Recently at the Kabul Military Training Center Afghan National Army Air Corps forward air-controllers known as nocheks completed the first Mi-35 call for fire. On the ground, the nocheks called out coordinates for friendly and enemy forces. They ensured the Mi-35's rocket and machinegun fire were accurate and on target.
This exercise marked the first time the ANAAC forward air controllers paired up with Mi-35s for a live call-for-fire mission.
Two Mi-35 pilots executed the air controller task. Using Afghan pilots for this critical role is common practice according to U.S. Air Force Lt Col James Duban, 438th Air Expeditionary Advisor Group lead rotary-wing advisor.
"They are all previously qualified pilots," said Duban. "They've done this type of work before and understand what the pilots are seeing."
To "paint a picture" for the pilots, nocheks use terrain features and calculated distances to guide support craft to their intended targets.
Another pivotal tool that nocheks use is a compass. While it may seem like a simple device to use in conjunction with the high-tech Mi-35, it is very useful in the hands of a skilled technician.
"We use a compass as another tool to find direction and azimuth," said MAJ Farman Ullah, Mi-35 pilot and current forward air controller. "It helps us acquire targets and is very important in helping us to prepare for future missions."
This type of training is crucial to future ANAAC operations. In the event of a downed aircraft or precautionary landing, nocheks must to be able to communicate with aircrews providing fire support or surveillance of the area. This enables the crew on the ground to take care of the problem or be recovered by ground forces or other helicopters. It also gives ANAAC the ability to do preplanned fire missions supporting military objectives of the Afghan National Army.
Col. Frogh Ulluh, Mi-35 pilot and also a forward controller, said even though he has done this training before, he still feels it is vital to the end goal.
"It is important because day by day we are improving our coordination and skills," said Ulluh. "Our end goal is to be a better pilot in the future and to serve our country."
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