Redman IQT Progress

[Derk]

Cadet: Redman / IP: Derk
Check Ride #: IQT-1
Check Ride Date: 25 Feb 2023
Score: Pass

Debrief: Please help me welcome “Redman” to IQT. We completed IQT-1 this afternoon where Redman’s previous experiences in BMS MP sessions showed as he had a great handle on his jet and comms. His efforts in studying our SOP's and formations looked pretty strong in flight as we ran through all the formation and tac turns. Being able to complete all of the core objectives we had an opportunity to do some extra maneuvers on a CAP, along with making some practice A-A engagement calls to AWAC’s. After a short fill up on the tanker we headed back to Gunsan with Redman tucked nicely in close formation. We wrapped up with an over-head break approach for recover.

Nice work overall Redman! Looking forward to our next IQT flight.

Lineup for departure from Gunsan

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Tac Turn maneuvers in the practice area

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CAP maneuvers

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Redman on the boom of Copper 2

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Moving to echelon for the over-head break approach

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[Redman]

You’re too kind. Thank you for your patience and excellent, detailed guidance.

The formation flying during AAR and approach reminded me a lot of watching the demo pilot in this video flying formation with a P-51 https://youtu.be/W2HsTbTY-uw (about 34 minute mark). Constant eye contact and relatively significant throttle adjustments are necessary and if the pros have to do it I don’t feel as bad.

Redman

[Boomer]

Welcome & enjoy the course, Redman! It's a blast and just the tip of the iceberg of what is BMS and MP.
Cheers!

[Buttons]

Ready to have your mind blow Readman…those IP’s are taking pictures while on the boom, it’s beyond me how they do it but I’ve seen em do it.

Im with you, big throttle movements and 105% locked onto the boom, the site picture and the lights, breathing has to come later.

[Derk]

Cadet: Redman / IP: Derk
Check Ride #: IQT-2
Check Ride Date: 6 Mar 2023
Score: Pass

Debrief: Last night Redman wrapped up IQT-2 with a busy run using precision weapons. The first task was to spot a moving column of tanks and engage with Mavericks. Redman spotted them and engaged right away, splashing three on each of the three runs. Extending south for some altitude, we pushed into strike a group of buildings we marked as pre-planned targets in 2D. Redman’s hits were right on. With those runs out of the way quickly, we had enough fuel to get in three buddy lasing runs and one solo LGB run on AAA units before needing to head to the tanker. After a short sip of fuel, we were off to Jungwon for a Drag for Spacing maneuver for the recovery.

Redman’s efforts in working with the Mav’s this past week paid off, going from 100% misses to 100% hits, showing that practice and persistence is key to learning techniques just as real fighter combat pilots do. Really good work to show a nice return of the effort Redman!

Ramp start at Gunsan HAS shelters, loaded heavy

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Mav strike on tank column

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Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (DEAD)

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Airbase at the practice area hit hard

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Moved in close to verify he had the correct patch on the back of his helmet! All good!

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[Zeus]

Very nice - and some nice camera work there too! Can't wait to fly with you Redman!

[Derk]

Cadet: Redman / IP: Derk
Check Ride #: IQT-3
Check Ride Date: 12 Mar 2023
Score: Pass

Debrief: IQT-3 is now complete as Redman hits the halfway point in IQT. Our ground strike mission last night covered CBU ripple releases, a low level run using BLU-107’s, and dive bombing at KOTAR. It was a fun flight, but fast paced with many back to back objectives that push the limit of helmet fire. Redman adds on to the mental load pile with good questions and observations as he seeks knowledge in areas outside the scope of IQT. With only a few rough edges to polish and minor point outs from the IP covered in debriefing, his weapons releases were on target, and he learned the value of patience to make a good stable run pays off with good hits on target On top of his weapons ability, his piloting skills in rejoining and formations, SOP understanding, and comm skills are pretty solid at this stage. One more ground strike flight should put on the final polish and he’ll be ready for the Air to Air action in IQT.

Looking good Redman!

IN low for the BLU-107 run on a runway

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Hits with the Durandals with ground units smoking to the side from our CBU runs

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Redman in observer position on the tanker

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KOTAR hits on targets

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IN on the side of the smoke for the Gun strafing runs

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[Buttons]

looks spot on, we know that has to be Redman, Derk couldn't hit it that good

[Derk]

Cadet: Redman / IP: Derk
Check Ride #: IQT-4
Check Ride Date: 19 Mar 2023
Score: Pass

Debrief: Last night Redman completed IQT-4, wrapping up the A-G portion of IQT. This was a DEAD mission to clear an SA-2 site from the path of a friendly strike package. While Redman clearly has a good understanding of the HARM and all of its modes and sub-modes, the Fan Song and Spoon Rest were missed on his well-timed SNIPER shots. The shots did cause the site to stop emitting which was a good thing as it allowed his IP to escape from a grasps of an SA-2 missile. All-in-all it was a good demonstration of Hunter-Killer tactics, and Redman demonstrated a good understanding and ability to deliver the AGM-88. A lucky reset of a hung AGM-88 allowed the IP to turn in for a quick Hail-Mary shot and took out the Fang Song just before the F-111 strike flight entered the threat zone.

Low on fuel from the SAM chase, we headed to the tanker for a top-off, then back to the area to make CBU runs in CCRP on FCR targets we previously marked, or spotted on the FCR through the thickening cloud layer. Once DAKOTA we headed back to Yechon for recovery, only to find the airbase close (simulated), and having to setup and find the approach through the overcast into Osan for recovery. Redman found his way as the IP followed close behind, for a safe recover.

Nice work Redman, and I’m looking forward to our next IQT after a short spring break recess!

The Route and The Threats

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Redman fires a MAGNUM from the IP's SNIPER call

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Spotting ground units on the FCR through the cloud layer

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ILS 27R at Osan - Runway in sight!

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Safe recovery on the ramp at Osan

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[Zeus]

Wow, nice flight guys! Keep up the good work.

[Birddog]

Way to go Redman

Only two more to go!

[Derk]

Cadet: Redman / IP: Derk
Check Ride #: IQT-5
Check Ride Date: 15 Apr 2023
Score: Pass

Debrief: After some opposing days away for real life activities, Redman resumed IQT and wrapped up IQT-5 with multiple rounds of dogfighting against Mig-21’s, 23’s and 29’s. He came prepared with knowledge and proficiency working solo, but the team tactics environment was a new experience. Redman’s base skill helped him build proficiency quickly in air combat maneuvers and learning to swap roles and communicate as either the Engaged fighter or Supporting fighter. Over the many rounds in the dogfight arena, his understanding and skill with energy management increased, resulting in faster kills. There’s always plenty to learn in ACM and BFR in BMS which Redman’s seems interested in pursuing, but for now, he’s clearly ready to support his wingman if, and when, the merge occurs.

Really fun time dogfighting with you Redman, and looking forward to our final IQT with a BVR flight.

Chasing the smoking MiG-21 to finish the fight.

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AIM-9M shot...Splash!

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Down to the deck for that kill.

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Redman in High G on the hostiles tail.

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If you blink, you missed it!

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[Derk]

Cadet: Redman / IP: Derk
Check Ride #: IQT-6
Check Ride Date: 24 Apr 2023
Score: Pass

Debrief: Please help me congratulate Redman for completing IQT, and in welcoming him into the 222nd Gamblers. We wrapped up last night in the IQT-6 flight in a BARCAP mission joined by fellow Wing Members Blitz, Costa, and Zeus, to round out a two flight package, capping an east and west side box. Redman started the battle going solo against two MiG-21’s which were relatively easy to engage, but got dicey with MiG-23’s flanked us from the other CAP box. Redman held his own next against MiG-23s as our flight was split supporting and delousing the other CAP box. The MiG-23’s were mere nuisances against our higher range AIM-120’s as the MiG-29’s arrived.

Only 10 minutes into the action and each flight had to support and delouse each other across the CAP boxes. Use of good UHF communications and element separation tactics allowed our package of 5 to dominate over twice our numbers, giving a good demonstration on how an organized team effort can prevail when outnumbered. The flight was busy with Redman showing really good ability with situational awareness, communications, and A-A weapons delivery in the BVR environment. It was all over in just over 20 minutes of action, and we grabbed a quick splash of fuel from the tanker on our return to Osan. IQT Complete!

Welcome to the Gamblers Redman, and I’m looking forward to flying with you soon in our Wing combat missions soon!

EOR line up at Osan - ready for departure

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Very busy BARCAP arena

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Redman "IN" in MiG-29's - 2 v 2 with the IP

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Quick refuel on the tanker

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Redman and Zeus in echelon for the Osan approach

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[Boomer]

Congrats and welcome to The Gamblers, Redman!
Great flight with you on the Grand Tour and looking forward to many more, Cheers!

[Zeus]

Awesome flight Redman! Nice job on the situational awareness, the communication and the engagements. I'll second Derk's comments regarding the effectiveness of a well-trained flight; we were able to adapt to the changing situation and cover each other through multiple engagements not losing a single aircraft yet smacking down or putting the run on nearly a dozen of theirs.

Welcome to the Gamblers!