Air Force to have new mission simulator at Aviation Nation Published Nov. 2, 2012 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The future is now -- and coming to Aviation Nation! The U.S. Air Force is bringing its newest demonstration technology - a state-of-the-art flight simulator that demonstrates the full breadth and capability of modern American airpower - to Aviation Nation at Nellis AFB, Nev., on Nov. 9-11. Known as Rapid Strike, the ride is intended to bring a sample of the Air Force experience to the next generation of future Airmen. Through the simulator, people will be able to experience Air Force missions from a first person perspective; these missions include an F-22 interceptor mission, an unmanned combat aerial vehicle hunting an adversary, and a Special Forces mission. The trailer-borne ride is approximately five minutes long and seats 12-14 people comfortably. It is expected that as many as 75 people can ride the simulator in one hour. There is no physical line for visitors to endure to experience the ride. Visitors register for the ride when they arrive at the display trailer site. "We're confident that everyone who engages in the Rapid Strike experience will gain a better understanding of how different Air Force career fields work together, contributing to overall mission success," said Col. Marcus Johnson, Air Force Recruiting Service's Chief of Strategic Marketing Division. "The simulator will demonstrate why we have the world's greatest Air Force, but it also illustrates that we succeed as a team; Every Airmen in history has always been given that rare opportunity to distinguish themselves - an opportunity that rarely exists outside today's military." Accompanying the ride are other features to cement the Air Force experience in the memories of visitors. Key among them is a Magic Mirror where visitors can stand in front of a digital scanner and "try on" uniforms for three Air Force careers featured in the ride-- pilot, loadmaster and combat controller. While the role of pilot has adapted through modern technology to a myriad of special aircraft and the loadmaster is the backbone of aerial missions, the third career highlights the combat controller, one of the Air Force's most in demand Special Forces roles since 1953 and the cornerstone of missions behind enemy lines. The combat controller's uniform is capped with the distinctive scarlet beret, indicating special operator status on a par with the Army's Green Berets. The simulator portrays combat controllers performing a ground surveillance mission. Their missions are likened to the HALO video game, but the combat controller exists to save the lives of his fellow Airmen in the real world. Johnson said these three missions represent some of the most prominent roles today's Airmen fulfill in military operations worldwide, but adds that there are many others. "That sense of Air Force identity is communicated through Rapid Strike with cutting-edge technology, creating an immersive experience where tomorrow's Airmen can see a career path in front of them," said Johnson. "Today's Airmen - both officers and enlisted - have understandings of electronics, engineering, physics, math and other skills that allow technology like this to better convey that sense of identity to tomorrow's Air Force and communicate the need for students to remain dedicated to their studies. Some of these students will likely inspire the generation that follows them. This is what we mean by a legacy of service and we're very proud to bring the Rapid Strike experience to the people of Henry County; it is because of communities like this that the Air Force flies high." Visitors can learn more about these careers as well as many others offered by today's Air Force by downloading a mobile app to their smartphones or watching videos from the simulator cast via QR codes available from the display. Visitors will also be able to receive wallpapers, videos and ringtones through their cell phones or email after they register. For more information about the augmented reality experience of the Rapid Strike simulator or for other questions about Air Force careers, contact Maj. Devon Washington at 210-565-0534 or your local Air Force recruiter. Recruiter contact information is available by calling 1-800-423-USAF (8723) or by visiting the Recruiter Locator link on the official Air Force recruiting website at www.airforce.com.
