Training for war: An ever changing process

  • Published
  • By Sarah English
  • 325th Training Support Squadron
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Training for war is a serious business, an ever-changing business, and one that the 325th Training Support Squadron does not take lightly.

Since its activation Jan. 28, 2011, the squadron has dealt with complete structure transformations and partnering of units. During this spring season of renewal with change of command ceremonies happening in abundance all over base, this squadron is no different.

Though many alterations abound in the squadron, one thing remains the same: its people's dedication to world-class training. The 325th TRSS touts an eclectic mix of military, Department of Defense civilians and contractors to run its mission of producing America's Air Dominance Team of F-22 Pilots, Air Battle Managers and Intelligence officers for worldwide assignment.

"One element of our squadron's culture, since our activation in January, 2011, has been the need to rapidly adapt to changing environments," said Lt. Col. Douglas Kugler, 325th Training Support Squadron Commander. "Our unit's experienced personnel do a great job anticipating changes and taking initiative to implement adjustments for successful mission accomplishment."

The squadron is now facing new additions with the T-38 training mission, including red-air adversary flying operations. "Red Air" is when one type of aircraft is used to play adversary for F-22 aircraft in training missions. In this case, T-38s or aircraft visiting Tyndall are an integral part of the mission. The TRSS will be vital in the T-38 training program as well. Using T-38s as adversary aircraft in training missions is a way to save the Air Force and American taxpayers millions of dollars each year.

"At first glance, pitting the world's greatest Air Dominance fighter, the F-22 Raptor, against a third generation trainer aircraft, the T-38 Talon, seems significantly unbalanced, begging the question: 'why?'" said Lt. Col. Jason Costello, Director of Operations for the 325th TRSS. "Along with fiscal savings, providing a dedicated adversary for F-22 training operations saves precious Raptor flight hours for combat training and real-world contingencies. Because of his, the TRSS is thrilled to lead this new flying operation and important training mission."

As a part of the 325th Operations Group, the 325th TRSS will transition with the rest of the 325th Fighter Wing from the Air Education and Training Command to the Air Combat Command this fall.

"Certainly, the projected MAJCOM conversion from AETC to ACC will also impact our daily operations and assigned resources," said Lt. Col Kugler. "The key to providing world-class training is staying engaged daily with the factors that typically drive changes in training. Members of the 325th TRSS have mastered this and routinely participate in aircraft modernization planning, tactics forums, safety investigations, operational deployment assessments, budget discussions and formal training feedback. The fight to keep training current and relevant is engaged daily."

In the mix of all of these changes, is the Squadron's Change of Command Ceremony May 4th. Lt. Col. Kugler will be relinquishing command to Lt. Col. Costello.

"I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to command the newest, yet most experienced squadron at Tyndall AFB," said Lt. Col. Costello."The dedicated professionals of the 325th TRSS Black Bears truly impressed me during my tour as their Director of Operations."

Lt. Col. Costello also spoke about the upcoming changes for the squadron in the next six months, citing that it will be preparing for the ACC conversion, sans the 325th Air Control Squadron which will remain under AETC, yet still continue to play a role in supporting the ACS mission of training Air Battle Managers, which he says will create unique organizational challenges of its own.

"Tyndall's conversion to ACC brings with it new mission growth in the TRSS as we build upon our current mission areas and add professional flying operations to our already robust portfolio," said the incoming commander. "However, in the midst of mission growth and reorganization, the Black Bear core competency remains rock solid...we will continue to provide expert management of shared resources and unrivaled training support in the development of tomorrow's Air Dominance warriors."

Shortly after his departure from the squadron, Lt. Col. Kugler will be retiring. He also had some words about the incumbent commander.

"Lt. Col. Costello brings an impressive resume of experience and leadership skills to shape the future of the squadron and the 325th Fighter Wing," said Lt. Col. Kugler. "His command strategy and leadership philosophy have been developed during several operational flying assignments, service as an Air Liaison Officer with the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, an Air Combat Command F-15 East Coast Demonstration Pilot tour, service on the Joint Chiefs of Staff and a variety of educational opportunities. We extend our best wishes to Lt. Col. Costello and his family as they begin this exciting command assignment."