the same requirements when it comes
to qualifications — that calls for six to
eight sorties per month. We have one
drill weekend per month, so that’s a
couple of days of flying, plus they each
get out here as much as they can during
the month.’
Blending this experienced pool of both
pilots and maintainers with brand-
new recruits is significant, especially
in a climate of chronic pilot shortages.
The advent of Total Force Integration
(TFI), merging guard and active-duty
elements, has been felt keenly at the
‘Stingers’. Whereas some front-line
wings have associate guard or reserve
squadrons that fly with them, here — as
at many guard units — new regular air
force personnel join the guard squadron
to build experience. ‘Our TFI increased in
2017’, says Barasch. ‘We had one active-
duty pilot for two years, but this yearThis image: A fabulous
shot of 90-0731
resplendent in markings
to celebrate 100 years
of the 112th Fighter
Squadron.
Below right: The alert
mission is an enduring
commitment for the
‘Stingers’, which they
must accommodate
alongside a global
deployment schedule.UNIT REPORT // 112 th FS
74 May 2018 //^ http://www.combataircraft.net
72-79 OHIO Vipers C.indd 74 20/03/2018 10:57