KABUL, Afghanistan - On Oct. 7, the fifth class of Afghan Air Force Forward Observers graduated at the live fire range at the Kabul Military Training Center.
The Forward Observer course lasts approximately 5 weeks. The standard class includes 3 weeks of classroom instruction and 2 weeks of practical training. In the classroom, students are trained in land navigation, basic map reading and communications. The practical training encompasses Dry Close Air Support, Live Fire Close Air Support and Convoy Escort training.
Six of the 8 students who graduated will be part of the new FO Operations unit in the AAF. Prior graduates were Afghan National Army Commandos, AAF pilots and AAF presidential pilots are currently back working with their previous units. Students for the next class are in the process of being identified, they will fill the remaining Tashkil, manning document, positions for the FO program.
The FO course has been in existence for almost a year and the AAF is now using FO’s operationally within the AAF and ANA. In the near future, the FO Operations unit will work closely with the Afghan Air Force Command and Control Center and Rotary Wing Squadrons to provide a call-for-fire capability for Mi-35 and Mi-17 aircraft for the Afghan Air Force.
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