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USAF Chief considering A-10's for AFSOC???

h/t to reader Randy, GREAT info! here's the link, article follows: (Note, this USAF article is a reprint from a Jane's story)

USAF chief considers new A-10A COIN squadronBY: Caitlin Harrington, Jane's Defence Weekly
07/24/2007 US Air Force ( USAF) Chief of Staff General Michael Moseley has told Jane’s he is considering the creation of a new counterinsurgency (COIN) squadron of A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft for the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).  Gen Moseley said he is mulling the possibility of putting a squadron of A-10A close-support aircraft inside AFSOC to serve the Special Operations Command, which has the lead engagement role in the US-declared global war on terrorism.  “There’s a variety of … counterinsurgency aircraft and other things out there that we’ve been looking at that would facilitate AFSOC’s partnership with the Special Operations Command,” Gen Moseley told Jane’s on 12 July.  “I’ve even asked: is it reasonable to put a squadron or so of A-10s into Special Operations Command?” The A-10 is widely used to provide close air support to coalition and friendly forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, it can be used against all ground targets including armoured platforms.  Gen Moseley’s interest in a new A-10 COIN squadron follows recent reports of a new AFSOC proposal for an “irregular warfare” wing. Possible aircraft being floated to fill a strike role in the wing have ranged from a modified air-to-ground Beechcraft AT-6B to an Embraer Tucano or Super Tucano.  However, Gen Moseley cautioned that he is not yet fully committed to the idea of a COIN air unit but is considering it because he believes the USAF needs to be able to meet the “full spectrum” of threats — from COIN to state-on-state conflict.  “I don’t know if I’m wedded to [the COIN unit] so much as I would like to know the pluses and minuses,” said Gen Moseley.  The A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft — known informally as the Warthog — may offer some key advantages if Gen Moseley decides to establish the COIN squadron. The A-10 was specifically designed to be highly survivable in close air support missions. It is highly maneuvrable at low air speeds and altitudes, boasts a long loiter time and also a titanium cockpit and redundant flight controls.  If established, the A-10 COIN squadron would be the first dedicated strike aircraft unit for COIN since the Douglas A-1 Skyraider: a propeller-driven ground-support aircraft used in the Vietnam War. The aircraft made a name for itself carrying large bomb loads, absorbing heavy fire and demonstrating prolonged endurance — traits similar to those possessed by the A-10.  “We fought all the way through Southeast Asia with A-1s living in the special operations world,” noted Gen Moseley. 
THIS is what I'm talking about!  Folks, a transferrence of Hogs from ACC to AFSOC wouldn't instantly change much, but the reality is our SOF units, leaders, and warriors have (generally) close working relationships.  When you exercise, deploy, and go to combat with the same folks time after time, years and decades long, you build up relationships that can become huge.  You work out your TTP's (tactics, techniques, procedures) that really benefit you on the battlefield.  I hope the Chief continues down this path of "full spectrum" considerations.
 
BTW, reader Randy also sends a link to a company he's working with, GD Armaments and he recommends for any potential discussed light gunships, consider their .50  calibre minigun. (which I didn't know existed! learn something every day)
Published Jul 28 2007, 12:49 PM by Otto
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Comments

 

WS274152 said:

A-10's to SOCOM would be a step in the right direction.  Even better with 2 seats, a hush kit, and a good night surveillance capability.  USAF and AFSOC need to keep moving to a platform that  host country crews can operate and maintain.    I believe the Russians have built some better hardware in this regard.  

July 29, 2007 12:54 AM

About Otto

Edward "Otto" Pernotto is President and founder of EXCALIBUR Research and Development, LLC.