The Air National Guard (ANG) Search and Rescue (SAR) Community is in need of HC/MC-130J Weapon System Trainer (WST) full flight simulators at each of the ANG Rescue Wing (RQW) locations; this is to ensure that the critical training currencies, outlined within the Ready Aircrew Program (RAP), are consistently accomplished in order to maintain maximum Combat Mission Ready (CMR) status for aircrew in accordance with (IAW) Air Force Instruction (AFI) 11-2HC-130J Volume 1, HC-130J Aircrew Operations dated 01 September 2017.

An HC/MC-130J Weapon System Trainer (WST) full motion simulator allows aircrew to achieve currencies outlined within the Ready Aircrew Program; while avoiding circumstances that would regularly cancel a scheduled training flight. These circumstances would include but are not limited, to a maintenance cancellation, weather cancellation and the availability of drill-status guardsman (DSG) aircrew, specifically during hours when night/night vision goggles (NVG) currencies are available.

A local WST will avoid unscheduled training Temporary Duty (TDY) due to the lack of aircraft availability, which places unnecessary and unplanned stresses upon both the aircrew time and squadron budgets. Also, during a scheduled Air and Space Expeditionary Force (AEF) rotation, a WST will allow for those aircrew remaining at the sourcing ANG stations to maintain Ready Aircrew Program (RAP) currencies while there are less aircraft available at those units.

This request will effect the Rescue Wings within the following states: Alaska, California, and New York. Currently, the USAF is not considering funding this capability for ANG RQW HC/MC-130J units.

Overall, the absence of an HC/MC-130J WST will elevate the risk of aircrew deficiency regarding requirements outlined within the assigned squadron's Designed Operational Capability (DOC) Statements.