77th WPS given lemons, makes lemonade

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Peter Thompson
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  With sequestration taking a major toll on most units across the Air Force, the 77th Weapons Squadron is making the most of their constrained budget.

Some might throw in the towel given the fiscal difficulties, but the 77th WPS has taken it as a challenge and opportunity to maximize efficiency.

"We have taken notice of the mentality that we need to have at this time," said Lt. Col. Brian Vlaun, 77th WPS director of operations. "Efficiency is closely linked to a call to find innovative solutions, which applies to us by maximizing the training we have in our syllabus."

Nearly half of their budget was cut for fiscal year 2013, causing the weapons squadron to cancel a full six-month course, which normally produces four of the Air Force's elite weapons officers.

When the first class of 2013 was cut short in May, the squadron took a day to evaluate their situation and plan steps they would take to maximize efficiency with their almost non-existent budget.

The weapons school has four main objectives to work toward until they regain funding. Their first and primary objective is to update their syllabus.

Normally, the 77th WPS takes the short amount of time between classes to assess their syllabus and make adjustments as needed. However, it has become the squadron's main priority looking forward.

The first upcoming class of fiscal year 2014 will learn from the enhanced legacy syllabus. The second class of the year will be the first at the 77th WPS to train using the B-1 Bomber's newest upgrade, Sustainment-Block 16, which is the most advanced hardware and software enhancement to date for the bomber.

The squadron's second objective is to upgrade their tactics, techniques and procedures manuals.

"We will work with the 337th Test and Evaluations Squadron to develop new manuals that will be used to employ the upgraded aircraft," Creer said.

Their third goal is to simultaneously provide cadre and instructors to support combat operations, and operational testing and training across the B-1 fleet. Instructors have transitioned their efforts from teaching class to providing their expertise to 9th Bomb Squadron operators as they prepare for future deployments.

"We have the expertise available to help other squadrons with their academics and training," Vlaun said. "It is our duty to provide for the B-1 community."

Without the funding to supply flying hours for the squadron, instructors at the 77th WPS won't be able to complete their yearly proficiency requirements, which allow them to fly as instructors, aircraft commanders or mission leads.

"Based on the last time each of our instructors flew, their currencies will last them through the middle of July," said Lt. Col. Jonathan Creer, 77th WPS commander. "Bottom line is we won't be able to fly."

Thus, to meet their fourth and final objective of ensuing 77th WPS instructors are prepared to continue producing the Air Force's best weapons officers, the squadron's aircrew will need to fly sorties to regain currencies and remain proficient in their teaching abilities, once funding is available.

Looking forward, the 77th WPS's intent is to create opportunities to grow and learn from their present situation. Their outlook is that even though they have a minimal budget, they are still operational.

"I tell my guys all the time, this is not a throttle back, it's a change in roles and duties," Creer said. "We challenge them to do better, exceed their expectations, think critically, receive and give criticism, communicate more effectively and become problem solvers."