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Joint Threat Emitter transmits signals for attack training

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mariah Haddenham
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
NORTHWEST FIELD, Guam-- --  Joint Threat Emitter teams give Air Force and Navy pilots here an opportunity to train together on defense procedures using a radar and satellite system located at Ritidian Point on Northwest Field.

The Air Force and Navy radar systems, known as the JTE, provides ground threat warnings up to the aircraft via an electronic signal to simulate a surface-to-air missle or anti-aircraft artillery attack for training, improving Andersen's operational readiness as well as their joint partner's readiness.

"When they go to a real-world situation, they won't see anything that we haven't thrown at them before," said Staff Sgt. Rick Woltkamp, 266th Range Squadron ground radar systems craftsman with the Idaho Air National Guard. "We simulate a ground attack, and the pilot will react and respond accordingly to the simulation."

A computer-based system collects the data and evaluates the aircrew's response to the signal received from the JTE, giving aircrews insight on their performance during their training sortie. This system helps ensure any mistakes that occur during training are reported to the crew so they aren't repeated in a real-world situation should they have to counter enemy attacks.

The Navy and Air Force both have radars that are part of the JTE located at Ritidian Point.

The primary aircraft crews currently benefiting from the simulations at Andersen are those of the B-52 Stratofortress. Navy pilots also receive support from the use of the JTE during day-to-day training. The JTE Airmen operate the system side-by-side with Navy controllers during large-scale Navy training operations, which not only aids the capabilities of joint airpower in the region, but also saves taxpayer money.

"We are saving a great amount of money with this joint operation," said Senior Master Sgt. Allen Sapp, 266th RANS branch chief. "We work both radar systems from the same site, instead of the Navy setting up their own site and duplicating the effort. For all large-scale exercises, we will have Navy and Air Force operators working side-by-side."

The JTE is operated and supervised by air national guardsmen who are temporarily assigned here from the Idaho ANG in rotations.

"We rotate teams of six in and out of Andersen every two months," said Master Sgt. Donald Taylor, 266th RANS supervisor. "We operate, maintain and supervise everything out here."

Not only is the location of the JTE at Ritidian Point cost effective for both branches, it's ideal because it provides the radar nearly zero interference from land or air, helping Andersen to improve mission readiness by allowing pilots to seamlessly prepare for attack.

"Our JTE site helps keep the region's airpower sharp and mission ready by utilizing Air Force and Navy equipment operated and maintained by air national guardsmen," said Sergeant Sapp. "What a perfect example of a joint effort in today's military