The majority of ISR assets in the Air Force will not be available for close air support (CAS) or strike coordination and reconnaissance (SCAR) in the next great power competition. However, the ISR capabilities developed in the last twenty years may be the single great advantage the US enjoys. The tactics, techniques, procedures, and habits from COIN operations create a significant hurdle in preparing for great power competition. In response, the Joint Force bolstered ISR capabilities with new sensors, platforms, and databases. The enemy’s detectable signatures (DSIGs) continued to shrink as they learned to evade our intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Twenty years of counterinsurgency (COIN) operations in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan created a construct where precision fires and low-collateral effects were prioritized.
He has over 2,000 hours in the A-10C and flew combat missions in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE and Operation FREEDOM SENTINEL in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.
Major Ridge “KELSO” Flick is an active duty USAF A-10C Weapons Officer Instructor Pilot with assignments in the 25th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Squadron, 355th Operations Support Squadron, 355th Operations Group, 66th Weapons Squadron and will serve at the USAF Warfare Center as a Combat Air Force’s Fellow this summer.
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