Air National Guard Forecasts Weather for 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team

Photo By Sgt. Devin Lewis | U.S. Airmen from the North Carolina Air National Guard’s 156th Weather Flight, 145th Air Wing, stand in front of the 22nd Expeditionary Weather Squadron sign while deployed in the U.S. Army Central Command area of responsibility, March 19, 2020. The Airmen predicted a severe sandstorm in late February supporting the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.27.2020

Story by Capt. Regina Corbin 

30th Armored Brigade Combat Team

U.S. Airmen from the North Carolina Air National Guard’s 156th Weather Flight, 145th Air Wing, forecasted a severe sandstorm event for the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, five days before it occurred in late February while deployed in the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility.

“Six days out we saw hints of a dust storm,” said Senior Airman Luke Johnson, weather forecaster in the 156th Weather Flight. “We realized the extent of the storm was much larger than we had seen before. Then the model data verified that is was massive in size.”

The 156th Weather Flight is attached to the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), deployed in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Their forecasts provide critical intelligence for commanders to make decisions. For example, sandstorms can degrade air support assets and the availability of medevac helicopters.

“Out here, there’s a vast desert and no data. The only data that exists, is what we collect from our sensors,” said Air Force Maj. Kevin Brockler, commander, 22nd Expeditionary Squadron. “We can take a satellite shot and still forecast the weather using a weather sensor, current sky conditions, wind speed, and wind direction.”

Elements from the 156th Weather Flight are one of 10 teams in the 22nd Expeditionary Weather Squadron supporting CENTCOM. The 22nd Expeditionary Squadron is a joint force made up of Air Force and Air National Guard weather teams.

According to Brockler, the teams use an in-depth understanding of the earth's atmosphere, satellite, radar, and computer models to provide 24-7 weather forecasts for decision-makers to protect resources and exploit the battlefield. He added that it was through the team’s collaborative efforts that they were able to predict the significant sandstorm approaching in February.

“Within five minutes, I couldn’t see 10 feet in front of me,” said Johnson when describing the February sandstorm. “Winds were 50 mph and everything had a dark orange tint to it. If you don’t have your mouth shut, you’re going to get a sand-wich.”

Airmen assigned to support Army elements attend a 30-day tactical course at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Brockler said that value of this training teaches the weather Airmen the importance of their role in assisting Army commanders who are making decisions on the battlefield.

“The Staff Weather Officer (SWO) has as tough job. They have to brief their Army O-6’s, look them in the eye, and recommend whether a mission can or cannot go based on weather thresholds and their expertise,” said Brockler.

Brockler said that when the U.S. Army Air Corps transitioned to separate services in 1947, an agreement was made that the Air Force would continue to provide weather assets to Army units. That agreement still stands.

“When the 30th needs to pack up and get in the fight, we hop into the back of a Bradley (armored fighting vehicle) with the rest of y’all,” said Tech. Sgt. Robbie Casperson, staff weather officer (SWO), 156th Weather Flight. “We travel and provide weather support in real time as you move through the battlefield. If your unit is moving and fighting, we are moving with you, providing weather forecasts for that day’s fight and the next.”

• Date Taken: 03.27.2020
• Date Posted: 03.27.2020 11:26
• Story ID: 366031
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)