It?'s time for the evening news, and of course time for the daily weather forecast that will help people make decisions on things such as clothing, activities and weekend getaways.
Military planners must also assess the weather because of its ability to affect operations on the battlefield. That is where Air Force staff weather officers (SWO) come into play. SWO are responsible for timely and accurate forecasts that help Army decision makers at all levels shape their battle plans.
A team of SWO from the 18th Weather Squadron out of Fort Bragg, N.C., assisted planners with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, during a January rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La.
?"When people think weather they think air, but we can do so much more than that," said Donald Johnson, a battlefield weather forecaster with the 18th Weather Sqdrn. ?"We can give commanders an advanced notification on all weather conditions in their area of operation."
Army leaders rely on the accuracy of the forecast from the SWO in order to affectively exploit the weather conditions and manage assets, like helicopters or unmanned aerial vehicles.
?"The SWO tells me what our limits are," said 2nd Lt. Andrea Nevistic, a collection manager assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. ?"Everything from air elements to ground elements are impacted by weather."
Johnson said accuracy in his team?'s predictions is critical.
?"If we aren?'t accurate with our forecast, we lose credibility," said Johnson. ?"Our forecast can also give an idea as to which is the best route to use as well as which route our enemies are likely to use."
So while some may not go to the beach because the afternoon weather calls for rain, the SWO?'s forecast for the decision makers on the battlefield is helping shape the battle and is possibly saving the lives of soldiers.
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