SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Squadron aviation resource management (SARM) personnel are one of the very few enlisted positions assigned to flying squadrons. They oversee the Flight Hours Program, flight operations, and pilot records. Keeping everything managed, organized, and uniform ensures smooth flight operations with seamless reports. Anytime you see a jet flying, just know the SARM team made it happen.
“We are a very important part of the mission that is often overlooked,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Darla Altman, 55th Fighter Squadron squadron aviation resource manager.
Manning, funding, and other resources are all reported by SARM personnel. They work closely with pilots to relay information from leadership to make sure they meet flight hour quotas for safety, training and certification. The monthly data that comes from mission operations goes into a program that logs precise airtime statistics, providing Air Combat Command with the information needed to allocate funds across their area of responsibility. This ensures pilots have access to all resources needed to deliver combat airpower anytime, anywhere.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kurtis Louscher, 55th Fighter Squadron squadron aviation resource management non-commissioned officer in charge, said Flight Hour Program reports also help the maintenance group allocate manning and resources used to fix aircraft.
By understanding and remembering specialty codes SARM personnel streamline communication with the maintenance teams, enabling them to begin troubleshooting in-flight aircraft, with issues, before the pilot lands. The SARM reports also aid maintenance teams to proactively craft servicing plans, reducing aircraft downtime and providing more frequent training opportunities.
Keeping pilots up to date on the newest regulations and techniques allow them to perform the mission safely. Staying organized and prioritizing safe flight requirements for pilots are essential daily, monthly, and weekly tasks for SARM personnel.
Altman, said being a SARM is one of the hidden gems of the Air Force. It's rewarding to be front line support with a direct impact on the mission and even more rewarding to work at the 55th Fighter Squadron, the best squadron.