1A-USAF Service: 4th Infantry Division (1992-94)

My first active duty assignment in the U.S. Air Force was with Detachment 58 of the 1st Weather Group. We provided weather support to the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Carson, Colorado. This collection highlights the diverse weaponry used by the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) during my assignment.

AVIATION OPERATIONS:
My primary role was to provide aviation weather support to the 4th Aviation Brigade, which flew a variety of helicopters out of Butts Army Airfield, located just south of Fort Carson. I supported 4th Aviation during field operations, especially at the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site in southern Colorado. The helicopter models used included:
- AH-1F Cobra
- AH-64A Apache
- CH-47D Chinook
- OH-58D Kiowa
- UH-1H Iroquois
- UH-60A Black Hawk

GROUND OPERATIONS:
I also provided weather support to 4ID ground forces during training exercises in various locations. Principal consumers of weather data included Division Artillery and Air Defense Artillery, where accurate wind and atmospheric density readings were essential for precise targeting. Mechanized infantry and transportation units also used weather data, though less intensively, for planning their operations. Commonly used equipment in the 4ID included:
Artillery:
- M102 105mm Howitzer
- M109A5 155mm Self-propelled Howitzer
* M198 155MM Howitzer
- M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System
Air Defense Artillery:
- FIM-92 Stinger
- M163 Vulcan Air Defense System
◦ M730 Chaparral
Armor:
- M113A3 APC
- M1A1 Abrams
- M2A2 Bradley
Transportation:
- M35 2.5-Ton Truck
- M929 5-Ton Expandable Van
- M998 HMMVW

*Wishlist
◦ No available kit