Air University Review, November-December 1982

The "Menagerie" Revisited

As Commander of the tactical air force’s only F-4G Wild Weasel training squadron and as an experienced F-105 Weasel pilot, circa 1969-1974, I feel qualified to comment on Colonel Harold E. Johnson’s entertaining article about the defense suppression mission, "Of Bears, Weasels, Ferrets, and Eagles," in the January-February 1982 issue of the Review. Although the historical aspects of the article were of great interest, providing us newer Weasels with several interesting asides regarding the formative stages of our business, I am afraid that Colonel Johnson’s conclusions, and the premise on which they were based, were in error.

Without delving into classified details of current F-4G employment philosophy, I can only state that that philosophy is not really similar to the one which was in vogue for the F-l00F and F-105F Weasels. Nor does a close examination of F-4G employment concepts justify the author’s perceived need for modified A-l0 or F-15 aircraft to assist Wild Weasels in crossing the forward edge of battle area. While I share many of Colonel Johnson’s concerns with regard to the overall survivability of the Wild Weasel in performing the demanding defense suppression mission, I do not believe that the introduction of multiple aircraft systems performing various subcategories of that role would significantly enhance our chances.

It is possible that Colonel Johnson based his conclusions on one of several dated sources that deal with F-4G employment and tactics as initially postulated in 1978. If so, his article reminds us current Weasels of our responsibility to keep our contemporaries abreast of the latest developments in Wild Weasel tactics. Happily, I can report that a definitive effort has been made to that end and that the new AFM 3-1, to be published late this year, will have an updated, usable discussion of how to employ the F-4G advanced Wild Weasel. As this programmable aircraft’s capabilities change, we will attempt to formulate and disseminate our revised employment concepts on a regular, timely basis.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Venkus, USAF, is Commander, 562d Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, George AFB, California.

The conclusions and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author cultivated in the freedom of expression, academic environment of Air University. They do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, the United States Air Force or the Air University.

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