this phase the Weasels were designated back to the hunter-killer role. During Linebacker II USAF B-52 bombers rained unprecedented destruction down on North Vietnam, and the Weasels led the way. Armed with better planes and missiles, the Weasels successfully escorted the huge bombers North allowing them to effectively deliver their payloads. The Linebacker II campaign lasted until the end of December, at which time the North Vietnamese sued for peace. The unrelenting bombing had finally brought them to their knees, and for all intents and purposes the war in Vietnam was over. The Wild Weasels did not disappear with Vietnam. The USAF developed the F-4G Phantom as a dedicated Weasel platform and equipped it with advanced avionics and missiles. The AGM-88 High Speed Anti-Radiation missile (HARM) is the most advanced Anti-Sam missile ever developed, and it has been highly successful. The F-4G and the Harm missile were widely used in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 to a high degree of success. F-4G Phantoms in true Weasel fashion were the first into Iraq, and they virtually destroyed the entire Iraqi air defense network, allowing coalition air power to pound Iraq into submission. Just as in Vietnam the Weasels proved their worth and paved the way for the next generation of Weasels. Today the Weasel mission has been delegated to the F-16C Fighting Falcon. Although it is only a single seat fighter, it is no less lethal. Advanced avionics and a lethal weapons payload including the HARM missile, make the F-16C Wild Weasel the most deadly Weasel aircraft to ever take to the skies. The U.S. Navy also has a dedicated Weasel platform in the EA-6 Prowler, which employs jamming pods and HARM missiles to carry out its mission. One Prowler can effectively blind all of Iraq's southern air defenses! Although the aircraft and the technology have changed, the mission of the Wild Weasels has stayed the same, and it is still an integral part of the modern U.S. Air Force. Conclusion The story of the Wild Weasels is a story of courage, determination, dedication, and perseverance. Taking on a mission, which seemed impossible, the Weasel pilots and their EWO's accepted their mission and carried it out, despite the odds. The mere fact that these men accepted the mission they were given is a testament to their bravery, and dedication. Although the first Weasels had limited success, they did succeed in convincing the USAF to implement the Wild Weasel on a regular basis. The Wild Weasel 1 pilots and EWO's were trailblazers in a new era of warfare. From their missions the Air Force learned that the Wild Weasel mission was an integral one, and that a modern Air Force could not successfully carry out its mission without them. Also because of the NVA SAM threat new weapons and tactics were forced into development. Many of the weapons and tactics employed today have origins in the Vietnam era and the original Weasels. Jamming pods, anti-radiation missiles, and dedicated anti-SAM radar avionics all were developed for the original Weasel missions. Vietnam also produced dedicated Weasel aircraft like the F-105 Thunderchief and the F-4 Phantom. The original Weasels also produced a new breed of aviator, one of which the world had never seen before. The aviators that took to the skies over Vietnam were of a different breed. Men like Col. George Acree and Col. Leo Thorsness. They put the mission above their own safety, and carried out their orders without complaint. Wild Weasel missions were among the most perilous of the war, and Weasel losses were high. Despite the maddening politics that governed the war, and the burgeoning equipment and tactics, the Weasels carried out their mission with a cool professionalism. Because of their dedication, numerous American pilots survived the trip "downtown" into North Vietnam. The credit for the modern day success also belongs to the original Wild Weasels, for it was their trip into the unknown that paved the way for the modern day Wild Weasels to flourish and succeed as they have. Bibliography Acree, George. Interviewed by author. West Islip, NY. March 20, 2002. Campbell, John, M., and Michael Hill. Roll Call Thud: A Photographic Record of the Republic F-105 Thunderchief. Pennsylvania: Schiffer Publishing Ltd, 1996. Chinnery, Phil. Air War in Vietnam . New York: Bison Books Inc., 1987. Davis, Larry. Wild Weasel: The SAM Suppression Story . Texas: squadron/signal publications Inc., 1993. Davis, Larry, and David Menard. Republic F-105 Thunderchief . Minnesota: Specialty PressPublishers and Wholesalers, 1998. Jackson, Oliver. Map of North and South Vietnam. http://www.3onevet.com/vnmap.html. 15 April 2002. Jenkins, Dennis, R. F-105 Thunderchief: Workhorse of the Vietnam War . New York: McGraw-Hill, 2000. Kent, Martin. Suicide Missions, Dangerous Tours of Duty: Wild Weasels. Produced and Directed by Martin Kent. 50 min. History channel video, 1998. Videocassette. Society of Wild Weasels. http://www.wildweasels.org . United States Air Force Museum. F-105G Thunderchief. http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/modern_flight/mf29.html. 20 April 2002. - - - Copyright © 2002 Mike Nastasi. Written by Mike Nastasi.

My question is about HCE. I want to know if Prowler´s jamming pods benefit Intruder´s DATA when they are flying together in the same group. It was worth a shot.

Jugasa77, if your question is in regard to H4.1, please post it down there and I'll do what I can to answer it - not to confuse it with HCE here. I've been meaning to dig out my H4.1 lately.

A copy is actually right here in my computer space.

Here are some F-105 photos from last week. There are also already painted F-8 Corsair II, and Mig-21, with some others on deck. They are 1/600 scale aircraft from Tumbling Dice's Vapor Trail line. I ordered them from Dom's Decals. Also of interest is pico armor, a US supplier of Oddzial Osmy 1/600 models as well. and and Need to work on toning down the glossy finish. Also working on national insignia decals. I have slapped them on one of the F-105's's. Not certain if I like them enough to continue with the others.

Triple A, absolutely. Just I have no models in scale yet other than a scratch modeled Sa-2 launcher that I slapped together with parts of a round toothpick and a wooden match stick. Appropriately painted white and russian green respectively.

Using AirWar: C21 miniature rules, from Wessex Games and some 1/600 scale mini's today there was an F-105F leading two F-105D's on a Vietnam-era strike on an enemy POL site consisting of three POL tanks. The site was within the envelope of a defending SA-2b battery. The SAM site and wild weasel engaged each other the same turn/fire phase. The SAM battery volley fired three missiles at the WW, the WW let loose an AGM-45A Shrike. The next fire phase the Wild Weasel was able to evade, while the Shrike scored a hit on the SAM radar set, effectively suppressing and blinding them. Over the next two turn/phases the two F-105D's scored a single DP with an AGM-12B, and them dropped a gaggle of M-117 750lb bombs scoring 12DP effectively destroying the entire target. I had assigned each tank 3DP defense/armor. I had two MiG-21 "on call" rolling a d10 each Prep Segment to see if they would arrive on the table. Success if they rolled the turn number or less. They did not make an appearance this afternoon. Pete

I have been to the site you referenced. Unless I come across something completely different, I'll go with the AD-1/S-61 combo for plucking downed vietnam-era naval aviators. Good enough for government work, or so they say. Thanks again Buddha

Interesting stuff...thanks Buddha. Now for a 1965-1967 strike, whether it was the EF-10 Skynight or the EA-3/EKA-3 Skywarrior would simply boil down to the CAW "mix" for that particular float? Who/what provided the Navy's CSAR at that time? I'm pretty certain that the Airforce had the Sikorsky S-61 (Sea King) Jolly Green Giant/ Douglas AD-1 Skyraider combo? Thanks again, Pete

Nevermind...found it. EA-3 Skywarrior

pardon my ignorance Buddha, which was "the whale"? Thanks

What was the naval aviation predecessor in the role of the EA-6B Prowler? A carrier launched EW aircraft that would accompany/support a strike over Vietnam? Thanks

Let's finally get a gaggle of them and plop them down off the Somali coast and start pirate-plinking.

Just returned a copy to my library this last week. An interesting, enjoyable and happily fictional trip down memory lane.

Someone who enjoys TacOps4 and has an interest in Harpoon, not a bad guy if may say so. Welcome aboard.

Sitrep #34 April 2008 Table of Contents Old Enemies Found Baltic Intrique addition (...to a previous scenario) Harpoon Scenario: Dance of the Vampires FG&DN Scenario: Bight Me New Air Force Tanker New South Korean Sub Class US Money, Uzbek Ships Persian Gulf Images CAS Scenario: It was a Dark and Stormy Night...In the English Channel Just In Case Harpoon4 Rule Change: Low Altitude Flight A New Idea for Fire Allocation Markers Logical Consequence - New Helicopter Maneuver Ratings Product Updates Book Review: Atlantic Escorts