Chapter 12

After the final pilot selections had been made and announced, Red Squadron moved into the next phase of simulator training. First on the schedule were sim check rides to make sure that everybody knew what they were doing in a Starfire. This took a whole week.

Then they started real training. The squadron pilots, for the most part, were young and inexperienced in fighter tactics. A week was spent on individual tactics, followed by a week of team tactics. This was something new for them. Thad’s idea of flight teams involved three Starfires. A team leader and two wingmen. Each covering the others. The final week was spent on squadron-level combined tactics. At the end of twelve-hour days, 6 days a week, everybody needed some relaxation.

Thad called everybody together and announced, “Alright, folks, I know we’ve been pushing you hard, and just to let you know, we’re halfway there.” There were groans and moans when they heard this.

After the room calmed down, he continued. “Now, we are adding something to the training. Next week, you will be meeting your support crews. Each of you will have a crew chief and two mechanics. Avionics and weaponry are separate divisions and not your problem. I expect all of you pilots to act appropriately and treat your maintenance team like an officer would.”

“But now, our training takes a more serious turn. Next week we’ll be starting all over again, but this time we’ll be in our Starfires. You’ll be flying as real individuals, flight teams, and as a combined squadron.”

“In the meantime, you’ve all got a 48-hour liberty.” Before he could continue, the room erupted in applause.

After the room calmed down, Thad paused and looked around at the pilots. Finally, he spoke up, “Well? What are you waiting for? An invitation? Get out of here.”

As the pilots streamed out of the room, the mood was upbeat.

When Thad got back to his office, he found Stewart Gladding waiting for him. “Mr. Gladding, what can I do for you?”