317th AG two for two on target

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Damon Kasberg
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 317th Airlift Group dropped two JPADS bundles simultaneously into two different drop zones a mile-and-a-half apart during a training exercise August 14 at Fort Hood, Texas.

"It's a unique capability," said Capt. Joshua Linden, 317th AG. "It is very flexible when it comes to resupplying small units, forward operating bases that are close to each other and moving targets."

JPADS is an airdrop system that uses Global Positioning Satellite, steerable parachutes and an onboard computer to steer loads to a designated point of impact on a drop zone - similar to joint direct attack munitions.

The training exercise involved two bundles, but it isn't limited to that quantity. This capability allows C-130s to bring new dynamics to the mission.

"We have multiple drop zones in Afghanistan that are in close proximity to each other," Linden said. "Instead of going at low-attitude and doing back-to-back drops, which is a difficult thing to do, we accomplish all the drops at one time from a high-altitude and hit multiple points. It really is limitless, your imagination can dictate where you want it to drop."

Not only do JPADS allow C-130s to make airdrops from a safe elevation out of range from enemy fire, its pinpoint accuracy allows servicemembers to retrieve packages without having to put themselves in harm's way.

"Being a ground guy, this capability is critical to us," said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Mark Alston, 317th AG ground liaison officer. "I've been one of those guys on a convoy to a DZ, having to secure the DZ, breaking down the drop, load it into the trucks and bring it back to the FOB. The whole time the enemy is watching, possibly setting up ambushes. JPADS for the Army is a great capability."

As in real world scenarios, exercises such as these wouldn't be possible without coordination from multiple military services. The Army and Army National Guard supported Dyess to make this training exercise a success.

"The airdrop community is really small," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael Beraldi, 294th Quartermaster Company Aerial Delivery Light Aerial Delivery Facility supervisor. "We rely on each of our sister services during peace and wartime operations. These exercises continue to enhance our capability and build cohesion between the different services."