Advancements in weapons technology and lethality have spawned countermeasures for as long as humans have been warring: with the broadsword came plate armor. For arrows it was shields. And with the advent of radarRadio detection and ranging. A system for detecting the presence, direction, distance, and speed of electromagnetically-significant objects., infrared tracking, and active missiles—came chaffA radar countermeasure consisting of numerous small, thin dipoles of aluminum-coated fiberglass., flares, and jammers.

On this episode, Utah Air National Guard Major Sean “Bauer” Demeter joins us to discuss the various countermeasures military aircraft employ to defend against surface- and air-to-air threats. Bauer also touches on ANG career paths and fighter squadronAn aviation organization composed of aircrew, support personnel, aircraft, and equipment. deployments to South Korea.

During the listener question segment, we discuss tactical performance tracking methods, whether there was a cover up with Duke and Willy D’s Vietnam shootdown, why U.S. fifth-generation fighters are only single-seat, and more.

Episode photography by the U.S. Air Force. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Matt Rierden.