Experience key to success of 301st program

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Susan Stout
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  With an average of more than 2,000 F-16 flying hours, the 301st Fighter Squadron has the most experienced F-16 instructors in the world.

In March 2000, the 301st FS became a member of the Associate Instructor Pilot Program, which was designed to meet the need for fighter pilot training by assigning reservists to active-duty units.

In the infancy of the program at Luke, there were concerns about the reservists coming to work a few times a month to teach active-duty pilots to fly F-16s, according to Maj. Rod Gard, 301st FS assistant director of operations.

"Some were afraid the reservists would come in and be unprepared or out of currency and not be able to execute the mission," he said. "What we found though was a gold mine of highly-experienced Viper drivers who ended up being the back bone of the six active-duty flying squadrons."

The 301st FS has approximately 35 traditional reservists, four Air Reserve technicians, and more than 20 active Guard and Reserve members, who are required to do a minimum of five events a month in support of the 56th Fighter Wing.

The active-duty pilots appreciate the experience of the reservists flying in the active-duty squadrons.

"Their experience is extremely valuable," said Capt. Robert Raymond, 61st Fighter Squadron B-Flight commander. "(The reserve pilots) have seen it all and know how to teach new guys how to fly and fight in the Viper. I learned a lot of flying with them when I was going through my own instructor upgrade. They're usually the guys I ask when I have a question about B-course instruction or effective techniques."

Major Gard said he feels the pilot associate program was a large step toward an integrated total force.

"We've already proven that in Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom we can work and fight together on the frontlines," he said. "So by continuing to team build with integration, we can further our combat capabilities by training the world's best F-16 pilots to sustain the needs of the Combat Air Force."