U.S. Air Force:
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) — The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Detachment 4, tests and evaluates new space, cyberspace, missile and missile defense capabilities. Their mission is to test weapons systems in operationally realistic environments. The goal is to inform warfighters of the lessons learned and influence national resource decisions based on the test results. Det 4 has been assigned to operationally test and provide feedback for over 30 separate weapons systems.
“AFOTEC Det 4 is one of the coolest organizations I’ve ever worked for; our comradery and esprit de corps here are so high,” said Lt. Col. Tyler Frander, AFOTEC Det 4, director of operations. “We operationally test Air Force Space Command’s largest space systems and inform the warfighter on how well they work. We’re like the Consumer Reports for the Air Force.”
AFOTEC employs more than 600 military and civilian personnel, headquartered at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. AFOTEC is comprised of five detachment units in five different states: Edwards AFB, California, Det 1 and 5, Eglin AFB, Florida, Det 2, Peterson AFB, Colorado, Det 4, and Nellis AFB, Nevada, Det 6, said 1st Lt. Randi Winther, AFOTEC Det 4, space and cyber test operations division officer.
Our Peterson Detachment has three operating locations under its command, located at Buckley AFB, Colorado, Hill AFB, Utah, and Los Angeles AFB, California, Winther said.
