U.S. Air Force Weapons School graduates 104 officers

Nellis Public Affairs

6/14/2010 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The U.S. Air Force Weapons School graduated 104 officers during ceremonies at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas June 12.

The Weapons School provides the world's most advanced training in weapons and tactics employment, and every six months, produces a new class of graduates who are expert instructors on weapons, weapons systems and air and space integration. Upon completing the course, graduates return to their home stations, taking the latest tactics, techniques and procedures for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat to their respective units.

The Weapons School traces its roots to the Aircraft Gunnery School established in 1949 at Las Vegas Air Force Base, which became Nellis Air Force Base in 1950. This organization brought together a cadre of World War II combat veterans dedicated to teaching the next generation of pilots. The Gunnery School converted to combat crew training to meet the needs of the Korean War.

Today's Weapons School encompasses 17 squadrons, teaching 22 combat specialties at eight locations. Only 30 percent of today's students come from the classic fighter specialties which built the initial reputation of the "patch." The 60-year tradition of excellence associated with the Weapons School continues as today's graduates go to units worldwide to focus on the integration challenges of tomorrow.

Class 10-A graduates include:

66 WPS (A-10) Nellis AFB, Nev.

Capt. Joel W. Bier
Capt. James T. Christensen
Capt. Christopher R. Laird
Capt. Ben M. Rudolphi
Capt. Ethan E. Sabin

Note: From this news article, I only made an A-10 related excerpt. Full story