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McGuire conducts JCAD operational tests

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rebekah Phy
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  An Air Force-wide decision regarding the use of Joint Chemical Agent Detectors is pending operational tests being conducted here. 

McGuire members, along with Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center and Army Operational Test Command members, are conducting the JCAD operational tests here through Aug. 30. 

The JCAD is a new piece of equipment being tested by the Air Force to detect nerve, blood and blister agents. Members from the 305th Aerial Port Squadron are testing the JCADs in different real-world scenarios. 

"Basically, we are putting the JCAD through operational tests, collecting the data, writing a report about the test and handing it over to the decision-makers," said Capt. Ian Kurtz, AFOTEC test director, here from Kirtland AFB, N.M. 

The JCAD is used when aircraft land at exchange zones, Captain Kurtz said. For example, if an aircraft is coming into the U.S., it might touch down at a base (the exchange zone) for its cargo to have a JCAD test done, he said. The decontaminated cargo would then be transferred to a "clean" aircraft and it would be cleared for entrance here. 

There seem to be several benefits to the Air Force using the JCAD. 

"The JCAD is less expensive, smaller and more light-weight than the current equipment we use," said Greg Furnish, 77th Aeronautical Systems Group, Brooks-City Base, Texas. "It cost less to sustain it, it has no radioactive source and it detects more chemical agents than the equipment used now. It is the first automated system that detects a blood agent. It's also truly handheld; it's less than two pounds and designed to be used by anybody and everybody," Mr. Furnish said. 

The tests are scheduled to wrap-up Aug. 30. Questionnaires and surveys will be given to the participating warfighters. The AFOTEC team will collect their data by the feedback from the warfighters. 

"We're just here to make sure the DoD gets a product that does its job well," said Capt. Doug MacIvor, 305th Air Mobility Wing plans officer. 

Captain Kurtz said a lot of preparation and planning went on for this to happen, and the AFOTEC team thanks Team McGuire for all of the hard work and support. 

"We have all worked together for about a year to put together an operational test in accordance with Air Mobility Command con ops. The AFOTEC is just a small piece of the puzzle, and we really appreciate everything McGuire has done to make this happen." 

Col. Rick Martin, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, was equally as appreciative for the hard work of all the Team McGuire Airmen involved with the testing. 

"Thank you all for your hard work and dedication," Colonel Martin said. "This took a lot of planning, but your hard work has paid off and allowed for a successful round of testing, which could impact the Air Force as a whole. Hats off to the entire team -- Can Do!"