Understanding Military TAFs Similarities and differences to NWS

Understanding Military TAFs Similarities and differences to NWS TAFs Matt Ziebell – Forecaster NWS Lubbock, TX

TAF Element Comparisons Military NWS Change Groups Becoming (BECMG) From (FM) Visibility Meters Statute Miles Minimum Altimeter Yes No Max/Min Temps Yes No Low-level Wind Shear Yes Turbulence Yes No Icing Yes No No Sig Wx (NSW) Yes No Remarks Yes No

TAF Comparison KABI 2800/2900 02008 KT P 6 SM SKC FM 281700 06014 KT P 6 SM SKC KDYS 2800/2900 02008 KT 9999

TAF Comparison KABI 2800/2900 02008 KT P 6 SM SKC FM 281700 06014 KT P 6 SM SKC KDYS 2800/2900 02008 KT 9999 SKC QNH 3010 INS BECMG 2816/2817 06014 KT 9999 SKC QNH 3008 INS T 26/2821 Z T 10/2812 Z

Even More Complexity… KDYS 2900/3000 05011 KT 9999 SKC QNH 3000 INS BECMG 2905/2906 07020 G 35 KT 9999 SKC 520004 QNH 2990 INS BECMG 2912/2913 35014 KT 3200 RASN BR OVC 030 620304 QNH 2988 INS BECMG 2915/2916 30011 KT 9999 NSW OVC 050 QNH 2992 INS T 08/2921 Z T 02/2911 Z LIMITED METWATCH 2906 TIL 2910

Who’s issues most of the military TAFs?

USAF Weather has global coverage!

CONUS Operational Weather Squadrons (OWSs)

NWS Forecast Offices

15 th OWS Forecast Domain

Inside a typical OWS…

TAF Forecaster Comparison USAF NWS Average Age 21 40 Average Rank / Grade E-4 GS-12 2 years 10 years Average Annual Salary $24, 900 $69, 000 Advanced Education? Varies Yes Familiar with Local Climatology? Varies Yes No Average Experience Are TAFs Reviewed by Peers Before Sending?