By Capt Rivas, photos by Lt Col
Tinnirello
Capt Hollerbach gave a presentation
on a major program the Civil Air Patrol supports, Green Flag. Green Flag is the
name given to the US Air Force’s realistic air-land integration training program
in support of US and allied forces. CAP’s role is to support training of ground
forces in their use of air assets. CAP also provides training and support to
CAP’s Emergency Services mission, including disaster relief and search and
rescue.
CAP C-182 and C-206 aircraft are
aircraft modified with full motion video systems similar to those used by USAF.
Once aloft video is transmitted in real time to ground receivers either being
used by military units in training or linked into Federal/State emergency
communications centers.
The aircraft is flown by three
highly skilled CAP members and may operate in challenging conditions, including
instrument conditions, mountainous terrain, and/or at night. The aircrew are
trained in the use of the sensor ball camera, managing the mission (in the
air), communicating with ground teams and other air assets, and of course
flying the aircraft. Not all crew members must be pilots, but can expect to be
trained to multiple crew positions.
Capt Hollerbach is a CAP Mission
Pilot and is about to enter her 3rd year as a crew member of
Green Flag. She is trained in the use of the sensor ball and mission
management.
