Army GLO impacts mission for Air Force fighter pilots at Bagram

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Cierra Presentado | U.S. Army Capt Andrew Littel, 555th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron ground liaison officer, reviews information with a pilot before takeoff June 12, 2015, at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. As a GLO, Littel briefs pilots on mission parameters as well as provides pilots with a good perspective of what guys on the ground are going through. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cierra Presentado/Released)  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

06.13.2015

Story by Senior Airman Cierra Presentado 

455th Air Expeditionary Wing   

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Capt. Andrew Littel, 555th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron ground liaison officer, is a critical link between ground forces and the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft flying overhead supporting them.

Capt. Littel, a GLO for two and a half years deployed from Aviano Air Base, Italy, is responsible for ensuring Air Force fighter pilots here get briefed on missions that can impact their sortie, as well as ensure Viper drivers understand and have a good perspective of what guys on the ground are going through.

Littel is the only Soldier among an entire Air Force squadron, and the duty and experience he brings to his job here is invaluable to the squadron.

“I bring my fires and maneuver experience to the team here. I get to work directly with the pilots, which is an exciting experience,” he said. “As a ground forces guy, I’m able to translate between the Army and Air Force.”

Prior to becoming a GLO, Littel went through different training, including the Joint Firepower School at Nellis Air Force Base, N.V., and the Air and Space Operations Course at Hulbert Field, Fla. That training and experience ultimately landed him in his current position in the 555th EFS.

“This is a joint fight that we’re in. I let the pilots know what constraints the guy on the ground deals with and what enablers he has with him. I do this every day,” he said. “It’s great because these guys fly all over the country; it’s not just a small theater.”

Working with both branches, Littel has been able to experience management on all levels with the Air Force and the Army.

“I’ve learned a new way that organizations can function from both the leadership and management perspective. People are all the same; Airmen and Soldiers are motivated by the same things…to do a good job and do what the country asks them to do,” Littel said.

According to the 555 EFS commander, Littel is vital to the mission here at Bagram because his training and experience as a Soldier enables him to help, guide and teach Air Force pilots about the ground forces they are supporting.

• Date Taken: 06.13.2015
• Date Posted: 06.13.2015 09:44
• Story ID: 166533
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF
• Hometown: GRAND PRAIRIE, TX, US