The Northern Flank D+19 (28 July, 1987)

NATO and Soviet ground forces were largely inactive during the first part of the day. The confusion and anxiety formed by events elsewhere in the world dominated thoughts, preparation and action. NBC precautions were in place on both sides of the battleline. Troops moved around in bulky protective suits and masks. The restrictive nature of …

Status of USAF Combat Wings & Squadrons in Europe D+13 (22 July, 1987)

Authors Note: I received at least six "WTF! You did the Army but not the Air Force orders of battle??" themed emails earlier this weekend. In the last one I was referred to as Benedict Arnold by a former squadron mate. So, since I had a bit of free time while recovering, I decided fair …

Air War on the Central Front D+7 (16 July, 1987)

The Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe, General Bill Kirk’s worries were starting to compound. As the land war in Northern Germany ramped up, so did the Warsaw Pact air effort in 2nd ATAF’s (Second Allied Tactical Air Force) area of responsibility. From D+6 through much of the following day, enemy air efforts directly supported …

Air War on the Central Front D+5 (14 July, 1987) Part II

Outside of the 36th TFW headquarters building two vehicles were waiting when Holland and Glosson emerged. One was a blue Air Force sedan, and the other a jeep packed with five security police troops. Holland got into the back of the sedan while Glosson went over to the jeep and spoke briefly to the NCO …

Air War on the Central Front D+5 (14 July, 1987) Part I

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Holland’s war had yet to begin. He was one of eight Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve officers brought together as an ad-hoc advance party by Tactical Air Command forty-eight hours earlier. On D+3 Holland had been at McGuire Air Force Base working with his squadron to get ready for war …