Travis Tailwind: March 6, 2026

TRAVIS TAILWIND

WOLF IN THE SHADOWS

Department of the Air Force increases B-21 Raider production capacity

Secretary of the a ir force Public a ffairS

AURORA, Colo. — The Department of the Air Force and Northrop Grumman Corp. have reached an agreement to expand production capacity for the B-21 Raider, accelerating delivery of the Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber fleet.

The agreement applies $4.5 billion in funding already authorized and appropriated under the fiscal year 2025 reconciliation legislation, commonly referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” This agreement accelerates the approved acquisition profile by increasing annual production capacity by 25%, compressing delivery timelines while preserving cost and performance discipline.

“This is what disciplined acquisition delivers,” said Gen. Dale R. White, director, Critical Major Weapon Systems and direct reporting portfolio manager to the Deputy Secretary of War. “This decision reflects our confidence in the program’s performance and the stability of the industrial base. By increasing production capacity now, we are responsibly accelerating delivery of a critical, combat-effective capability to the warfighter.”

National Nutrition Month: Healthy habits are key to successful mission

McK inzie A lston

Mission success in the military depends on training and equipment.

Although missions vary across the force, there is one essential system every warfighter must maintain: the body. Proper fueling is not only a matter of health, but also readiness. Understanding how nutrition affects mental and physical performance is fundamental to success before, during and after a mission.

March is National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” encourages service members to learn how food and beverage choices support daily performance, how to make informed decisions and how to build healthy habits that last a lifetime. This aligns with the military’s emphasis on total-force readiness, with nutrition serving as a foundational component of performance and resilience.

This article highlights each weekly theme of National Nutrition Month and provides practical guidance and military resources to support personal nutrition goals.

Week 1: Power Your Day with Nutritional Food and Beverages.

Fuel both the mind and body. Choices made

throughout the day directly affect performance and energy levels. Building a performance plate includes carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle repair and healthy fats for endurance at meals.

At dining facilities, the Go for Green program uses a stoplight system to guide food choices. Foods are coded green for eat often, yellow for eat occasionally and red for eat rarely. Filling most of the plate with greencoded foods supports sustained performance.

Timing also matters.

Fueling before, during and after training helps maximize energy and recovery. Three to four hours before training, choose a meal with carbohydrates, protein, fruits and/or vegetables.

One to two hours before training, choose a carbohydrate and protein snack.

Thirty to 60 minutes before training, choose a fast-fuel carbohydrate low in fat and fiber.

Within two hours after training, eat carbohydrates and protein to support recovery.

Week 2: Find Advice Backed by Science. Nutrition information online can be confusing. Social media often contains opinions that are not evidence based.

See Alston, Page 6

Stay connected with Travis Exchange on social media

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TRAVIS AIR FORCE

BASE — Staying connected with the Travis Exchange is easier than ever. The military community can keep up with news, events and services by following their local BX social media pages. Local Exchange pages share installation-specific updates, including special events, new offerings, updates on services and restaurants, hours of operation, holiday information and community highlights. Following these pages helps service members, families, retirees and veterans stay informed about what’s happening at their Exchange, right where they live and serve.

“No matter where the mission takes them, the military community can find the latest Exchange news and connect with their local store through official Exchange social media channels,” Travis Exchange General Manager Cathie Byrns said. “A centralized list of local Exchange social media pages is available online, making it easy for our shoppers to stay updated at each installation.”

To stay up to date with your local Exchange, explore the social media pages available for installations worldwide, found at https:// publicaffairs-sme.com/ Community/wp-content/ uploads/sites/5/2026/02/ Local-Social-MediaPages_FEB-2026.pdf.

Fitness training at Travis AFB supports wellness, PT readiness

AFOSI reaches settlement in cargo fraud case

thoMAs br Ading AFOSI PUBLIC AFFAIRS

CAMDEN, N.J. — The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), alongside federal law enforcement and oversight partners, investigated a case that resulted in a $2.6 million civil settlement with SEA BOX Inc. over alleged violations of U.S. cargo transportation laws tied to War Department contracts.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), SEA BOX agreed to resolve allegations that it violated the Cargo Preference Act and related military contract requirements.

The settlement resolves claims under the False Claims Act. The claims settled are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

The law requires supplies bought for the War Department and moved by sea be carried on U.S.-flagged ships. That requirement is built into military contracts to protect U.S. shipping companies.

According to the DOJ, between late 2017 and late 2021, SEA BOX was awarded about 35 contracts to provide International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compliant shipping containers to the Department of the Army

McNaughton Editor: Todd R. Hansen Layout : Aaron Rosenblatt

and the Department of the Air Force, primarily through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).

However, despite contract requirements to use U.S.-flagged ships, SEA BOX shipped the containers on lower-cost, foreign-flagged vessels.

According to officials, this lowered the company’s shipping costs, gave an unfair advantage over competitors.

“Protecting the integrity of the federal procurement system is a core mission for AFOSI Procurement Fraud,” said Jason Hein, director of AFOSI’s Office of Procurement Fraud. “We will continue to work with our partners to investigate fraud and ensure contractors meet their legal and contractual obligations.”

The investigation was conducted jointly by AFOSI, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, with support

from the Defense Contract Audit Agency, DLA and the Maritime Administration.

“Federal contracting laws exist to protect national security and the integrity of our indus-

Securing rare earth elements a national security imperative

DaviD vergun PENTAGON NEWS

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Securing a resilient supply chain for critical minerals is fundamental to national security and the economy, said Michael P. Cadenazzi Jr., assistant secretary of war for industrial base policy, who testified today at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington, Feb. 24.

He noted that there is a growing demand for U.S. capabilities from allies and partners, such as fifth-generation aircraft, precision-guided munitions, satellite constellations and nextgeneration naval vessels. Cadenazzi said those capabilities all depend on a reliable supply of rare earth elements, including gallium antimony and germanium, as well as dozens of others.

“For decades, we have outsourced and offshored mining and processing, creating a

strategic vulnerability of the highest order. Today, our primary strategic competitor, China, controls the global supply chain for numerous critical minerals,” he said. On heavy rare earths alone, China controls 95% of global output, with the United States importing almost 100% of what it uses, 90% of that coming from China.

“This control provides Beijing with the ability to weaponize these supply chains, threatening to disrupt our defense industrial base and compromise military readiness in a crisis; this is not a theoretical risk. It is a clear and present danger to our national security,” Cadenazzi said.

To address this vulnerability, the War Department developed a comprehensive, multiyear strategy designed to create a secure, resilient and sustainable supply chain ecosystem, See Rare, Page 4

571st MSAS Air

Tech. Sgt. Lucas

Ark., Oct. 21, 2023. The demonstration was conducted by F-35 pilot

B-21

From Page 1

The B-21 program delivered aircraft on schedule in 2025 and remains on track for aircraft on the ramp at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, in 2027.

The accelerated production agreement builds on that demonstrated performance, translating program stability into faster fielding of combat capability.

“The B-21 is foundational to our long-range strike capability and to credible deterrence,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “Accelerating production capacity

now ensures we deliver operational capability to combatant commanders faster – strengthening our ability to outpace, deter, and, if necessary, defeat emerging threats. This is disciplined execution at the speed the security environment demands.”

Currently executing flight test, the long-range, penetrating strike aircraft is designed to operate in the most contested environments and hold any target at risk. The B-21 integrates advanced stealth, resilient networking, and a modern, data-driven command and control architecture –ensuring the Joint Force retains a decisive advantage in an increasingly complex battlespace.

AF, Costa Rican SVA achieve key firsts during joint training

BASE — U.S. Air Force

Air Advisors from the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron (MSAS) recently completed a Mobile Training Team (MTT) engagement with the Costa Rican Servicio de Vigilancia Aérea (SVA), Jan. 17. The team achieved multiple firsts in bilateral aviation cooperation and strengthening Costa Rica’s air domain capability and advancing U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) security cooperation objectives.

For the first time, U.S. Air Force pilots flew the SVA’s C-208 Cessna Grand Caravan alongside SVA pilots, building trust and interoperability through shared flight operations. These sorties marked an important milestone, moving cooperation from classroom instruction to practical, side-by-side execution in the air.

The mission also marked the first integration of a U.S. sensor operator aboard an SVA 250 Beechcraft King Air, enabling joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) training. This collaboration improved shared understanding of airborne surveillance operations and enhanced SVA’s ability to employ ISR assets in support of national security and public safety missions.

During the engagement, MSAS advisors introduced airdrop capability to SVA fixed-wing crews.

Pilots received instruction on airdrop fundamentals and practiced procedures in the air, establishing a foundation for future humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and resupply operations, particularly in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

To support this capability, SVA personnel were trained in parachute rigging, learning how to prepare aerial delivery bundles for medical and humanitarian supplies. Additionally, SVA members were introduced to Drop Zone Control Officer (DZCO) fundamentals, enabling safe coordination of aerial delivery operations between aircrews and

ground teams.

The MTT also strengthened sustainment and readiness through continued King Air and Grand Caravan maintenance training. This effort culminated in the first joint launch and recovery of aircraft for training missions, improving coordination between pilots and maintainers and enhancing long-term aircraft availability.

Collectively, these achievements increased Costa Rica’s ability to monitor its airspace, respond to humanitarian emergencies, and support regional security efforts.

The engagement directly supports USSOUTHCOM’s objectives by strengthening partnernation capacity, enhancing interoperability, and reinforcing long-standing cooperation between the United States and Costa Rica.

The 571st MSAS remains committed to working with partner nations across the region to build sustainable aviation capabilities that promote security, stability, and readiness throughout the Western Hemisphere. Furthermore, this mission underscores the Air Force’s ability to generate strategic impact through small teams, integrated training, and operationally relevant engagement.

AFSOUTH strengthens Argentine AF F-16 integration

Southern conducted a knowledge exchange with military representatives of the Argentine air force, Fuerza Aérea Argentina, in support of their Peace Condor program, at DavisMonthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Jan. 6-9.

The Argentine air force’s Peace Condor program supports the integration of its six newly acquired F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, received in late 2025. Through mentorship from the United States, the FAA is developing the plans and programs required to operate and sustain the modern fighter platform. The addition of the F-16 enhances Argentina’s ability to defend its airspace and contribute to regional security efforts across the Western Hemisphere.

“We recently acquired F-16 weapon systems, but we currently do not have the foundational knowledge to launch the aircraft,” said Argentine Air Force Col. Norma Arnoletto, chief medical director. “We are very grateful for this exchange because we have gathered a lot of information to take home and alter to meet our needs, in order to best support our F-16 program.”

According to Air Forces Southern leadership, the exchange emphasized building sustainable and interoperable capabilities rather than simply transferring equipment.

“This exchange focused on building sustainable, interoperable medical

and operational capabilities alongside our Argentine partners as they integrate the F-16,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Aaron Goodrich, Air Forces Southern deputy command surgeon. “By sharing aerospace medicine expertise, best practices and lessons learned, we’re helping improve pilot safety, strengthen mission readiness and reenforce long-term regional security across the hemisphere.”

During the knowledge exchange, AFSOUTH connected the FAA delegation with subject matter experts across multiple mission areas, including infrastructure, weapons systems and aerospace medicine, to support the development of a comprehensive and sustainable F-16 program. The 305th Rescue Squadron showcased its combat search and rescue capabilities, which play a vital role to an F-16 program by supporting pilot survivability, mission effectiveness and strategic decision-making. Many F-16 programs rely on integration with allied CSAR forces to ensure rapid response during contingencies.

“It’s important for the FAA to know what capabilities we have, so they can compare and grow their capabilities,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Lee Fowler, 305th RQS rescue pilot. Fowler also said he’s happy to see such a strong partnership with the FAA and U.S. Air Force because it not only advances medical capabilities but strengthens interoperability and stability in the Western Hemisphere.

Because of the F-16’s high-performance flight

profile, aerospace medicine was a key focus area during the exchange.

Flight doctors at the 355th Medical Group also shared information and answered questions about caring for that very human weapon system. Topics discussed included physical therapy, medical standards and inflight emergencies.

Additional expertise was provided through the State Partnership Program, which pairs the Georgia National Guard with the Argentina’s armed forces. A flight surgeon from Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, advised on aerospace medicine considerations specific to F-16 operations.

“We are helping the Argentine air force build up their aerospace medicine program, specifically looking at flight surgeons, flight medicine, tactical combat casualty care, and hydrazine recovery and mitigation with the F-16 program,” said Lt. Col. Joshua Lane, 116th Medical Group, flight surgeon and SPP representative. “The SPP and Air Forces Southern have partnered together to provide educational resources to the Argentine air force to not only build up their F-16 program but to support international cooperation with the U.S. Air Force.”

The FAA delegation also visited Morris Air National Guard Base, Arizona, where they observed F-16 pilot training conducted by the 162nd Wing.

Throughout the visit, Argentine air force members expressed appreciation for the access to subject matter experts and operational facilities.

We gained extremely

Rare

From Page 3

Cadenazzi said. Included in that approach is a commitment to reshore and onshore the production of critical minerals. Congress provided funding to do this, he said, utilizing the Defense Production Act.

Cadenazzi said his office partners with colleagues in the Office of Strategic Capital to offer loans, loan guarantees and debt financing options to bring mineral supply chains to friendly shores.

“Through these tools, we are sending a clear and sustained demand signal to the industrial base. We are working across the entire value chain, from mine to front line, to build our resilience,” he said.

Although DOW prioritizes domestic production, Cadenazzi said no single nation can achieve complete selfsufficiency. Therefore, the supply chain includes allies and America’s closest partners.

The department is also

aggressively investing in research and development to mitigate demand for the most heavily contested minerals.

“Our scientists at [the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency] and other service research labs are pioneering the development of next-generation materials and novel manufacturing techniques that can reduce or eliminate the need for certain rare earths and other critical inputs,” Cadenazzi said.

He noted that other DOW strategies include funding the development of advanced recycling technologies to recover rare earth from systems and materials being retired, and modernizing the national defense stockpile to ensure it serves as an effective buffer against near-term supply chain shocks.

“We are conducting a rigorous, data-driven analysis of our strategic requirements for 21st-century contested environments and [we] are taking action to acquire materials that face the most acute supply chain risks,” Cadenazzi said.

OST works to improve airmen readiness

K

HILL AIR FORCE

BASE, Utah — To help airmen sustain the high levels of fitness, resil ience, and performance required to meet mission demands, the 75th Medical Group continues to expand its Operational Support Team, or OST, at Hill Air Force Base.

The OST is a small, mobile group of medical and human‑performance professionals who embed with units to improve phys ical readiness, strengthen workplace health and safety practices, and build trusted relationships that make preventive care more accessible. Tra ditionally, OSTs focus on one high‑risk squad ron at a time for a limited period – usually about six months – but Hill’s team is now taking a broader approach.

Britlie Silvester, Operational Support Team strength and conditioning specialist, conducts a workout session at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Feb. 10. The Operational Support Team is a small, mobile group of medical and human-performance professionals who work with units to improve physical readiness and strengthen workplace health and safety practices.

“What’s unique about this effort is we’re shift ing our focus to include the entire installation,” said Maj. Julie Bowman, OST flight commander. “We want airmen to take advantage of the resources available to them and this new approach allows all active duty the same

access that is typically reserved for the highest risk units.”

The team’s new “hybrid

embedment cycle” dedi cates the last two weeks of each month to provid ing support to every unit at Hill AFB. This allows the OST to reach airmen across a wider range of mission sets while still offering targeted, hands‑on assistance. The goal is to build resilience, improve unit readiness and mitigate risk, and enhance mission execution and operational effectiveness.

Bowman said a culture of fitness starts with airmen choosing to invest in themselves, and her team provides airman the resources to do that.

“We’ve gathered experts from across the base to provide educa tion on topics like sleep optimization, perfor mance nutrition, injury prevention, PFA strat egies, managing testing and running anxiety, and our strength and condi tioning specialists are leading workout ses sions,” she said.

Hill’s current team consists of two strength and conditioning spe cialists and a physical therapist, with additional

support drawn from base helping agencies such as chaplains, mental health specialists, and the instal lation dietitian. They offer a wide range of classes and coaching sessions tai lored to unit needs. Classes currently available for registration can be found through Hill’s Integrated Resilience Office. “Whether OST is directly supporting your unit or you join us for our base wide offerings, we’re providing the tools for all airmen on base to improve, not just a fitness score, but their overall mental, spiritual, and physical wellness,” Bowman said.

PACAF-first mission ready airman program

Alston

From Page 2

Reliable sources are available to help service members make informed decisions.

The Warfighter Nutrition Guide provides science-based recommendations designed to support performance.

Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS) is the Department of Defense dietary supplement safety program and offers factual information to help evaluate supplement use.

For personalized guidance, service members may self-refer to the Outpatient Nutrition Clinic at David Grant Medical Center by calling 707-423-7867.

Other TRICARE beneficiaries require a referral.

Week 3: Stay Nourished on Any Budget

Friday, from 1 to 3 p.m., in the Military and Family Readiness Center parking lot. The Attic pantry, 560 Hickam Ave., open Wednesdays, from 4 to 6 p.m. (check social media for schedule updates).

Alaska — Thirty-four U.S. Air Force noncommissioned officers participated in Security Forces-focused Mission Ready Airman training Feb. 6, a firstof-its-kind program in the Pacific Air Forces that aims at increasing lethality and readiness across the force.

The training, conducted at the 673rd Security Forces Squadron warehouse, was integrated into the NCO Foundations 500 course and led primarily by Security Forces instructors. The initiative is a PACAFlevel first and is currently unique to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

“Our training was Mission Ready Airmen,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Taylor Davis, 673rd SFS counter-small unmanned aerial system noncommissioned officer in charge. “It brought together a couple of topics from security forces, like use-of-force, combatives, land navigation, communications with land mobile radios and also some c-sUAS awareness and active shooter training.”

“The MRA training gives the framework for these key leaders, our NCO corps, to think strategically and then apply that at a tactical level,” Davis continued. “And that flows directly into lethality because it’s not just [security forces] that carry weapons systems that need to be able to support the fight.”

The training placed airmen in scenarios that typically fall outside the normal scope of their primary career fields, exposing them to warfighting skills they may not routinely practice in day-to-day duties. By reinforcing foundational combat, communication and decision-making skills across diverse specialties, the program ensures airmen can operate

effectively in hostile environments. Participants said the training reinforced the importance of shared responsibility across the force.

U.S. Air Force

Tech. Sgt. Vincent Ruiz, 673rd Logistics Readiness NCOIC of heavy equipment, said the experience helped break down career field barriers.

Maintaining a healthy eating pattern on a budget can be challenging, and some military families may experience periods of food insecurity. Practical strategies can help. Plan meals around foods that are on sale and in season. Frozen and canned options are appropriate choices. Select lowsodium canned vegetables and fruits canned in juice. Create a grocery list and follow it to avoid unnecessary purchases.

The Military and Family Readiness Center offers a “Healthy Eating on a Budget” class, March 10, from 10 to 11 a.m., taught by a dietitian from the Nutrition Clinic.

Additional support resources are available: Monthly mobile food pantry on the second

Week 4: Feel Good With Healthy Habits Nutrition works best when combined with other healthy lifestyle behaviors. Physical activity, sleep and balanced meals together support recovery and mental well-being. Activity does not need to occur only in a gym. Walking, group exercise or short 10- minute sessions throughout the day are effective. Prioritizing sleep improves physical and cognitive recovery, and balanced meals help regulate mood and support overall health. Developing sustainable habits strengthens resilience and supports long-term readiness. Throughout the month, consider the role nutrition plays in performance and health. Connect with reliable resources, make informed choices and build habits that support readiness. Improving nutrition does not require immediate major changes. Progress begins with small, consistent steps that fuel the body and support the mission. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Defense Health Agency, Department of War, nor the U.S. Government.

McKinzie Alston is a registered dietitian nutritionist with Nutritional Medicine, 60th Medical Group, Travis Air Force Base

“I think it’s great to come back together and realize we’re one fighting force and how that plays a huge factor when you go into a theater [of operations],” Ruiz said. “The training sharpened skills not often practiced in daily duties. I think we’ll be much more lethal after this training and more trainings like it.”

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Brandi Jordan, the

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Air Force secretary outlines priorities

david vergun

PENTAGON NEWS

AURORA, Colo. —

The Department of the Air Force’s priorities are readiness, modernization, defending the homeland – including the entire hemisphere, border security, missile defense, nuclear deterrence and people, said Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, who spoke during the Air and Space Forces Association’s 2026 Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colorado, Feb. 23.

From a conventional deterrence perspective, the focus is on China, which continues to expand and modernize its military at an extremely fast pace, making deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region the biggest challenge by far, he said.

“Given that threat environment, the Air Force and the Space Force must be ready at any time for any threat across the entire spectrum of conflict,” Meink said.

One of the challenges is scaling up production of weapon systems and munitions. Accomplishing that requires the revival of the defense industrial base, which has experienced decades of neglect, he said.

The good news is that beginning last year, pro-

duction of advanced aircraft and munitions has ramped up. Not as fast as needed, but faster than in the past, the secretary said, adding the testing program for the LGM-35A Sentinel is proceeding well.

The Air Force will replace the aging LGM-30 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile with the Sentinel ICBM. This represents the modernization of the land-based leg of the nuclear triad.

In the space domain, an increase in rocket launches has put more capability into orbit than ever before, thanks to help from commercial partnerships and other military services, as well as the National Reconnaissance Office.

Acquisition transformation includes delivering mission-effective capabilities faster.

“To do that, we must innovate faster than our adversaries,” the secretary said.

To accomplish this, the workforce must be empowered to unleash their talent, take the initiative and know that supervisors have their backs, Meink said, adding that the Department of the Air Force has a phenomenal team.

JBER

From Page 6

Professional Development Center superintendent, said the program bridges the gap between professional military education and operational execution.

“The MRA training directly enhances the lethality and readiness of the force by translating classroom concepts into tactical proficiency,” Jordan said. She emphasized that offering the same training across enlisted tiers strengthens the force. “Whether it’s a first-time introduction for a junior member or

a refresher for a senior leader, this continuous cycle of training ensures the entire team can operate effectively.”

Mission Ready Airman training is now embedded in all Professional Development Center Foundations courses at JBER, including Junior Enlisted Foundations 300, NCO Foundations 500 and Senior NCO Foundations 700, reinforcing the installation’s focus on Ready Airmen, Ready Base and a lethal, prepared force.

“I do hope to see other bases take this on,” Jordan said. “I’m sure with more resources and ideas we can all come up with a better way forward for future classes.”

M arine Corps LanCe CpL

K indsey CaLvert III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

CAMP COURTNEY, Japan — Weather, while it cannot be controlled, can be predicted, which helps commanders make informed decisions about planning exercises and troop movements. Meteorology and oceanography Marines support battlefield capabilities through forecasting and predicting how weather will impact operations.

These Marines are trained meteorologists and oceanographers who look at the current state of the environment and create weather forecasts that support operational planning and execution. They create routine forecasts, 96-120 hours out, using satellite data and weather patterns, in addition to future forecasts for exercise planning, using historical weather data over a 20-year period.

“Out here in the Pacific, weather can determine both friendly and adversarial pacing of operations,” said Marine Corps Sgt. Priya Hasham, a meteorology and oceanography analyst forecaster with the III Marine Expeditionary Force.

To learn this field, Marines attend a yearlong program where they are taught basic physics, develop an understanding of the atmosphere and how it affects the weather and gain the ability to interpret weather radar data to create forecasts.

In creating a forecast, satellite imagery, radar and data from weather stations around the world can be used. Pattern recognition also plays a significant

role in forecasting, making personal experience an important factor. Since weather is influenced by local terrain, the longer a Marine has been in an

area, the more familiar they are with local weather patterns, improving their ability to create accurate predictions.

Most Marine Corps installations have these specialized Marines, whose responsibilities vary between units. At the III Marine Expeditionary Force, their weather predictions support intelligence and battlespace awareness by looking at the big picture of air, land and sea operations to inform commanders as to how assets will operate in various weather conditions.

“Forecasting is an art and science,” Hasham said. “There is a lot of technical skill involved.”