David
Sat January 18, 2003 12:17pm
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A C-17 Globemaster III fr
A C-17 Globemaster III from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., leads a formation air drop over North Field, S.C., on Jan. 12, 2000. The C-17 is part of a nine-ship formation flying a training mission that includes an air drop, a short field landing and aerial refueling. The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The C-17is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft is also able to perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions when required. The inherent flexibility and performance characteristics of the C-17 force improve the ability of the total airlift system to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the United States.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 12:17pm
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A C-130 uses LAPES to dro
A C-130 uses LAPES to drop cargo during an exercise. The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the intratheater portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for paradropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. Four decades have elapsed since the Air Force issued its original design specification, yet the remarkable C-130 remains in production. The initial production model was the C-130A, with four Allison T56-A-11 or -9 turboprops. A total of 219 were ordered and deliveries began in December 1956. Two DC-130A's (originally GC-130A's) were built as drone launchers/directors, carrying up to four drones on underwing pylons. All special equipment was removable, permitting the aircraft to be used as freighters, assault transports, or ambulances. The C-130B introduced Allison T56-A-7 turboprops and the first of 134 entered Air Force service in April 1959. C-130B's are used in aerial fire fighting missions by Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units. Six C-130B's were modified in 1961 for snatch recovery of classified U.S. Air Force satellites by the 6593rd Test Squadron at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 12:17pm
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The C-130 Hercules primar
The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. C-130s operate throughout the U.S. Air Force, serving with Air Mobility Command (stateside based), theater commands, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Command, fulfilling a wide range of operational missions in both peace and war situations. Basic and specialized versions of the aircraft airframe perform a diverse number of roles, including airlift support, Arctic ice resupply, aeromedical missions, aerial spray missions, fire-fighting duties for the U.S. Forest Service and natural disaster relief missions.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 12:27pm
Rating: 10
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An F-15C "Eagle" from the
An F-15C "Eagle" from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, U.K., breaks away from a 100th Air Expeditionary Wing KC-135R "Stratotanker" out of RAF Mildenhall, U.K. Armed with AIM-7 "Sparrows" on the fuselage, AIM-9 "Sidewinders" on the inboard wing pylon and Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles on the outboard wing pylon, the Eagles are flying Combat Air Patrol missions to maintain air superiority and protect aircraft in NATO Operation Allied Force. The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 12:40pm
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An Air Force F-16 approac
An Air Force F-16 approaches the refueling boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 336th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during a mission enforcing the no-fly zone in northern Iraq. Personnel and aircraft from the 336th ARS, March Air Reserve Base, Calif.; and the 18th ARS, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., are deployed at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, as the 336th EARS, providing aerial refueling support for Operation Northern Watch.
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David
Wed February 12, 2003 3:19pm
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Glider
GLIDER BADGE
I. DESCRIPTION: An oxidized silver badge 11/16 inch in height and 1 1/2 inches in width consisting of a glider, frontal view, superimposed upon a pair of stylized wings displayed and curving inward.
II. SYMBOLISM: The wings suggest flight and together with the glider symbolize individual skills and qualifications in aerial flight utilizing the glider.
III. AWARD ELIGIBILITY: The Glider Badge is no longer awarded. At the time authorization of the badge was announced, personnel must have been assigned or attached to a glider or airborne unit or to the Airborne Department of the Infantry School; satisfactorily completed a course of instruction, or participated in at least one combat glider landing into enemy-held territory.
IV. DATE APPROVED: Authorization of the Glider Badge was announced in War Department Circular No. 220, 2 June 1944.
V. SUBDUED BADGES: A subdued badge in black metal finished of the same design is authorized.
VI. MINIATURE BADGES: A dress miniature badge, 13/32 inch in height and 7/8 inch in width is authorized.
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David
Wed February 12, 2003 9:39pm
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Air Medal with Ribbon
AIR MEDAL
1. Description: A bronze compass rose 1 11/16 inches circumscribing diameter and charged with an eagle volant carrying two lightning flashes in its talons. A fleur-de-lis at the top point holds the suspension ring. The points of the compass rose on the reverse are modeled with the central portion plain for engraving the name of the recipient.
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/8 inch ultramarine blue 67118; ? inch golden orange 67109; center 5/8 inch ultramarine blue; ? inch golden orange; and 1/8 inch ultramarine blue.
3. Criteria: The Air Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the armed forces of the United States, shall have distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or heroism or for meritorious service. Award of the Air Medal is primarily intended to recognize those personnel who are on current crew member or non-crew member flying status which requires them to participate in aerial flight on a regular and frequent basis in the performance of their primary duties. However, it may also be awarded to certain other individuals whose combat duties require regular and frequent flying in other than a passenger status or individuals who perform a particularly noteworthy act while performing the function of a crew member but who are not on flying status. These individuals must make a discernible contribution to the operational land combat mission or to the mission of the aircraft in flight. Examples of personnel whose combat duties require them to fly include those in the attack elements of units involved in air-land assaults against an armed enemy and those directly involved in airborne command and control of combat operations. Involvement in such activities, normally at the brigade/group level and below, serves only to establish eligibility for award of the Air Medal; the degree of heroism, meritorious achievement or exemplary service determines who should receive the award. Awards will not be made to individuals who use air transportation solely for the purpose of moving from point to point in a combat zone.
4. Components: The following are authorized components of the Air Medal and the applicable specifications for each:
a. Decoration (regular size): MIL-D-3943/23. NSN for decoration set is 8455-00-269-5747. For replacement medal NSN 8455-00-246-3837.
b. Decoration (miniature size): MIL-D-3943/23. NSN 8455-00-996-5002.
c. Ribbon: MIL-R-11589/7. NSN 8455-00-252-9963.
d. Lapel Button: MIL-L-11484/17. NSN 8455-00-257-4308.
5. Background: a. In a letter from the Secretary of War to the Director, Bureau of Budget, dated 9 March 1942, the Secretary submitted a proposed executive order establishing the Air Medal for award to any person who, while serving in any capacity of the Army of the United States, distinguishes himself by meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight The Secretary of War, in his request, stated "The Distinguished Flying Cross is available only for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight?It is desired not to cheapen the Distinguished Flying Cross by awarding it for achievement not bordering on the heroic. It is, however, important to reward personnel for meritorious service."
b. The Air Medal was authorized by President Roosevelt by Executive Order 9158, dated 11 May 1942, and established the award for "any person who, while serving in any capacity in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard of the United States subsequent to September 8, 1939, distinguishes, or has distinguished, himself by meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight." Authorization was announced in War Department Bulletin No. 25, dated 25 May 1942. Executive Order 9242-A, dated 11 September 1942 amended the previous Executive Order to read "in any capacity in or with the Army".
c. In July 1942, the Office of The Quartermaster General (OQMG), forwarded a letter to twenty-two artists offering an opportunity to submit designs for consideration. The design selected was submitted by Walker Hancock and approved by the Secretary of War on 31 December 1942. The designer, Walker Hancock, had been inducted into the Army and assigned to Camp Livingston, Louisiana. He was ordered to temporary duty effective 16 November 1942 to G1 War Department to work on the medal. The Chief of Staff approved the ribbon design prepared by OQMG on 26 August 1942.
d. Oak leaf clusters were initially used to denote subsequent awards of the Air Medal. The number of additional awards were so great that the oak leaf clusters did not fit on the ribbon. As a result, the policy was changed in September 1968 to require the use of numbers to indicate subsequent awards of the Air Medal.
e. The Air Medal may be awarded for service during peacetime; however, approval authority for peacetime awards is not delegated to field commanders.
f. Order of precedence and wear of decorations is contained in Army Regulation (AR) 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority, supply, and issue of decorations is contained in AR 600-8-22.
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David
Wed February 12, 2003 9:39pm
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Bronze Star Medal with Ri
BRONZE STAR
1. Description: A bronze star 1 ? inches in circumscribing diameter. In the center thereof is a 3/16-inch diameter superimposed bronze star, the center line of all rays of both stars coinciding. The reverse has the inscription "HEROIC OR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT" and a space for the name of the recipient to be engraved. The star is suspended from the ribbon by a rectangular shaped metal loop with the corners rounded.
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/32 inch white 67101; 9/16 inch scarlet 67111; 1/32 inch white; center stripe 1/8 inch ultramarine blue 67118; 1/32 inch white; 9/16 inch scarlet; and 1/32 inch white.
3. Criteria:
a. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
b. Awards may be made for acts of heroism, performed under circumstances described above, which are of lesser degree than required for the award of the Silver Star.
c. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service. The required achievement or service while of lesser degree than that required for the award of the Legion of Merit must nevertheless have been meritorious and accomplished with distinction.
4. Components: The following are authorized components of the Bronze Star Medal:
a. Decoration (regular size): MIL-D-3943/22. NSN for decoration set is 8455-00-269-5749. NSN for replacement medal is 8455-00-246-3829.
b. Decoration (miniature size): MIL-D-3943/22. NSN 8455-00-996-5004.
c. Ribbon: MIL-R-11589/18. NSN 8455-00-252-9915.
d. Lapel Button: MIL-R-11484/16. NSN 8455-00-265-4889.
5. Background: a. General George C. Marshall, in a memorandum to President Roosevelt dated February 3, 1944, wrote: "The fact that the ground troops, Infantry in particular, lead miserable lives of extreme discomfort and are the ones who must close in personal combat with the enemy, makes the maintenance of their morale of great importance. The award of the Air Medal have had an adverse reaction on the ground troops, particularly the Infantry Riflemen who are now suffering the heaviest losses, air or ground, in the Army, and enduring the greatest hardships." The Air Medal had been adopted two years earlier to raise airmen?s morale.
b. President Roosevelt authorized the Bronze Star Medal by Executive Order 9419 dated 4 February 1944, retroactive to 7 December 1941. This authorization was announced in War Department Bulletin No. 3, dated 10 February 1944. The Executive Order was amended by President Kennedy, per Executive Order 11046 dated 24 August 1962, to expand the authorization to include those serving with friendly forces.
c. As a result of a study conducted in 1947, the policy was implemented that authorized the retroactive award of the Bronze Star Medal to soldiers who had received the Combat Infantryman Badge or the Combat Medical Badge during World War II. The basis for doing this was that the badges were awarded only to soldiers who had borne the hardships which resulted in General Marshall?s support of the Bronze Star Medal. Both badges required a recommendation by the commander and a citation in orders.
d. Order of precedence and wear of decorations is contained in Army Regulation 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority, supply, and issue of decorations is contained in AR 600-8-22.
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David
Wed February 12, 2003 9:39pm
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Distinguished Flying Cros
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
1. Description: A bronze cross patee on which is superimposed a four-bladed propeller, 1 11/16 inches in width. Five rays extended from the reentrant angles, forming a one-inch square. The medal is suspended from a rectangular shaped bar.
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 3/32 inch Ultramarine Blue 67118; 9/64 inch White 67101; 11/32 inch Ultramarine Blue 67118; 3/64 inch White 67101; center stripe 3/32 inch Old Glory Red 67156; 3/64 inch White 67101; 11/32 inch Ultramarine Blue 67118; 9/64 inch White 67101; 3/32 inch Ultramarine Blue 67118.
3. Criteria: The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, distinguishes himself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. The performance of the act of heroism must be evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. The extraordinary achievement must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from his comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances. Awards will be made only to recognize single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement and will not be made in recognition of sustained operational activities against an armed enemy.
4. Components: The following are authorized components of the Distinguished Flying Cross:
a. Decoration (regular size): MIL-D-3943/15. NSN 8455-00-269-5748 for decoration set. NSN 8455-00-246-3826 for individual replacement medal.
b. Decoration (miniature size): MIL-D-3943/15. NSN 8455-00-996-5006.
c. Ribbon: MIL-R-11589/47. NSN 8455-00-252-9967.
d. Lapel Button (metal replica of ribbon): MIL-L-11484/11. NSN 8455-00-253-0807.
5.Background: a. The Distinguished Flying Cross was established in the Air Corps Act (Act of Congress, 2 July 1926, Public Law No. 446, 69th Congress). This act provided for award "to any person, while serving in any capacity with the Air Corps of the Army of the United States, including the National Guard and the Organized Reserves, or with the United States Navy, since the 6th day of April 1917, has distinguished, or who, after the approval of this Act, distinguishes himself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight."
b. Various designs from the U.S. Mint, commercial artists, and the Office of the Quartermaster General, were submitted to the Commission of Fine Arts and on 31 May 1927. The Commission approved a design submitted by Mr. Arthur E. Dubois and Miss Elizabeth Will.
c. Initial awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross were made to persons who made record breaking long distance and endurance flights and who set altitude records. The Secretary of War authorized the first Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Charles A. Lindbergh in a letter dated 31 May 1927. With the support of the Secretary of War, the Wright Brothers retroactively received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award required a special Act of Congress, since the law precluded award to civilians.
d. The current statutory requirements for award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Army personnel is contained in Title 10, U.S.C., Section 3749; Section 6245 for Navy personnel; and Section 8749 for Air Force personnel. Enlisted personnel may be entitled to a 10% increase in retired pay under Title 10, U.S.C., Section 3991, when credited with heroism equivalent to that required for the award of the Distinguished Service Cross.
e. Order of precedence and wear of decorations is contained in Army Regulation 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority, supply, and issue of decorations is contained in Army Regulation 600-8-22.
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David
Wed February 12, 2003 9:39pm
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Kuwait Liberation Medal w
KUWAIT LIBERATION MEDAL - GOVERNMENT OF SAUDI ARABIA
1. Description: The medal is 1 25/32 inches in width and is described as follows: On a Gold sunburst with stylized Silver rays, a globe depicting the Arabian Peninsula encircled by a wreath of palm between a scroll in the base inscribed "LIBERATION OF KUWAIT" and at the top a palm tree issuing from two diagonally crossed sabers, all Gold.
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 5/32 inch Old Glory Red 67156; 5/64 inch Black 67138; 9/64 inch White 67101; center 5/8 inch Irish Green 67189; 9/64 inch White; 5/64 inch Black; and 5/32 inch Old Glory Red.
3. Criteria: a. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States must have served in support of Operation Desert Storm between 17 January 1991 and 28 February 1991 in one of the following areas: Persian Gulf; Red Sea; Gulf of Oman; that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west of 68 degrees East longitude; the Gulf of Aden; or the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
b. To be eligible, a Service member must have been:
(1) attached to or regularly serving for one or more days with an organization participating in ground/shore operations;
(2) attached to or regularly serving for one or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations.
(3) actually participating as a crew member in one or more aerial flights supporting military operations in the areas designated above; or
(4) serving on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days during this period. This time limitation may be waived for people participating in actual combat operations.
4. Components: The following are authorized components and related items.
a. Medal (regular size): (Initial issue provided by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) MIL-DTL-3943/244. NSN 8455-01-349-7517.
b. Medal (miniature size): MIL-DTL-3943/244. Available commercially.
c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/75 with ribbon attachment. Available commercially.
5. Background: a. The Kuwait Liberation Medal granted by decree of the King of Saudi Arabia, dated 23-10-1411H, was accepted by the Deputy Secretary of Defense per memorandum dated 7 October 1991, subject: Acceptance of Foreign Award in Recognition of Active Field Service in Time of Combat Operations.
b. A gold device consisting of two crossed sabers and a palm tree is affixed to the service ribbon.
c. The sunburst symbolizes the light of freedom. The globe, depicting the Arabian Peninsula, denotes the theater of operations and is encircled by palm, denoting victory. The palm tree with crossed sabers is the emblem of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Green, red, white and black are the colors of the flag of Kuwait. Green and white are colors in the flag of Saudi Arabia.
d. The wear of foreign service medals is prescribed in Army Regulation 670-1. The Kuwait Liberation Medal from the Government of Saudia Arabia will be worn immediately following the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
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David
Wed February 12, 2003 9:40pm
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Vietnam Service Medal wit
VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL
1. Description: On a bronze medal, 1 ? inches in diameter, an oriental dragon behind a grove of bamboo trees above the inscription "REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM SERVICE." On the reverse, a crossbow surmounted a by a torch above the arched inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA".
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/8 inch Primitive Green 67188; 5/16 inch Air Force Yellow 67103; 1/16 inch Old Glory Red 67156; 5/32 inch Air Force Yellow; center 1/16 inch Old Glory Red; 5/32 inch Air Force Yellow; 1/16 inch Old Glory Red; 5/16 inch Air Force Yellow; and 1/8 inch Primitive Green.
3. Criteria: a. Awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Vietnam and contiguous waters or airspace thereover, after 3 July 1965 through 28 March 1973. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, or the airspace thereover, during the same period and serving in direct support of operations in Vietnam are also eligible for this award. To be eligible for award of the medal, individual must- -
(1) Be attached to or regularly serve for one or more days with an organization participating in or directly supporting military operations; or
(2) Be attached to or regularly serve for one or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations; or
(3) Actually participate as a crewmember in one or more aerial flights into airspace above Vietnam and contiguous waters directly supporting military operations; or
(4) Serve on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days in Vietnam or contiguous areas, except that the time limit may be waived for personnel participating in actual combat operations.
b. Individuals qualified for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in Vietnam between 1 July 1958 and 3 July 1965 shall remain qualified for the medal. Upon request, the individual may be awarded the Vietnam Service Medal in lieu of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In such instances, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal will be deleted from the list of authorized medals in the individual?s personnel records. No person shall be entitled to both awards for Vietnam Service.
4. Components: The following are authorized components and related items:
a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/230. NSN 8455-00-926-1664 for set which includes a regular size medal and ribbon bar.
b. Medal (miniature size): MIL-DTL-3943/230. Available commercially.
c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/151. NSN 8455-00-926-1530.
d. Lapel Button (metal replica of ribbon bar): MIL-L-11484/69. Available commercially.
e. Streamer: MIL-S-14650. Manual requisition in accordance with Chapter 9, Army Regulation (AR) 840-10.
5. Background:
a. On 21 August 1964, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (DCSPER) requested that The Institute of Heraldry provide proposed designs for the possible adoption of a Vietnam Service Medal. Proposed designs were submitted to DCSPER on 29 September 1964. The Vietnam Service Medal was established by Executive Order 11231, dated 8 July 1965. The design approved by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, 12 July 1965, and the policy for award was promulgated by DOD Directive 1348.15, dated 1 October 1965.
b. The design, created by Miss Mercedes Lee, includes bamboo trees which are adapted from the flag of the President of Vietnam and the half-concealed dragon represents the subversive nature of the conflict. The crossbow, on the reverse, is the ancient weapon of Vietnam and the torch of the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of the United States devotion to liberty and freedom. The yellow ribbon with three vertical red stripes suggests the color of the flag of the Republic of Vietnam. The green border on each side alludes to the jungle of that Country.
c. Soldiers receiving the Vietnam Service Medal are authorized to wear a bronze star to indicate each campaign. There are 17 designated campaigns during the period of 15 March 1962 through 28 January 1973. Units which receive campaign credit for any of the campaigns would display a streamer with inscription as shown on the unit's lineage and honors. The designated campaigns are:
Vietnam Advisory 1962-1965
Vietnam Defense 1965
Vietnam Counteroffensive 1965-1966
Vietnam Phase II 1966 - 1967
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III 1967-1968
Tet Counteroffensive 1968
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase IV 1968
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase V 1968
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VI 1968-1969
Tet 69 Counteroffensive 1969
Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969
Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970
Sanctuary Counteroffensive 1970
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VII 1970-1971
Consolidation I 1971
Consolidation II 1971-1972
Vietnam Cease-Fire 1972-1973
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David
Fri March 21, 2003 6:17am
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High-power microwave (HPM
High-power microwave (HPM) sources have been under investigation for several years as potential weapons for a variety of combat, sabotage, and terrorist applications. Due to classification restrictions, details of this work are relatively unknown outside the military community and its contractors. A key point to recognize is the insidious nature of HPM. Due to the gigahertz-band frequencies (4 to 20 GHz) involved, HPM has the capability to penetrate not only radio front-ends, but also the most minute shielding penetrations throughout the equipment. At sufficiently high levels, as discussed, the potential exists for significant damage to devices and circuits. For these reasons, HPM should be of interest to the broad spectrum of EMC practitioners.
Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) and High Powered Microwave (HMP) Weapons offer a significant capability against electronic equipment susceptible to damage by transient power surges. This weapon generates a very short, intense energy pulse producing a transient surge of thousands of volts that kills semiconductor devices. The conventional EMP and HMP weapons can disable non-shielded electronic devices including practically any modern electronic device within the effective range of the weapon.
The effectiveness of an EMP device is determined by the power generated and the characteristic of the pulse. The shorter pulse wave forms, such as microwaves, are far more effective against electronic equipment and more difficult to harden against. Current efforts focus on converting the energy from an explosive munitions to supply the electromagnetic pulse. This method produces significant levels of directionally focused electromagnetic energy.
Future advances may provide the compactness needed to weaponize the capability in a bomb or missile warhead. Currently, the radius of the weapon is not as great as nuclear EMP effects. Open literature sources indicate that effective radii of “hundreds of meters or more” are possible. EMP and HPM devices can disable a large variety of military or infrastructure equipment over a relatively broad area. This can be useful for dispersed targets.
A difficulty is determining the appropriate level of energy to achieve the desired effects. This will require detailed knowledge of the target equipment and the environment (walls, buildings). The obvious counter-measure is the shielding or hardening of electronic equipment. Currently, only critical military equipment is hardened e.g., strategic command and control systems. Hardening of existing equipment is difficult and adds significant weight and expense. As a result, a large variety of commercial and military equipment will be susceptible to this type of attack.
The US Navy reportedly used a new class of highly secret, non-nuclear electromagnetic pulse warheads during the opening hours of the Persian Gulf War to disrupt and destroy Iraqi electronics systems. The warheads converted the energy of a conventional explosion into a pulse of radio energy. The effect of the microwave attacks on Iraqi air defense and headquarters was difficult to determine because the effects of the HPM blasts were obscured by continuous jamming, the use of stealthy F-117 aircraft, and the destruction of Iraq's electrical grid. The warheads used during the Gulf War were experimental warheads, not standard weapons deployed with fielded forces.
Col. William G. Heckathorn, commander of the Phillips Research Site and the deputy director of the Directed Energy Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory, was presented the Legion of Merit medal during special retirement ceremonies in May 1998. In a citation accompanying the medal, Col. Heckathorn was praised for having provided superior vision, leadership, and direct guidance that resulted in the first high-power microwave weapon prototypes delivered to the warfighter. The citation noted that "Col. Heckathorn united all directed energy development within Army, Navy and Air Force, which resulted in an efficient, focused, warfighter-oriented tri-service research program." In December of 1994 he came to Kirtland to become the director of the Advanced Weapons and Survivability Directorate at the Phillips Laboratory. Last year he became the commander of the Phillips Laboratory while still acting as the director of the Advanced Weapons and Survivability Directorate.
As with a conventional munition, a microwave munition is a "single shot" munition that has a similar blast and fragmentation radius. However, while the explosion produces a blast, the primary mission is to generate the energy that powers the microwave device. Thus, for a microwave munition, the primary kill mechanism is the microwave energy, which greatly increases the radius and the footprint by, in some cases, several orders of magnitude. For example, a 2000-pound microwave munition will have a minimum radius of approximately 200 meters, or footprint of approximately 126,000 square meters.
Studies have examined the incorporation of a high power microwave weapon into the weapons bay of a conceptual uninhabited combat aerial vehicle. The CONOPS, electromagnetic compatibility and hardening (to avoid a self-kill), power requirements and potential power supplies, and antenna characteristics have been analyzed. Extensive simulations of potential antennas have been performed. The simulations examined the influence of the aircraft structure on the antenna patterns and the levels of leakage through apertures in the weapons bay. Other investigations examined issues concerning the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of composite aircraft structures.
Collateral damage from E-bombs is dependent on the size and design of the specific bomb. An E-bomb that utilizes explosive power to obtain its damaging microwaves will result in typical blast and shrapnel damage. Ideally, an E-Bomb would be designed to minimize and dissipate most of the mechanical collateral damage. Human exposure to microwave radiation is hazardous within several meters of the epicenter. However, there is a relatively low risk of bodily damage at further distances.
Any non-military electronics within range of the E-bomb that have not been protected have a high probability of being damaged or destroyed. The best way to defend against E-bomb attack is to destroy the platform or delivery vehicle in which the E-bomb resides. Another method of protection is to keep all essential electronics within an electrically conductive enclosure, called a Faraday cage. This prevents the damaging electromagentic field from interacting with vital equipment. The problem with Faraday cages is that most vital equipment needs to be in contact with the outside world. This contact point can allow the electromagentic field to enter the cage, which ultimately renders the enclosure useless. There are ways to protect against these Faraday cage flaws, but the fact remains that this is a dangerous weakpoint. In most circumstances E-bombs are categorized as 'non-lethal weapons' because of the minimal collateral damage they create. The E-bomb's 'non-lethal' categorization gives military commanders more politically-friendly options to choose from.
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David
Tue March 25, 2003 7:48am
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The Tactical Operations O
The Tactical Operations Officer (TAO), along with Operations Specialists, stand watch in the Combat Direction Center (CDC) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The Center monitors all surface and aerial contacts in the operating area, and the data can also be transmitted to Central Command headquarters or wherever needed.
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Marissa
Tue March 25, 2003 5:38pm
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Operation Iraqi Freedom i
Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. The Tactical Operations Officer (TAO), along with Operations Specialists, stand watch in the Combat Direction Center monitoring all surface and aerial contacts in the area March 23, 2003. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW 14) are currently conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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David
Thu March 27, 2003 9:08am
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Confirmed military action
Wednesday, March 26, 2003: Elements of the 7th Cavalry Regiment face Medina armoured Republican Guard divisions outside Karbala as they push for Baghdad.
Wednesday, March 26, 2003: Elements of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force headed to Al Kut to push into Baghdad along the Tigris and hit the Republican Guard's southern forces.
Wednesday, March 26, 2003: Battle continues near Nasiriyah. Marines capture Iraqi military hospital along with weapons, ammunition, chemical suits and gas masks.
Wednesday, March 26, 2003: US troops secure Talil Air base in southern Iraq.
Wednesday, March 26, 2003: US-led war planes bombed targets in the northern part of the country including Mosul, Kirkuk and Tikrit.
Tuesday, March 25, 2003: American Marines are engaged in a heavy battle east of Najaf for control of the Euphrates valley region and river crossings.
Tuesday, March 25, 2003: Coalition forces confirm that 43 soilders have been killed in the campaign to date.
Tuesday, March 25, 2003: British troops have amassed outside the southern Iraqi city of Basra in preparation for an urban assualt on the city that previously was not a military target.
Tuesday, March 25, 2003: Coalition forces bomb two Iraqi bunkers in northern Iraq destroying one.
Tuesday, March 25, 2003: A friendly fire exchange results in the death of 2 British soliders.
Monday, March 24, 2003: A US Apache helicopter is downed in fighting ouside Karbala. The 2 US pilots have been captured by Iraqi forces and shown on Iraqi TV and al Jazeerah.
Monday, March 24, 2003: US Apache helicopters attacked Armored Republican guard positions between Karbala and Al Hillah, meeting with stiff resistence.
Monday, March 24, 2003: 70 US Special Forces troops are said to be working with Kurdish fighters in northern Iraq to destroy Ansar al-Islam strong holds in the moutainous border region between Iran and Iraq. Ansar al-Islam is beleived to have ties to al Qaeda and is blamed for a suicide bombing in northern Iraq this past weekend that killed and independent journalist.
Monday, March 24, 2003: US coalition forces report that cruise missles have been launched again Ansar al-Islam position in northern Iraq.
Monday, March 24, 2003: More than 200 special forces are said to be operating in northern Iraq and more continue to arrive on regular coalition flights through Turkish airspace.
Monday, March 24, 2003: A heavy battle still rages in the southern Iraqi town of Basra that has led coalition forces to draw back from the city. Fierce fighting to control the city, which the coalition said was siezed Friday, continues.
Monday, March 24, 2003: A bus carrying 36 civilians was bombed accidently by coalition forces as it tried to cross a bride in northwest Iraq. 5 Syrian nationals were killed and many injured, all were trying to escape fighting by fleeing to Syria.
Sunday, March 23, 2003: An unmanned, remote-controlled Predator drone destroyed an antiaircraft artillery gun in southern Iraq on Saturday. It was the first Predator strike of Operation Iraqi Freedom, coalition defense officials said. The MQ-1 Predator dropped one Hellfire II missile on the mobile antiaircraft artillery piece outside Amarah at 1:25 p.m. (5:25 a.m. Saturday EST), near the Iranian border, according to the Combined Forces Air Component Command. about 90 miles south of Baghdad.
Sunday, March 23, 2003: The U.S. military has secured a facility in southern Iraq that Pentagon officials said might have been used to produce chemical weapons. The officials cautioned that it wasn't clear what materials were at the facility in Najaf, about 90 miles south of Baghdad.
Sunday, March 23, 2003: US Army 11th Helicopter attack force engages the elite 2nd Armored Brigade of the Republican Guard outside Karbala, meeting stiff resistence and a hail of anti-aircraft fire described by one pilot as a 'wall of fire.'
Sunday, March 23, 2003: US Army support team is ambushed and captured by Iraqi forces after straying from forces in the Nasiriyah area. As many as 4 were US soilders killed in the ambush and up to 6 captured. Captured troops and those killed have been shown on Iraqi television and al Jazera.
Sunday, March 23, 2003: Heavy fighting in Nasiriyah has resulted in the death of at least 4 American troops.
Sunday, March 23, 2003: Late reports from US are saying that a RAF plane was accidently shot down by a Patriot missile in a friendly fire incident. Details as to the pilot's condition and the circumstances of the friendly fire incident are not yet available.
Saturday, March 22, 2003: In a Kurdish region of northern Iraq, a freelance cameraman working for the Australian Broadcasting Corp., Paul Moran, 39, died when a taxicab exploded at a checkpoint in Sayed Sadiq, the network said. Three Kurdish fighters also died, and an ABC correspondent was wounded, it said. Security officials of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan blamed the blast on a suicide bomber from an Islamic extremist group, Ansar al-Islam, which U.S. officials believe has links to al Qaeda.
Saturday, March 22, 2003: Two British helicopters collided in the Persian Gulf during the support operations killing all 7 troops on board; 1 American and 6 British, bringing the casulties to 21 - 7 Americans and 14 British.
Saturday, March 22, 2003: As many as 1,500 Turkish troops are reported to be poised to cross the border into Kurdish controlled northern Iraq creating some tensions between the US and Turkey. Turkey claims that the troops have been sent to the border region near Iraq to aid in any humanitarian efforts and also to monitor the Kurdish situation as the war progresses.
Saturday, March 22, 2003: The city of Al Basrah in southern Iraq was encircled by allied forces who opted not to enter the city. After engaging minimal resistence on the outskirts of the city coalition forces passed by the without claiming continuing to Baghdad.
Saturday, March 22, 2003: The H2 and H3 air fields, beleived to be site of Scud launchers in western Iraq, have been taken by coalition forces who clain tentative control of both installations.
Saturday, March 22, 2003: Kurdish forces and CNN sources confirm that the city of Kirkuk has been the target of aerial bombardment for the third night of the campaign.
Saturday, March 22, 2003: The northern city of Mosul is reported to have come under heavy bombardment for the third night in a row.
Saturday, March 22, 2003: Though coalition forces claimed tentative control over Umm Qasr -- over 24 hours ago, allied forces continue to come under fire from pockets of resistence.
Friday, March 21, 2003: The port city of Umm Qasr -- Iraq's only outlet to the Gulf - has fallen to allied forces. The old port was taken by British troops; U.S. Marines seized the new port.
Friday, March 21, 2003: The port city of Umm Qasr -- Iraq's only outlet to the Gulf - has fallen to allied forces. The old port was taken by British troops; U.S. Marines seized the new port.
Friday, March 21, 2003: Retreating Iraqi troops are confirmed to set 9 oil wells a blaze outside the southern city of Al Basrah.
Friday, March 21, 2003: U.S.-led forces strike the northern city of Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city.
Friday, March 21, 2003: Intense bombing of Kirkuk resumes for the second night. Anti-aircraft fire is visible over the city.
Friday, March 21, 2003: A second Marine from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force was killed during the fight for Umm Qasr.
Friday, March 21, 2003: A US Marine has been killed in the line of fire, details are not yet available.
Friday, March 21, 2003 : Coalition forces bombed the Iraqi-controlled northern city of Mosul just before 4:30 a.m. Friday (8:30 pm Thursday EST).
Friday, March 21, 2003: Kurdish fighters in the Mosul region confirm that an air field outside of Mosul was bombed by US forces.
Friday, March 21, 2003 : British troops moved into the Al Faw Peninsula of southern Iraq. The Al Faw Peninsula runs from the Iraqi city of Basra to the Persian Gulf and is home to a significant portion of Iraq's oil industry.
Friday, March 21, 2003 : Iraqi television early Friday said targets hit by coalition forces included a military site in the southern city of Basra, near the Kuwaiti border, and another target in Akashat, a town about 300 miles west of Baghdad near the Syrian border. Iraqi television reported four Iraqi soldiers were killed.
Friday, March 21, 2003: Several thousand US airborne troops are expected to land in northern Iraq with the objective of capturing the strategically important city of Kirkuk and securing oil fields. The US had wanted to station about 60,000 troops in Turkey with the aim of carrying out a full scale ground invasion - but the plan has been blocked by the Turkish Government.
Friday, March 21, 2003 : American troops with about 250 main battle tanks are pushing into south-western Iraq with the aim of moving swiftly north towards Baghdad. US Marines and around 25,000 UK ground troops and armour are expected to cross into southern Iraq in a second offensive, analysts say. Royal Marines from the UK's 3 Commando Brigade are expected to occupy the strategically important southern city of Basra.
Friday, March 21, 2003: Iraq fired a ballistic missile targeting US and British forces as they crossed the Kuwait/Iraq border.
BAGHDAD:
Wednesday, March 26, 2003: During the continued bombing campaign of Baghdad, US Pentagon officials confirm that ordinance hit in heavily civilian marketplace in northern Baghdad.
Tuesday, March 25, 2003: Coalition forces flew over 3,000 missions in the last 24 hours and heavily bombed Baghdad. Iraqi television stations were targeted and destroyed in what an American commander described as 'decapitating the Iraqi leadership's ability to communicate'. However, Iraqi television was broadcasting only hours later.
Monday, March 24, 2003: Baghdad and outlying areas are being bombing in a effort to 'soften' Republican Guard positions around the city. The coalition hopes to keep the Republican guard from retreating to Baghdad and engage them outside the city proper. Saddam International Airport and military airstrip outside Baghada have also been hit by cruise missles.
Sunday, March 23, 2003: Baghdad continues to be the target of night bombing and air raids. Iraq has set oil filled trench dug around the city on fire to hinder the coalition's bombing campaign. A US Defense spokesman regarded this tactic as "useless and ineffective" against percision weapons technology.
Saturday, March 22, 2003: Baghdad is pounded with over 1,000 cruise missiles and pecision weapons for the third night of the campaign in Iraq. Iraq claims that over 200 civilians have been injured in the attacks.
Friday, March 21, 2003: Air raid sirens sound at 9:00 pm Baghdad local time (12:00 pm EST), for a half hour the city waits as anti-aircraft streaks the night sky. At approximately 9:25 pm Bagdad local time, heavy percision bombing begins in various parts of Baghdad. City areas are pounded for several hours.
Friday, March 21, 2003: U.S. officials said approximately 20 cruise missiles were launched in the most recent attacks from U.S. Navy ships and submarines in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf and - for the first time - from two British submarines. Two of the three main buildings in the Tigris complex of ministerial office have been completely destroyed and left unusable after being struck by percision bombs. Iraqi president Saddam Hussein's palace and government offices along with Special Republican Guard strongholds were among targets hit during this second day of bombing in Baghdad.
Thursday, March 20, 2003 : An intense U.S. and coalition bombing attack rocked the Iraqi capital with a succession of explosions and fires that destroyed at least two buildings -- including the government facility containing the offices of Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz.
KUWAIT:
Monday, March 24, 2003: Iraq has launched 6 additional ballistic missles on Kuwait. 4 were intercepted by Patriot missiles and the remaining two were said to have hit in southern Iraq.
Monday, March 24, 2003: A Patriot missile intercepted an Iraqi missile fired toward Kuwait about 1 a.m. Monday [5 p.m. Sunday EST], a Kuwaiti army spokesman said. The missile was intercepted north of Kuwait City and came down away from any residential area, Col. Youssef Al-Mulla told CNN. The resulting explosion could be heard as a muffled, distant boom in the Kuwaiti capital.
Saturday, March 22, 2003: Iraq is reported to have fired another ballistic missile into Northern Kuwait. Coalition forces say the missile was shot down by a Patriot missile.
Saturday, March 22, 2003: A US soilder of the 101st Airborne based in northern Kuwait is being held for a grenade attack in Camp Pennsylvania that killed 1 American troop and wounded at least 12 others. Early reports say that it was an act of defiance and sabatoge by an American troop who recently converted to Islam and disagrees with coalition actions in Iraq.
Friday, March 21, 2003: Iraq retaliates against invasion forces by firing up to 7 missiles into northern Kuwait.
Friday, March 21, 2003 : U.S. Marine CH-46 helicopter crashed in northern Kuwait early Friday morning, killing all 16 people on board - 12 British military personnel and four American crew members, Pentagon officials said.
Thursday, March 20, 2003: Iraq responded to the attack by firing at least four missiles into northern Kuwait, two of which U.S. Patriot missiles intercepted, U.S. military officials said. U.S. forces sounded numerous alerts in the hours after the strikes, sending troops at several bases scrambling for chemical protection gear and running for bunkers. Air raid sirens also sounded in Kuwait City.
IRAN:
Saturday, March 22, 2003: Washington has confirmed that they are in tense diplomatic talks with Iran who claims that as many as three cruise missiles misfired and landed inside Iran. Reports remain unconfirmed and Washington says it is investigating the situation.
TURKEY:
Sunday, March 23, 2003: Two U.S. cruise missiles fell in unpopulated areas of Turkey on Monday, the Pentagon said. No one was hurt.
Saturday, March 22, 2003: Turkish and U.S. military authorities investigated an undetonated missile that appeared to have fallen into a remote village in southeastern Turkey. No one was hurt by the missile, which witnesses said left a crater 13 feet [4 meters] wide and 3.3 feet [1 meter] deep. The missile fell in Ozveren, 430 miles [688 kilometers] northwest of the border with Iraq, at about 5:30 p.m. [9:30 a.m. EST], as planes were seen flying overhead, witnesses said.
Saturday, March 22, 2003: Turkey grants the use of its airspace for US military and coalition over flights.
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