Explosive opportunities with the 122nd Fighter Wing

Photo By Master Sgt. William Hopper | U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Bryce Gawronski, a munitions systems specialists with the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard, carries a fully assembled 2.75 inch rocket to a storage rack during Operation Guardian Blitz Jan. 23, 2018, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. 2.75 inch rockets must be precisely assembled from a variety of parts requiring the teamwork of several Airmen. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. William Hopper)  

FORT WAYNE, IN, UNITED STATES

12.02.2018

Story by Staff Sgt. Justin Andras 

122nd Fighter Wing

FORT WAYNE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ind. – The 122nd Fighter Wing offers numerous opportunities to interested people looking to advance their careers. Munitions Systems Specialists have the ability to kick start an explosive career through the handling of high-explosive incendiary rounds, a large assortment of bombs, and other munitions, in some cases, all in a day’s time. A multitude of positions exist within the unit’s numerous shops.

The conventional maintenance shop, considered the “meat and potatoes” of the unit, conducts the bomb building process and assembly of chaff, flair, rockets and other munitions. This shop, considered the largest in the unit, provides members with a good overview of the unit’s roles and is the typical starting point for a new member.

Once munitions are built, tested and available for use they can be moved to storage. Munitions storage, a critical need of the group, ensures that the base’s inventory of munitions, small and large, are kept safe and removed from incident.

We look for very detail-oriented people to handle the role in storage, said Staff Sgt. Brent Maddox, munitions controller. For our unit the small details make a big difference.

When called upon munitions troops retrieve the necessary munitions from storage in addition to performing maintenance of the stock and the monitoring of storage requirements.

Once a request is made from the flight line for inventory it is sent over to the munitions control area. The office provides communication between flight line personnel and the munitions unit to schedule deliveries to the flight line. Additional duties of the team include personnel and munitions accountability, a necessary objective to ensure the safety of personnel and protection to the base. Regular coordination occurs with the base fire department to provide accurate data on what munitions are stored in all areas.

The delivery tasks are accomplished by the line delivery team, a logistical component, who transport munitions to the flight line to load onto aircraft. This critical element of the munitions squadron ensures the quick reaction time necessary for meeting timelines, potentially on short notice. Members also provide records management for munitions when moved.

The safe and prompt transportation of munitions cannot be accomplished without the trailer maintenance shop. Munitions are loaded onto specifically built trailers that must be regularly maintained for without them the role of the entire unit is in jeopardy. Recurring work includes full tear down and replacement of all necessary parts. The necessity to have properly motivated and trained individuals in these roles is essential while good mechanical skills are a must.

Lastly, opportunities exist within the precision guided munitions component once experience has been gained in the unit. Members with the proper training, experience and time in service can be tasked with responsibilities related to the wing’s most advanced munitions. Testing and inspections of these munitions ensures they maintain efficient operating ability. Great attention to detail is yet again critical to all members and their ability to conduct the appropriate actions.

As with all jobs in the wing, qualification for a position such as munitions systems specialist, requires a high school diploma and the ability to take direction, learn and succeed in all facets of the job. The key to success in this job lies in the Air Force core values: integrity first, service before self and excellence in all you do. All interested individuals are encouraged to contact the 122nd Fighter Wing recruiting office at 260-478-3247.

• Date Taken: 12.02.2018
• Date Posted: 12.02.2018 15:49
• Story ID: 301964
• Location: FORT WAYNE, IN, US