Association of Air Force Missileers

AAFM Dispatch 08-01

01 Aug 2026 04:30 | Anonymous

Fellow Missileers

In just a few days, some of us will gather in Minot for our National meeting to share experiences, get updates on what is happening in the community, and raise a glass to those who have passed. We have a great lineup of speakers including Senator John Hoeven, Maj Gen Colin Conner, the USAFSAM medical team, the Torchlight Initiative, the Sentinel program, and more. We'll do our best to capture the events and share with all of you in our September newsletter.

Many thanks to those of you who participated in our two surveys in July--we received a lot of data on the 2028 Meeting and on Membership. Look for more on both of these topics also in the September newsletter.

New Commanders!

Summertime is known for the dreaded PCS moves and of course the traditional change of command. In almost a full sweep, 20 AF, two missile wings and the 377th all saw change of commands. Thanks to former commanders Maj Gen Staci Jo Huser, 20 AF/CC; Col Jimmy Schlabach, 91 MW/CC, Col Dan Voorhies, 341MW/CC and Col Dustin Harmon, 377th TEG for their service and leadership. Welcome to new opportunities for Maj Gen Colin Connor, 20 AF/CC; Col George Chapman, 91 MW/CC; Col David Wyrick, 341 MW; Col Janet DeWeese, 377 TEG and the many squadron commanders tapped to lead.

WAYMO Guidance?

Driverless Waymo taxicabs use radar and radio waves to track the speed and direction of moving cars and adjust direction of travel. (See: Radar Driving.) The Atlas D ICBM used a hybrid radio‑command and inertial guidance system. Early Atlas D models relied on ground‑based radio guidance.

(See: Atlas D Guidance) Imagine if you will, an Atlas D launching with a 1.44 megaton nuke on top then looking for guidance adjustments from a ground-based radar to get to the target. The Atlas Radio Guidance System controlled the initial flight path of an Atlas D missile and was impressive technology for the 1950's and 60's.

The Atlas D (SM‑65) was the first operational U.S. ICBM. Its guidance system evolved significantly across variants:

Ground systems: Radar tracking, velocity/position measurement, and radio command uplink.

Atlas D: Radio‑inertial guidance
Atlas E/F: Fully inertial guidance
Onboard systems: Data link equipment and inertial platform (later models)

Buffer Riding in the WILD WEST: There's an old saying in the SAC community that states, "If it isn't inspected, it becomes neglected". In SAC missiles, inspections were a way of life. Probably the most in-depth of these ICBM inspections was accomplished by the 3901st Strategic Missile Evaluation Squadron (SMES). SMES personnel came mostly from the missile Wings and were very knowledgeable in the weapon systems.

In 1962, the SAC IG team came at least annually for the ORI, always no notice, concentrating on the Wings ability to go to war. In Titan I Wings Lox loading exercises was accomplished on all 9 Titan I missiles. (See: Lox Loading ) There would be some comments on procedures but no real compliance inspection writeups. SMES came every six months, for personnel performance evaluations. Some were no-notice, but most were scheduled.

The earliest Minuteman ORIs were limited to the "going to war part," and SMES began checking crews in the MPTs, usually 12-14 full Standboard rides. Some over the IG shoulder, and some by SMES. The IG began doing compliance inspections of the back shops in 1967.

According to Charlie Simpson COL (Ret), this was about the time that housekeeping started being part of the inspections. Actual writeups like "breadcrumbs in the butter dish" and "mops and brooms comingled" were appearing in reports. This led to the implementation of CAFI, (Comprehensive Annual Facility Inspection). CAFI inspected missile wing facilities on and off base. In 1978, the IG was doing ORIs, separate compliance visits, and CAFI. Sometimes the CAFI and compliance parts were together. About that time, HAF started the Outstanding Base Appearance awards.

Competition for awards was intense, for example "Best Missile Wing MAF" or Best ICBM squadron. The preparation for CAFI inspections was monumental. If 'it" didn't move, "it" could be painted or buffed. One crew member was observed cleaning stairwell metal strips with a toothbrush in his squadron. When asked why, he replied "I want us to win". Floors were buffed shiny bright, which led to a "sport" called buffer riding or buffer rodeos. So, did all these inspections increase ICBM warfighting capability? Every person who is reading this has an opinion on the answer...but is that old SAC saying still applicable..."If it isn't inspected, it becomes neglected"? Missileers are war fighters and in nuclear deterrence...We too must win!