An F-22A Raptor soars through the sky, embodying the cutting-edge prowess and tactical mastery honed at the USAF Weapons School.
In every elite organization, there is the person who we all refer to as “that guy” or “that girl”…a “go-to” person.
The Squadron Weapons Officer
They are the ones with the answers — even to questions we’ve not yet formulated or the ones we’re afraid to ask for fear of looking like ignorant fools in front of our peers. The thing that makes that guy different from a pompous, know-it-all jackass loathed by his colleagues is the willingness to share information, impart wisdom, or provide the extra push needed to get over the hump of whatever challenge is at hand.
They are the superstars, and if they were athletes in professional leagues, they would be the ones whose names are on display at the Hall of Fame. They elevate the game of everyone around them and inspire greatness in the individuals and organizations they serve.
Colonel Robert A. “Shark” Garland, Jr., Commandant of the United States Air Force Weapons School from 2011 to 2013, watches a B-1B Lancer preparing to shut down after arriving at Nellis AFB, NV.
In the United States Air Force, the person most often referred to as that guy is the squadron weapons officer. Known as a “Patch” or “Patch wearer,” a weapons officer not only bears a heavy responsibility but possesses the uncanny ability to rise to the top of the heap despite any adversity standing in his path.
He serves as an advisor to military leaders at all levels, to both those actually in uniform and those in elected or nominated government positions.
These officers are the ones who teach the Air Force‘s teachers—the corps of instructors—providing that service with a deep reservoir of tactical expertise and operational understanding.
It is a guild of dependable problem-solvers and tacticians that enable the Air Force to integrate its prowess seamlessly alongside other military services.
The graduate patch of the USAF Weapons School, worn on the left sleeve for the rest of a weapons officer’s career, isn’t something handed out to anyone who walks through the doors.
In every elite organization, there is the person who we all refer to as “that guy” or “that girl”…a “go-to” person.
The Squadron Weapons Officer
They are the ones with the answers — even to questions we’ve not yet formulated or the ones we’re afraid to ask for fear of looking like ignorant fools in front of our peers. The thing that makes that guy different from a pompous, know-it-all jackass loathed by his colleagues is the willingness to share information, impart wisdom, or provide the extra push needed to get over the hump of whatever challenge is at hand.
They are the superstars, and if they were athletes in professional leagues, they would be the ones whose names are on display at the Hall of Fame. They elevate the game of everyone around them and inspire greatness in the individuals and organizations they serve.
Colonel Robert A. “Shark” Garland, Jr., Commandant of the United States Air Force Weapons School from 2011 to 2013, watches a B-1B Lancer preparing to shut down after arriving at Nellis AFB, NV.
In the United States Air Force, the person most often referred to as that guy is the squadron weapons officer. Known as a “Patch” or “Patch wearer,” a weapons officer not only bears a heavy responsibility but possesses the uncanny ability to rise to the top of the heap despite any adversity standing in his path.
He serves as an advisor to military leaders at all levels, to both those actually in uniform and those in elected or nominated government positions.
These officers are the ones who teach the Air Force‘s teachers—the corps of instructors—providing that service with a deep reservoir of tactical expertise and operational understanding.
It is a guild of dependable problem-solvers and tacticians that enable the Air Force to integrate its prowess seamlessly alongside other military services.
The graduate patch of the USAF Weapons School, worn on the left sleeve for the rest of a weapons officer’s career, isn’t something handed out to anyone who walks through the doors.
To put things in perspective, the Navy’s Fighter Weapons School, better known as the famed Topgun, is a nine-week program, while the USAF Weapons School is five and a half months.
It’s held twice yearly at Nellis Air Force Base outside Las Vegas. It’s grueling, demanding, and unforgiving. If there was ever a case in the Air Force where the phrase “only the strong survive” would be appropriate, Weapons School fits the bill.
The graduate patch of the United States Air Force Weapons School.
When I first received an invitation to visit the school in June of 2011, I was intrigued. At that time, Colonel Robert “Shark” Garland, a career F-15C and F-22A pilot held the position of the school’s commandant. “Welcome to the Weapons School,” he said as an introduction.
His southern drawl isn’t particularly deep but certainly noticeable — smooth with a bit of an imposing edge. A firm grip and a strong handshake, but I wouldn’t have expected anything less from a Texan. “C’mon in. I was hoping you might be able to help me.”
My journey into the heart of the Air Force’s crown jewel began with Colonel Garland’s statement echoing in my head. How can I help him?
He began to explain that, without any doubt, the Department of Defense is facing a tremendous budget crisis. The fear is that if not appropriately managed, there will be catastrophic repercussions for our national security.
Facing the Budget Crisis
Before he departed from service, then-Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates repeatedly warned of a “hollowing out” of our military capabilities if proposed budget cuts are enacted.
His sentiments have been echoed by senior leadership in the military, and that grave concern is trickling downhill to the men and women on the front lines of our national defense. “It’s really simple,” Garland explained. “The writing is on the wall. Folks need to know why we’re here and why it’s important. If they don’t, even a Priority Zero asset like the Weapons School faces significant cuts that could have catastrophic effects on our national defense.”
The reality, both then and now, is that our military forces are already facing significant, even debilitating fiscal challenges.
The Air Force, for example, has been sustaining combat operations for the past 23 years; the wear and tear on its equipment and capabilities are undeniable. Most importantly, the military service is hemorrhaging talent at an alarming rate, because its personnel and their families are weary of an operations tempo that is disintegrating the glue holding them together.
The service, since its inception, has never been in a predicament quite like this, which has many general officers lying awake at night with worry.
A U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor, flown by Major Geoff “Mako” Church, takes part in a Defensive Counter Air (DCA) mission during the Mission Employment phase of U.S. Air Force Weapons School Class 12-A.
The USAF Weapons School’s Crucial Role
Even facing such challenges, the Weapons School is undeterred in its mission. The School’s commandant has a responsibility far beyond what any fact sheet could convey of the institution itself.
The effects of his choices and the quality of the graduates that the school produces will determine the direction, sustainability, and combat effectiveness of the United States Air Force well into the future.
Boosting the Force: The Weapons School’s Impact
The USAF Weapons School provides a booster shot to our force every six months: it refreshes our knowledge of the best tactics, techniques, and procedures across all of our air, space, and cyberspace capabilities to deal with the current threat in today’s battlespace.
Without the Weapons School running at full capacity, our Air Force’s knowledge and skill level will atrophy over time, and the associated risks will grow.
Stay tuned! Part Two continues with a closer look at the history of the United States Air Force Weapons School.
Editor’s note: This article was written by Scott Wolff and was originally published in March 2020. A freelance photojournalist, Wolff holds a private pilot certificate and draws on his experience as a flight operations director in the airshow industry, as well as 14 years spent in public service generating military and government-related content. Scott has received military altitude chamber training, emergency egress training, and has logged time in a variety of civilian and military aircraft.
This article has been reviewed and updated by the SOFREP News Team.
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