Thailand | Exercise Airborne Force I

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Title: Exercise Airborne Force I
Document Number: RTAF-EXABF-001/2003
Classification: Semi-Confidential | Secret
Security Level: NSST Protocol + Traditional Maximum Secure Encrypted Method
Date: July 8, 2003

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XI. IntroductionX

Background and Objective

The Republic Thai Air Force has always maintained a relatively large paratrooper unit within Wing One in Don Muang. With the 601 Transport Squadron has been frozen for over 3 years now, they are now officially integrated into to the regular training routine of the Thai Air Force.

XII. Command and ControlX

2.1 Guidance

This operation is conducted under the guidance of the Defense Minister, Sutin Klungsang, and approval from Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

XIII. Operational ForcesX

Republic Thai Air Force Wing One

• Don Muang Air Base
  • 601 Transport Squadron
    • [30] Lockheed C-130E Hercules
      • 60 Pilots
      • 30 Navigators
      • 30 Flight engineers
      • 30 Loadmasters
      • 7,680 paratroopers
      • 840 Ground crews

XIV. ExecutionX

4.1 Initial Deployment

All personnel will be reported to the respective base with all necessary equipment per the Defense Ministry documents.

4.2 Communication

Effective communication among all the units must be maintained. Any unidentified or suspicious activity must be reported to the command center immediately.

4.3 Rules of Engagement

Engagement will be per the established Rule of Engagement (ROE) with the application of Increased Vigilance (IVG) and international laws. The use of force must be proportionate, and only used in self-defense or to deter identified threats after all non-lethal methods have been exhausted.

4.4 Support

Logistic support, including fuel, supplies, and maintenance, will be provided by the respective naval bases.

XV. CoordinationX

5.1 Inter-agency

Liaise with maritime agencies such as the Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force to ensure maximum coverage and sharing of intelligence.

5.2 International

In case any foreign vessels or units are involved, contact must be established with the respective embassies or consulates and the situation must be reported to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

XVI. ConclusionX

The Defense Ministry has mobilized all necessary resources for the deployment of Exercise Airborne Force I. The Defense Ministry expects that its contribution will represent Thailand's role as a regional leader dedicated to peace, stability, and cooperation in Southeast Asia

[Signature]
Sutin Klungsang
Defence Minister

[Signature]
Thaksin Shinawatra
Prime Minister, Republic of Thailand

Document Clearance:
The Office of the Prime Minister
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The National Intelligence Agency
The Republic Thai Air Force Command Center
The Republic Thai Navy Command Center
The Republic Thai Armed Forces Special Warfare & Operation Command

Distribution List:
The Office of the Prime Minister
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The National Intelligence Agency
The Republic Thai Air Force Command Center
The Republic Thai Navy Command Center
The Republic Thai Police
The Republic Armed Forces Headquarters
The Republic Thai Air Defense Command
The Naval Special Warfare Command
The Air Force Security Force Command

 

[Bossza007]

Secret unless contextual possible.​

All the personnel and aircraft participated in Exercise Airborne Force I would now congregate at Don Muang Air base with best health, mental condition, structural integrity, and operation efficiency. The ground crews would ensure all 30 Lockheed C-130E Hercules are flight-ready and equipped for paratrooper deployment. The equipment checks included parachutes, communication devices, night vision goggles, and other essential gear for paratroopers. The entire exercise would coordinate with all 840-ground crew for maintenance, refueling, and logistics. Each pilot and aircraft crew would be brief on flight paths, weather conditions, and airspace coordination. The paratroopers would be aware of their staggered launch and landing zones to optimize safety and space.​

 

[Bossza007]

Secret unless contextual possible.​

The paratroopers were divided into combat groups, each specially designed to accomplish certain goals throughout the training. These troops were distinguished by their specific missions, which included support, direct action, and reconnaissance duties. Due to the unit is distinct size, the equipment load that was necessary for the mission, and the complexities of the operational goals, each unit was assigned to a particular Lockheed C-130E Hercules aircraft. Loadmasters had carried out a meticulous strategy for the placing of paratroopers and their gear inside each Hercules. In addition to keeping the aircraft balanced and its center of gravity intact, this design aimed to maximize the aircraft's ability to deploy quickly once it was over the drop zone. They made sure to follow the tightest safety regulations while facilitating rapid evacuation procedures. To ensure a seamless, effective, and safe deployment, each paratrooper's position within the aircraft was carefully chosen depending on their function within the unit and the mission's flow.

The aircraft launched in a well-planned order, intended to clear the airspace and ensure that every C-130E Hercules had an unhindered flight path. Staggered parachute jump time was an essential precaution against mid-air collisions and to guarantee safe separation of units upon ground landing. Furthermore, once units were on the ground, this staggering made it possible for a more secure and regulated assembly process. Every Hercules flew along a pre-planned route that was carefully planned to pass through the assigned training zones. These routes were specifically designed to stay clear of simulated no-fly zones, reducing the possibility of being discovered or interfered with by imaginary enemies. Moreover, the flight pathways included dynamic adaptability, enabling prompt modifications in reaction to unforeseen events that arose throughout the exercise. Depending on whether the jump called for a High-Altitude Low Opening (HALO) or a High Altitude High Opening (HAHO), each C-130E's speed and altitude were painstakingly altered. To ensure that every leap was carried out in the most advantageous conditions possible, these modifications also considered the current weather.​