Dyess B-1s integrate with Barksdale B-52s for stand-off weapons training week

by Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

5/8/2015 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- On April 23, 2015, the 77th Weapons Squadron hosted two B-52H Stratoforstresses from the 340th WPS as part of the United States Air Force Weapons School's bomber integration and stand-off weapons training week.

During the training weapons school, students were given the opportunity to integrate the B-1B Lancer weapon system with the weapons system of the B-52. Together, the students were faced with challenges of coordinating despite being geographically separated.

"Last fall, we identified a need within the B-1 weapons instructor course to increase our bomber stand-off training with other bomber and fighter platforms," said Lt. Col. John Creer, 77th WPS commander. "This week is the first step in increasing Stand-Off Weapons integration training."

While at the weapons school, undergraduates learn about the tactics, techniques and procedures of their respective aircraft platform. Although students are given the information about weapons systems, they do not have the chance to integrate with other aircraft until their final integration phase, just prior to graduation.

"An important aspect of the advance tactics training is teaching those aviators to be mission commanders over large composite forces," Creer said. "The training focuses on integrating these forces to accomplish joint force commander objectives tailored toward how our Air Force will integrate with joint forces when we go to war."

The goal of integrating in an earlier phase is to give students first-hand experience on the bomber level before their final integration phase: the Weapons School Advanced Integration.

"Stand-off weapons integration training is a small composite force focused on preparing our students for the final and culminating stage of training," Creer said. "By providing this opportunity early on, it better prepares our students for the Weapons School Advanced Integration Phase."

After the training sortie was complete, the crews of the B-1s and the B-52s came together to debrief. While debriefing, they were able to discuss the challenges they faced while integrating and possibilities for future integrations. In all, the addition of a training sortie to stand-off weapons integration week was a success.

"From the integration, we generated lessoned learned that we will apply next month during the Weapons School Integration Phase where a similar mission will be executed on a larger scale" said Lt. Col. John McClung, 77th WPS director of operations. "We are hoping to start doing this integration every six months to prepare students to execute the next phase."