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Our Air Force has now been heavily engaged in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq since Day One in both areas of operations. As I mentioned here, while we don’t see or hear much about our Air Force activity, there's a lot going on behind the scenes.
In my previous post I highlighted the Pararescuemen (the Air Force's Special-Ops team), and Combat Weathermen and the dangers they face. Now let's talk about the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Teams:
Airmen from all walks of life in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal community answered the call when the Army asked for help in the joint effort against IEDs, thus again ensuring Air Force boots were on the ground and in the fight.AF Team Member Laurie has a great post highlighting Staff Sgt. Matt Slaydon, an EOD technician, and his recovery from injuries suffered during his 3rd deployment. The improvised explosive device that blew up just a couple of feet from his face unmercifully claimed his left arm and left eye. It cost him his eyesight in his right eye as well, rendering him completely and permanently blind."Our primary (tactical control) mission (with) the Army is to clear IEDs, whether it's roadside bombs on supply routes targeting Coalition Forces or in the city targeting civilians," said Senior Master Sgt. Al Schneider, 506th EOD flight superintendent. "We also do post-blast analysis, collect (evidence) and come up with ways to counter (insurgent tactics)."
And of course we can't forget about the TAC-P guys (Tactical Air Control Party).
USAF Valour-IT team member Buck from Exile in Portales profiles the TAC-Ps here. TAC-P's are Air Force specialists that are assigned to Army combat maneuver units around the world. Tactical Air Control Parties provide numerous critical functions on the modern battlefield; from advising ground forces on aircraft employment and capabilities and coordinating and controlling aerospace operations, to participating in battle planning.
TACPs live, train, and deploy with the US Army units. When deployed, the TACPs live under austere field conditions, and are responsible for the coordination, de-confliction, and execution of all USAF attack aircraft. Qualified individuals, serving as Terminal Attack Controllers (ETACs), provide final attack control to the pilots while the fighters are inbound to the target. The ETAC is responsible for ensuring that the pilot identifies and attacks the correct target while minimizing the risk to friendly ground forces. During peacetime, training is the major focus. This training can take the form of common skills testing (mission readiness), various weapons qualifications, chemical warfare and combat first aid training.Need some inspiration? Meet TSgt Israel Del Toro (Video at link). Staff Sgt. Israel Del Toro, who I mentioned in this post is a TAC-P.
Honor these men who deserve to be recognized as the heroes they are.
Along with other team members mentioned, I also want to thank team member One Happy Dog Speaks for keeping up the fight. If any other team members have posted on Valour-it send me the link.
My adaptive version of the Soldiers Angel Motto:
