Then and now: Flying fighters to teaching fighters

Published Dec. 16, 2014
By Senior Airman Matthew Lotz
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- "That day seemed to be like every other close air support mission I had flown previously until a SA-6 [missile system] fired at me," said the retired pilot as he recalled one of his most notable missions. "After avoiding the attack, I turned around, made him my priority and dropped the last [munition] I had on my jet, on that location."

As an F-16 Fighting Falcon sight manager for the Deployable Tactical Trainer F-16 simulation system at Aviano, James Hardin, a retired lieutenant colonel OV-10 bronco and F-16 fighter pilot, emulates combat environments a pilot could encounter in wartime situations.

"The difference of serving as active duty verses being a contractor now, is really just one of the same for me," explained. "It's almost as if I have never left the military because I still get to interact, teach and mentor."

Hardin began his service in the U.S. Army in September of 1979 when he enlisted to become a field artilleryman.

"I never intended to join the Army, even though it seemed as if it was a family tradition with my grandfathers, uncles and father having served," said Hardin. "I joined to do something different out of high school."

Having served a total of six years as an artilleryman and NCO academy instructor in the Army, he realized he wanted to pursue an old dream - becoming a pilot.

"I've always expressed interest in wanting to fly, so after graduating I took the opportunity to explore my options," said Hardin. "Three of the four services offered me a pilot slot, so to do something different again, I chose the Air Force."

Hardin joined the officer corps on Feb. 14, 1986. He thrived as an officer through the ranks and says that the leadership he gained from the Army helped him succeed in the Air Force.

After 28 years in the service, Hardin retired, but found a way to share his experiences, while still surrounding himself with what he loves.

"My favorite part about this job is being able to work with the pilots; expanding their growth and seeing first-hand that moment when 'they get it' and take those experiences with them to use in their own real-world situations," Hardin said.

According to Hardin, having been in combat and having his aircraft get shot at, gives him the necessary experience to relay information to Aviano's pilots.

"I train them to ensure they understand correct procedures or maneuvers to take, if they are ever in a situation similar to mine," he said. "As a teacher, I can empathize where they are as a pilot and use my knowledge to assist them with questions they have -- ultimately developing them into better pilots for the Air Force."

While Hardin is grateful he has the opportunity to mentor young pilots, he says he will always miss flying in the sky.

"When you're up in the air, you just forget about everything that really doesn't matter and you only think about operating that aircraft to the best of your ability," said Hardin. "When you fly a perfect mission, there's no other feeling like it."

Now, at the age of 45, Hardin not only uses his motto to instruct his pilots, but also his two children.

"Do the best you can and be prepared for various contingencies," he said. "These life lessons I've had are applicable to everyday life events for my kids to grow."