JCAT Corner
by CW4 Cesar Urquiza
The annual Threat Weapons Effects (TWE) Symposium, sponsored by JASPO and the Joint Combat Assessment Team (JCAT), continues to be a pivotal gathering for advancing the field of combat aviation survivability. This year’s symposium, which was held 7–9 May at Eglin Air Force Base’s Enlisted Hall, brought together leading experts from the Army, Navy, Air Force, intelligence agencies, academia, and industry to discuss current and anticipated challenges posed by large-scale combat operations against peer adversaries.
The symposium started with a compelling keynote address by LTC Bryan Munsch, an Army UH-60 pilot who recounted the story of his aircraft and crew surviving multiple enemy hits during a medical evacuation mission in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Other key topics at the meeting included evolving threats from the U.S. Central Command and Indo-Pacific Command regions, with particular focus on surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems and unmanned aerial systems. Significant emphasis was also placed on technological advancements in military aviation, with sessions on directed energy weapons, full-scale lethality testing, and the latest radar SAM system developments providing invaluable insights.
Attendees were also afforded hands-on experiences with threat munitions, deepening their understanding of the current threat landscape and enhancing their survivability strategies. This year’s TWE featured an antitank guided missile (ATGM) van and simulator, as well as a CH-47 test asset, on display. At the same time, structured networking opportunities fostered collaboration among conference participants and reinforced the importance of unified efforts in enhancing the resilience of military aircraft systems in high-threat environments.
The survivability community also took a moment at the symposium to honor the retiring Mr. Bart Schmidt, a committed practitioner whose remarkable 31-year career has profoundly impacted not only Army aviation but also the survivability of military aircraft across all Services.
Bart’s journey (as detailed in the 2024 summer issue of the Aircraft Survivability journal) began on active duty, where he served with distinction for 26 years before transitioning to civil service. In addition, his roles within the Aviation Survivability Development and Tactics (ASDAT) Team and JCAT have been marked by dedication and expertise. Performing more than 50 combat damage assessments, he critically analyzed enemy tactics and advocated for tactical adjustments that have saved countless lives. As a subject-matter expert, he has also delivered classified briefings to more than 5,500 personnel and has been instrumental in shaping operational and tactical strategies. One of Bart’s most notable achievements includes validating the Enhanced Surface-to-Air Missile Simulation (ESAMS) with the UH-60 in challenging environments. This project significantly advanced our modeling capabilities and understanding of aerial threats.
In conclusion, the 2024 TWE Symposium underscored once again the high importance of technological adaptation and collaboration in military aviation and survivability. Furthermore, the longstanding contributions of community members such as Bart Schmidt highlight the profound impact that dedication and expertise can have in advancing the field and saving lives. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Bart for his service, mentorship, and friendship; and we wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.
