Published: April 01, 2011
Condor Express Makes Travel Safer and Faster in Iraq
By Spc. Darriel Swatts
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Safe and expedient troop movement is a priority for commanders on the battlefield. The 40th Combat Aviation Brigade's Lightning/Condor Express provides just that.
The Lightning/Condor Express is very much like a public transportation system, but with helicopters, and in a combat zone. When Soldiers need to get from "Point A" to "Point B," they simply log onto a secure online network and "book a ticket" on helicopters that fly to posts across Iraq daily.
Soldiers and civilian contractors check into the PAX terminal at Camp Taji, Iraq after flying on a CH-47 Chinook and the Lightning/Condor Express.
Photo: Spc. Darriel Swatts |
The introduction of the Lightning/Condor Express to the Iraqi airspace has greatly reduced the headache of moving troops and other assets.
"The nice thing about the Express routes is it's easy to use," said Capt. John Allen, Air Mission Request (AMR) Officer in Charge, 40th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB). "Almost everybody affiliated with the US Government can use it to 'book' flights around the country."
The Lightning/Condor Express is used by more than 2,000 troops weekly. Prior to the Express being created a couple rotations ago, Soldiers or their commanders had to submit an Air Mission Request (AMR) and get it approved, or the Soldier could wait around the airfield and try to hop onto one of the outgoing flights with available seats.
Soldiers and civilian contractors load onto a Black Hawk helicopter and the Lightning/Condor Express, at the PAX Terminal located on Camp Taji, Iraq.
Photo:Spc. Darriel Swatts) |
"Our section used to receive an average of 200-plus AMRs a day," said Spc. Lindsey Dillman, AMR Processor, 40th CAB. "But now that number is greatly reduced, allowing us to focus on the higher profile AMRs."
What used to be up to a 2-3 day process of booking a flight through the AMR process is now reduced to just a couple of minutes.
"The everyday Soldier can go online and see what flights are available," stated Spc. Jason Frost, AMR Processor, 40th CAB. "They can also see when they are leaving; plus, they can book the flight themselves. Another advantage to the Express is that it helps get our people off the roads, making traveling within the country safer."
The same routes that are used for the troop movement also work out great for moving equipment.
"The Express on a monthly basis moves approximately 20,000 pounds of equipment," said Capt. Edward Bombita, AMR Assistant Officer in Charge, 40th CAB. "Since arriving here a couple weeks ago, I've noticed without the Express routes, life would be chaotic."
Safe transportation is what the Lightning/Condor Express excels at.
"Soldiers that use the Express are much safer flying than they would be if they took a convoy on the ground," said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Chris Trautwein, Brigade Safety Officer, 40th CAB. "The chances of something going wrong in the air are much lower than a problem happening on the road; for instance, in the air, one doesn't have to worry about keeping an eye out for IEDs (improvised explosive devices). Plus it is a much faster way to travel."
Two 40th Combat Aviation Brigade Black Hawk helicopters take off from the Camp Taji PAX terminal.
Photo:Spc. Darriel Swatts |
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