Air Force Modernizes Nuclear Security with Advanced JLTV Vehicle
29 April 2023, By Joseph Coslett Jr., 90th Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, WY (AFNS)
Airmen from the 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron depart F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., for the first operational Joint Light Tactical Vehicle mission supporting maintenance at a launch facility near Harrisburg, Neb., April 24, 2023. This is the first step in modernizing the security forces vehicle fleet to provide more lethality and security for the nuclear enterprise. (Air Force photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)
Security Forces Airmen from the 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron conducted the first operational mission with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle supporting launch facility maintenance near Harrisburg, Nebraska, April 24.
Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Daniels and Senior Airman Zion Hill, 90th MSFS maintenance support team, made history by conducting the first real-world JLTV operation for Air Force Global Strike Command.
“It is built like a tank,” Hill said. “When you climb into the Humvee, you are stepping back in time 20 years. The JLTV is like driving the Batmobile into the future to better defend our nation."
The JLTV is a new armored truck that is set to replace the aging Up-Armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, commonly known as the Humvee. This is part of AFGSC’s efforts to modernize and enhance defenders’ capabilities and better protect one of the nation’s most critical assets, its nuclear arsenal.
Senior Airman Zion Hill and Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Daniels, 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron maintenance support team members, prepare to depart F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., for the first operational Joint Light Tactical Vehicle mission supporting maintenance at a launch facility near Harrisburg, Neb., April 24, 2023. This is the first step in modernizing the security forces vehicle fleet to provide more lethality and security for the nuclear enterprise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)
“The JLTV is an extremely robust and versatile vehicle, offering improved point of view, responsive suspension systems, increased power and modern safety features,” said Lt. Col. William Brokaw, 90th MSFS commander. “Many of the defenders who will operate the vehicle, were born after the (Humvee) entered service and are anxious to take advantage of all the new capabilities.”
Senior Airman Zion Hill and Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Daniels, 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron maintenance support team members, pose in front of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle before providing security for the first operational mission supporting maintenance at a launch facility near Harrisburg, Neb., April 24, 2023. This is the first step in modernizing the security forces vehicle fleet to provide more lethality and security for the nuclear enterprise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)
The JLTV is a step forward in terms of safety and protection. However, Brokaw emphasized that the JLTV is a complex vehicle and requires investment in training to ensure operators' safety and skills. Every operator must complete 40 hours of training, both classroom and hands-on familiarization and driving.
Senior Airman Zion Hill, 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron maintenance support team member, prepares to provide security before his first operational Joint Light Tactical Vehicle mission supporting maintenance at a launch facility near Harrisburg, Nebraska, April 24, 2023. This is the first step in modernizing the security forces vehicle fleet to provide more lethality and security for the nuclear enterprise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)
A large number of Airmen are already trained, and once the truck is released for general use, it’s expected to be moving across the complex within a matter of weeks.
First Lt. Joseph Struzik, 90th Missile Security Operations Squadron officer in charge of logistics and sustainment, shared his first impressions between the Humvee and the JLTV.
“It is a night and day difference. When you climb inside a Humvee you are walking into a historical box,” he said. “You will see old analog gauges, a classic steering wheel, a center console with a radio. Whereas the JLTV gives defenders a better tool to perform their nuclear security duties.”
Humvee drivers adjust to the vehicle, while the JLTV adjusts to the driver, according to Struzik.
As the JLTV is rolled out across the U.S. military, it will help Airmen fit into any joint operations of the future, Brokaw said.
Join AFSFA in congratulating Brig Gen Roy W. Collins for his nomination to the grade of Major General!
Well done, Defender!!!!
MEMORANDUM FOR THE STAFF
22 March 2023
SUBJECT: Presidential Nomination Announcement
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
GENERAL OFFICER NOMINATIONS:
The following brigadier general has been nominated by the President to the Senate for appointment to the grade of major general, United States Air Force:
Collins, Roy W.
Director, Security Forces
Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection
Headquarters United States Air Force
1030 Air Force Pentagon, Room 5E1040
Washington, DC 20330-1030
Security Forces Spotlight: Women’s History Month
Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
Women's History Month is an important time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in all areas of the military.
One area where women made significant strides is in Air Force Security Forces. Also known as "Defenders," today, they are responsible for providing air base ground defense for installations and assets worldwide. This includes law enforcement, anti-terrorism, and force protection duties.
“Female Defenders prove every day that they have the strength, courage, and determination to excel in any role they undertake,” said Laurie Sherman, spouse of the Director of Security Forces. “Their contributions to our nation’s security are invaluable, and we are grateful for their service.”
5 January 2023
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
GENERAL OFFICER ASSIGNMENT:
BRIG GEN THOMAS P. SHERMAN
FROM: Deputy Director, Capability Development and Operation Requirements, Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategy, Integration, and Requirements, Headquarters United States Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, DC
TO: Director, Security Forces, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters United States Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, DC
Defender Nation Farewell Note!
Defenders - it is my honor to have this opportunity to say THANK YOU for your Leadership and Sacrifice over the last three plus years. I have been honored to serve Defender Nation as the Director. What I will remember most about this opportunity is the tenacity from the field to continue to work hard and ensure our Defenders are trained and proficient at the skills needed to protect our families, resources, mission and each other!
Although the time has flown by, I had the opportunity to visit many units and staffs and meet the faces behind the positions that truly make our Career Field great. Every unit has a unique mission...and an internal culture that ensures our Defenders are well taken care of. Many thanks to the Command teams across the career field! Your leadership does not go unnoticed, as you ensure 43K Total Force Defenders remain OUR focus.
Over the last three years, we made substantial progress for the career field. Thank you to the Defenders who championed key initiatives and focused on our primary mission of Air Base Ground Defense.
Together, we made tremendous progress toward Air Base Ground Defense, female defender retention & progression, physical fitness, Integrated Case Management, Cyber Security, Weapons & Tactics, Law Enforcement and much more.
My heart remains with those Defender on the frontline that you lead...whom stand post all around the world and in all-weather conditions to ensure Mission Success!
We are very fortunate to have great SF COMMAND Teams, like YOU...on the frontline leading the Total Force and those that have come before us!
I wish you ALL the very best in your Command "TEAM" tours!
Always remember we EARN our Badge and Beret every day...wishing you ALL the Best!
Stay Safe!
VR - Defender Collins
Brig Gen Collins
Director of Security Forces
****************************
Editor's Note: Brig Gen Collins has moved to a joint command position and Mr Timothy Gerald is now the Action Director of Security Forces.
Page 6 of 52