Fuel Hauler
Hauling fuel trucks in a C-130 was tough. The aircraft had barely enough room to get them on and off
     — TSgt. Chris Pickens

Three Versions
We had three different versions of the F-16 in one unit. Operating successfully involved more than just preparing an aircraft to fly. We had to have the right software and ordnance combination as well. Flight leads flew the latest version of the software, which is MMC 3.1. We had six jets equipped with 3.1 software, which gives the F-16 the ability to carry targeting pods and self-designate LGBs. MMC 3.1 also gives the aircraft air-to-air interrogator as well as all the capability provided by previous software. Six other jets had MMC 2.3 software with color displays and the remaining three jets had Tape 50T5, which provides our standard HARM, HTS, and inertially aided munitions. Getting all these versions to work together was a pain, but worth it. The experience of the maintainers and the experience of the pilots made it all possible.
     — Maj. Boris Armstrong

Doing More
Even with the three configurations of F-16s in one unit, we flew our standard tactics. The CCIP upgraded jets gave us improved capabilities that greatly enhanced our ability to execute our tactics.
     — Maj. Akshai Gandhi

Day In The Life Of An F-16CJ Intel Troop
My day starts off at 0530 when I get up to shower and shave. I get dressed in the bathroom so I don't wake my roommates. I leave and head to the chow hall thirty minutes later for a little breakfast. I then get on a bus bound for Ops Town no later than 0630, ensuring my early show before my shift starts so I can get the previous guy out the door and heading home.

My shift officially starts at 0800, at which time I make my way out to the DDF for the day and start reading on the current war situation. Just about the time I know what's going on in the war, the pilots start making their way into the DDF for their final Intel step brief. I brief them on the current situation with any important updates that need to be mentioned and issue them their Intel-related survival equipment. From this point on, a steady stream of pilots step for their missions and another stream is returning from their missions. I debrief those returning. They tell me what they shot or dropped, who and what shot at them, any SAM or triple-A threat indications they received, and enemy tactics they observed. I type up a mission report and send it to HHQ where all the information is analyzed and disseminated throughout all the squadrons. A full debrief takes about two hours. Four or five debriefs can take up the majority of the day.

Between debriefs and steps, someone brings me lunch. At 1930 my shift replacement shows up. I catch a bus back to Coalition Complex between 2000 and 2100. I grab a quick dinner-to-go from the chow hall and take it back to my room. I eat dinner, take a shower, and get ready for bed. The next day, I do it all over again.
     — SSgt. Shaun Abell