While working on my unit's annual history this afternoon, I ran across a file that might as well have been blinking in neon red and screaming my name audibly. It read "X-Wing Fielding Plan." As both a Rogue Squadron fan and dedicated historian, I was forced to examine the contents of this mysterious document immediately. I'll admit that the fan portion of my personality played the dominant role. Alas, it contained no mention of Incom, S-foils, or astromech droids. The X-Wing utilized by the United States Air Force isn't even a vehicle, but rather a foldable antenna for UHF Line of Sight (LOS) and Satellite Communications (SATCOM). It features a magnetic base for vehicle mount, but can also be carried by operators in the field. I'll spare you unnecessary technical details, which I'll admit to only partially comprehending. What's an "Ohm" again?

The X-Wing antenna isn't the first nod to Star Wars by members of the U.S. military. Former students of Army Brigadier General (Retired) Huba Wass de Czege at Fort Leavenworth's School for Advanced Military Studies formulated the ground-war strategy of the first Gulf War. The group of young officers referred to themselves as the "Jedi Knights," and many credit them with significant contributions to the overall success of Operation DESERT STORM. Fortunately for us victory was not immediately followed by Order 66 for these Jedi commanders. Additionally, many personnel employ Star Wars-inspired call signs, and select GFFA-themed operational designations. I'm certain that fans who have served in the military could provide us with an abundance of anecdotes to that effect.