911: Kirkuk, Iraq 2011
Sept 11, 2001 is a day in U.S. history no one will ever forget. Since then, a multitude of changes
involving policy, procedure, operation and protocol have swept throughout our nation. At the
blink of an eye, life as we knew it – would never be the same. Over the last decade, in response
to our nation’s call; the ANG ATCALS community would accomplish unprecedented heights in
support of OIF, OEF, and OND combat operations. The following data highlight some of those
achievements:
Largest number of deployable ATCALS in the history of the ANG were fielded; 50% of
mobile radars, 40% of mobile towers, and 40% of mobile TACANs.
Past 7 years, ANG ATC provided nearly 20% of all AEF line numbers in a totally
volunteer capacity.
The ANG controls nearly 900K operations a year stateside, training in and on wartime
equipment, which serves as the foundation for controlling air traffic in theater and war
zones.
Currently, the ANG is tasked to provide nearly 63% of the USAF's wartime air traffic
control mission.
In March 2011, in support of Operation New Dawn, I deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq. During
my tenure as RAPCON Chief Controller, never would I think that some of my most - interesting,
challenging, frustrating…yet my most - enriching and rewarding experiences of my career would
be realized…all in one TDY! In the next few paragraphs, I will attempt to articulate some of
those defining moments. Based on my overall deployment experience to Kirkuk, two major
factors or themes stand out most…“Preparation and Execution.”
I was initially slated to fill a RAPCON Watch Supervisor slot due to the length of my
deployment ULN of 90 days. But shortly after arrival to Kirkuk, I was thrust into the position as
RAPCON CCTLR. With a command decision made at squadron level, I was now responsible for
all aspects of RADAR ATC operations for Northern Iraq. From operations to personnel, to
equipment…plus any miscellaneous RAPCON related matters in a combat environment
inclusive of mortar attacks, car bombings (sometimes multiple times a day) and any EAC
checklist you can think of. Was I prepared?
At the thought of this daunting task, I quickly thought of two individuals – my Squadron
Commander, Lt Col Michael Dunkin, and Mr. Scott Duke, Chief, Airfield Services Division,
NGB/A3F. Each of them brings a great wealth of knowledge and experience to the table that I
often reflect upon for guidance on various issues or circumstances. Lt Col Dunkin will say quite
often with a great big smile to his staff members…“Welcome to leadership!” Although jovial in
gesture, his welcome message clearly infers that he expects everyone – especially at leadership
level to be fully prepared, fully committed and fully able to perform their job at a level of
excellence according to their rank…their duties…and their responsibilities. No exceptions! I
believe Major John Howie would agree with me based on our exchange during St. Joe’s ORE
after Lt Col Dunkin had just finished chewing out (like nobody’s business) one of Major
Howie’s troops over an ORE infraction or oversight. I then turned to Major Howie and
said…“Wow, you guys are getting the easy version – he’s usually a lot worse!” Our unit (245th
ATCS) had 6 combined ORE/C2 exercises which fully prepared us for our ORI in 2009 where
64% of our evaluated areas resulted in a grade of "outstanding" or “excellent.” As our fearless
leader, Lt Col Dunkin REFUSED to lower the standard!
Mr. Duke, who also never lowers the standards, lives by the saying…“Training not
documented is training not completed.” His meticulous, no-nonsense, passionate approach to
ATSE inspections unequivocally denounces any form of compromise or reproach in getting the
mission completed. He realizes the critical impact of compliance and its importance to safety of
flight. The ATSE compliance inspections fully validate and prepare us to do our everyday job of
air traffic both at home station and in theater. Inspection after inspection, Mr. Duke relentless
leadership and commitment to excellence REFUSES to lower the standard! In both cases, their
relevance to preparation and execution reinforces three important aspects of AEF deployments:
Leadership, Readiness and ATC.
Leadership: One of my favorite authors is Dr. John C. Maxwell. He states that
“Leadership must live by higher standards than their followers.” Whether it comes from Guard
Bureau or squadron level, the bar is set each and every day by whoever is in charge. At the end
of the day at Kirkuk, it was my Squadron CC, Lt Col Biorn, and his leadership that set the tone
for everyone else to follow. His leadership was the difference-maker. In a deployed combat
environment, the ability to employ sound leadership skills is irreplaceable. It precedes
everything we prepare for and set out to achieve. It is the intangible trait and learned behavior
that cannot be measured. It literally can save your unit, your base and ultimately your life as
well as the lives of others.
Readiness: A lifesaving moment is always the result of having a sound mental state of
readiness. Another person I greatly admire is retired General and former Secretary of State Colin
Powell who says to “Never neglect details. When everyone’s mind is dulled or distracted the
leader must be doubly vigilant.” The reality of war and death was a constant at Kirkuk both in
still life form with the memorial wall of names of the fallen displayed at the Wagon Wheel area –
to real time reminders by the C-RAM’s voice alarm of…“Incoming! Incoming! Incoming!”
These aural warnings were then followed by a short moment of silence (and prayer) – and
hopefully no damage. But sometimes the unthinkable would happen - a jolting-booming sound
of an impacted object or building/living quarters followed by blazing roaring fires, or the
aftermath of destruction of shrapnel reaching its targets as far away as 2000 feet – shredding
through walls and ceramic tiled floors. Or maybe car bomb incidents that injured/killed in
excess of 100 people on different occasions because of cultural/religious differences/beliefs. At
Kirkuk the short of it is - neglect detail, become dull or distracted, and you’ve just moved
yourself one step closer to harms way. As controllers, the “Big Picture” reminder was more
evident as we witnessed via radar feed - the execution phase of ATC and combat - C2 operations.
ATC: Despite reminders or various cues, habits are sometimes hard to break. I
remember asking a pilot to say his position, he responded by literally shouting “Somewhere in
Iraq!” I was quickly reminded in harsh tone the rules and protocol of a combat ATC
environment. Also, COMSEC wise, proper execution and the sharing of sensitive information
via secured means were vital to the success of air combat operations and air traffic control.
So…in addition to being a good leader and vigilant airman in a combat environment, the Air
Force expects us to know our job and to execute those duties in a safe and expeditious manner.
This standard is required both during qualification training and after all certifications are
obtained. How long does the Air Force expect for this 3 phase concept to be completed? 6 days!
Preparation and execution – yea…a must for survival and mission accomplishment.
As a SNCO/CCTLR, here are my takeaways or hotwash:
Re-blue: Get back to the basics. Revisit AFI 36-2618, AFP 36-2241 - Prof Development
Guide (chapters 6, 8, 9, 10, 17 & 20).
Arrived at your deployed location proficient and knowledgeable. If you don’t control
traffic full time, DSGs talk to your CCTLRs and try and get days/time on scope prior to
arrival in the AOR.
Review/study the FAAO 7110.65 , LAK, other pertinent ATC docs prior to arrival.
Review/study Airman’s manual.
Loyalty & integrity. Be consistent IAW AF core values and measure up daily to AFI
36-2618 guidance even if you personally or professionally disagree. Remain true!
Maintain a positive attitude, be a team player, work hard, be a leader, be open to
learning, don’t make excuses, be ready to step up if asked or needed, get involved with
volunteer opportunities, write your goals down (ie. MSM, AFCM, monthly awards,
personal growth/development, education etc.), communicate with family and co-workers
in a positive manner, meet new people, do new things, try and have fun considering all.
Cover all deployment items thoroughly with your UDM. My UDM,
MSgt Lanny Cobb, is the best in the business and ensured that I was fully prepared
going out the door. Thanks Lanny!
MAJOR Cultural Awareness (CA) training is needed on both sides - AD and guard.
Stereotypes, lack of knowledge/experience and lack of CA training ultimately in some
form impacted ATC training and operations.
It was a complete honor to serve. My TDY was inspiring because of great individuals, great
controllers and memorable events. Did I make mistakes? Absolutely! Would I do some things
differently? Sure. Did I have down moments and crappy days? Without a doubt! Were there
heated exchange and sometimes adamant disagreement? No question! Did I give my best effort
– put my best foot forward each day? 110% - Yes! Did I learn from it all? You betcha! Coach
Vince Lombardi said it best…”A man’s greatest hour is that moment he has worked his heart out
in good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle-victorious.” Getting the opportunity to do
things such as being a key focal point with the historic BACC airspace transition in support of
Iraqi sovereignty, coordinating key decision issues with Iraqi leadership concerning
Sulaymaniyah Airport issues, spearheading special joint projects with army, air force and
contractor personnel, involvement with all of the Top 3/5-6/Rising 4 volunteer opportunities, 321
EOSS Squadron Basketball, Worship services, and last but not least the great food and
fellowship at the DFAC made all the bombs, mortars, long flights and on-going challenges all
well worth it!
And finally in closing I would like to say that ANG controllers should take great pride of the
support and role taken at Kirkuk. Leadership at Kirkuk (Group level down) realizes AND
appreciates the many contributions made by guard controllers and their impact on ATC ops and
beyond. ANG RAPCON controllers were recognized as Controller of the Month 3 times, Chief
Controller Leadership Award twice, the Diamond Sharp Award and SNCO of the Month at
squadron & group level in just shy of a 4 month timeframe. Not to mention that the RAPCON
was manned with 46% of ANG controllers during this period from line controllers, Senior Watch
Supervisors to the Chief Controller billet. There is still room for improvement, but the overall
contributions and impact made is definitely something to be proud of moving forward in being
ready, reliable and relevant!
As I touched down on OAI flight OY119 at 6:51 pm Friday evening 26 August at BWI
Airport and processed through and exited the customs area to the warm welcome home greeting
from military support volunteer groups cheering and thanking all the military personnel for their
service, I was completely sobered in being part of something much bigger than any person or
thing, and honored at the thought of service to that cause where so many had given the ultimate
sacrifice – and finally after coming to grips with it all…I took great pride in knowing that despite
it all, hands down – America is the greatest country in the world!
God Bless…C-ya!
“SL”