PODCAST: The provided sources detail two distinct yet complementary Air Force capabilities: Hammer ACE and Joint STARS. Hammer ACE functions as the Air Force’s rapid-response communications unit, deploying small teams and versatile equipment worldwide for emergency support, disaster relief, and military exercises, emphasizing secure and flexible communication. In contrast, Joint STARS (Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System) is an airborne command and control platform, developed jointly by the US Air Force and Army, providing crucial ground surveillance and target acquisition through advanced radar technology. While Hammer ACE focuses on establishing on-site communications for various contingencies, Joint STARS offers a comprehensive overhead picture of ground activity, enabling real-time battlefield management and peacekeeping operations with extensive secure data links. Both systems highlight the military’s emphasis on sophisticated and adaptable communication and intelligence gathering for diverse operational needs.
