Utah Air Guard Base to Phase Out Tactical Air Control Party Squadron

Key Takeaways

Utah’s Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base will establish two new cyber operations squadrons while inactivating the 109th Air Control Squadron.
The shift is part of the Air Force’s transition away from the Global War on Terror, with a focus on cyber warfare amid rising threats from adversaries like China and Russia.
The new cyber squadrons aim to achieve full operational capability by spring 2030, with some personnel reassigned from the inactivated squadron.

Major Changes for the Utah Air National Guard

Utah’s Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base will soon transition into a hub for cyber operations, according to an announcement from the Air Force. This change includes the establishment of two new cyber squadrons and the deactivation of the 109th Air Control Squadron, known as the Warlocks. The move comes as part of the Air Force’s broader efforts to adapt to evolving security challenges.

The decision was made public on Thursday, with the Air Force indicating that the inactivation of the 109th squadron aligns with the United States’ 2025 defense budget priorities. This budget aims to cut the Air National Guard’s tactical air control party (TACP) and control and reporting center missions by 50%. Historically, TACPs have played a significant role in military operations, providing crucial support on the battlefield by coordinating airstrikes alongside ground forces.

Currently, the Air Force maintains approximately 3,700 TACPs, but plans to reduce this number by about 44% by 2025. The shift reflects a change in operational focus from ongoing conflicts in the Middle East to anticipated scenarios in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in response to rising threats from countries like China and Russia.

In a statement from July 2024, the Utah Air National Guard highlighted the necessity of enhancing cyber capabilities as a critical component of modern warfare. Lt. Col. Joshua McCarty, commander of the 109th, emphasized the need to prepare for challenges not only in aerial combat but also in cyberspace. The interim National Defense Strategy recognizes cyber warfare as an essential aspect of future military engagements.

As part of this transition, personnel from the inactivated 109th squadron will be reassigned to support the new cyber squadrons. While Utah will lose 52 part-time positions, it will gain 12 full-time roles as part of this restructuring. The projected timeline indicates that the new cyber squadrons will become fully operational by the spring of 2030, marking a significant step in the Utah Air National Guard’s evolution toward contemporary conflicts.

The Air Force’s strategic pivot highlights the increasing importance of cyber operations and the urgent need for military forces to adapt to technological advancements in warfare. The establishment of these cyber squadrons signals a decisive shift toward preparing for future challenges and underscores the evolving nature of defense capabilities in a rapidly changing global landscape.

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