1. Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS)
CONR -1AF (AFNORTH)
UNCLASSIFIED
Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS)
Key Messages
CONR-1AF (AFNORTH) plays an important role in Defense Support of Civil Authorities; all efforts are in support of a Primary Agency (PA). National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) is the PA for Wildland Firefighting (WFF) operations.
CONR-1AF (AFNORTH) maintains control of USAF National Guard and Reserve units tasked for WFF to ensure training and readiness standards are attained in support of WFF operations.
The primary resource for airborne fire suppression lies with the civilian air tanker fleet. By law, MAFFS aircrews and aircraft cannot assist with fire fighting efforts until certain criteria are met by civil authorities (Economy Act).
MAFFS are tasked by NIFC only after the supply of civilian assets are exhausted and additional WFF capability is required.
The objective of the MAFFS program is to provide a more robust capability to the existing civilian air tanker fleet.
The MAFFS is a self-contained, reusable 3000-gallon aerial fluid dispersal system that allows C-130 cargo/utility aircraft to be converted for WFF.
MAFFS drop fire retardant to prevent the spread of fire as opposed to dropping directly on flames to extinguish the fire.
The fire retardant dropped by the MAFFS is biodegradable and a safe, effective fire retardant (Phos-chek). It is red in color so that aircrews can determine previously sprayed areas.
Each aerial pass by the MAFFS covers an area up to 60’ wide by ¼ mile at a rate of gallons of fire retardant per 100 square feet.
Dispersal rates are selectable—making MAFFS one of the only fixed-wing aircraft capable of dropping on structures with little to no damage.
“Aerial passes” are conducted at a minimum altitude of 150’ and at speeds of knots.
MAFFS-equipped C-130 aircraft can be “turned” in less than 15 minutes from landing to takeoff.
MAFFS can begin flight operations in as little as 48 hours after receiving a request for assistance.
There are eight MAFFS-equipped aircraft available for use during WFF. The US Forest Service owns a total of 9 MAFFS units (one spare unit).
MAFFS aircrews are trained and certified annually by NIFC to ensure they comply with US Forest Service policies and procedures.
The MAFFS Squadrons annually rotate C2 responsibilities at NIFC as the Air Expeditionary Group (AEG) to support WFF.
CONR-1AF (AFNORTH) is capable of executing both air defense and civil support missions simultaneously.
CONR -1AF (AFNORTH)
UNCLASSIFIED
PA DSN OPSEC DSN Apr 13

2. CC Information Objectives
CONR -1AF (AFNORTH)
UNCLASSIFIED
MAFFS
CC Information Objectives
The public understands CONR-1AF (AFNORTH) MAFFS missions, capabilities, and authorities to support National Interagency Fire Center’s (NIFC) Wildland Firefighting (WFF) efforts.
CONR-1AF (AFNORTH) personnel understand MAFFS missions, capabilities, and authorities to support NIFC’s WFF efforts.
Counter incorrect or misleading information regarding MAFFS missions, capabilities, and authorities to support NIFC’s WFF efforts.
Explain how CONR-1AF (AFNORTH) is prepared and capable of executing WFF operations under a Primary Agency like NIFC.
Prepare and educate public for significant numbers of military forces visibly involved in their community during DSCA operations.
Emphasize that CONR-1AF (AFNORTH) continues our primary mission to detect threats, deter adversaries and defend the air sovereignty of North America.
Showcase CONR-1AF (AFNORTH)’s intense preparation for DSCA missions through exercises, training, experience and application of lessons learned (Ardent Sentry).
CONR-1AF (AFNORTH)
Operations CIL
Recall procedures and all AOC personnel/manpower rosters
Distinguished visitor travel itineraries
Current number, type and operational readiness of CONR controlled assets
Locations, sortie information, and call signs of specific air patrol missions
Status and location of current/planned alert sites
Capabilities of CONR to support sustained combat operations
Intelligence capabilities and requirements
Characteristics, limitations, locations and status of radar and aerostat systems
Computer network logins & passwords
Computer network systems IP addresses
Frequencies, capabilities, vulnerabilities, outages and security incidents of CONR communications links and computer systems
CONR -1AF (AFNORTH)
UNCLASSIFIED
PA DSN OPSEC DSN Apr 13

3. Undesired Perceptions and Issues
CONR -1AF (AFNORTH)
UNCLASSIFIED
CONR-1AF (AFNORTH)
Undesired Perceptions and Issues
MAFFS is the first line of defense for WFF efforts.
CONR-1AF (AFNORTH) leads firefighting efforts in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Using MAFFS aircrews and aircraft is a waste of taxpayer money at a time when military budgets are already stretched to the breaking point.
Support to civilian authorities during WFF campaigns siphons scarce manpower and resources away from homeland air defense.
MAFFS aircrews are poorly trained and ill-equipped to provide support to WFF efforts, resulting in unacceptable risk to aircrews and ground personnel.
NIFCs shortfall of large aerial tanker platforms. Refer questions on this to NIFC.
MAFFS crews push the envelop when releasing their retardant.
Be clear on any misperception that MAFFS cannot “engage” until they have been tasked. Civilian assets must be exhausted before they can be called up.
CONR -1AF (AFNORTH)
UNCLASSIFIED
PA DSN OPSEC DSN Apr 13