It would be a lot harder to accomplish the mission in Iraq if F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots couldn’t drop 500-pound bombs exactly where they wanted. And more Soldiers would have to go into harm’s way if MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft weren’t able to engage targets with Hellfire missiles from 10,000 feet.

Weapons loaders know that and understand they have the critical job of keeping aircraft armed and weapons systems functioning properly.

So from the button at the hand of the pilot to the ordnance itself -- and everything in between -- weapons loaders of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing make sure their weapons systems are mission-ready 24 hours a day.

“When a pilot drops a bomb on the ‘bad guys,’ a weapons crew reloads the aircraft immediately for the next flight. That’s what we do,” said Master Sgt. Tate Leger of the 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

More than 70 weapons loaders in three different groups within the squadron make up more than 30 crews. They load weapons onto the aircraft and perform preventive maintenance to keep systems working properly. They also troubleshoot and repair munitions and systems.

A load crew has three members. The first person in the team, the load crew chief, makes sure the other two are following procedures properly and assists with the physical loading of the weapons. The other two prepare the aircraft to accept munitions, ensure munitions are safe and functional before loading them, drive the bomb-lift truck and maintain the tools and test equipment.

The daily routine for a load crew consists of uploading and downloading weapons from aircraft for maintenance, replacing dropped and launched munitions, configuration changes and inspections.

Crews troubleshoot and repair any weapons-related problems.

“Troubleshooting can be as simple as a box swap or as strenuous as wire bundle repair,” said Tech. Sgt. Johnny Boatright.

“Our weapons crews keep the tip of the spear sharp 24-7,” Chief Master Sgt. James Pruin said. “Their motivation and dedication to their craft ensures protection of the pilot and produces a lethality that is critical to protection of our warfighters on the ground and protection of Balad Air Base from insurgents.”