Joint Terminal Attack Controllers: Reach out and touch someone

Photo By Sgt. Rachael Moore | Marines with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) escort more than 35 local national vehicles during a resupply mission to forward operating bases in northern Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 30 through July 6, 2011. Joint terminal attack controllers attach to resupply missions to ensure the convoy has all the air support they need to quickly accomplish the mission.  

HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

07.09.2011

Story by Sgt. Rachael Moore 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

FORWARD OPERATING BASE EDINBURGH, Afghanistan – Whether it’s clearing the airspace for a controlled detonation of an improvised explosive device or calling in air support, joint terminal attack controllers are the voice behind the scenes.

The 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward)’s JTAC team attaches to combat logistics patrols to ensure the convoy gets where they need to go as safely as possible.

The JTAC team acts as a liaison to different units, such as aviation assets and artillery batteries, which provide immediate close air support, indirect fire and medical evacuations.

“We’re there to ensure convoys have the support they need to accomplish the mission,” explained Sgt. Kevin Krebs, a member of the JTAC team with 2nd MLG (Fwd.).

Recently, the JTAC team attached to a resupply mission, which had more than 30 local national vehicles. They’re responsible for communicating with the closest artillery or mortar battery and medical evacuation units, if their assets are needed.

“It’s extremely important we’re there on fuel runs with local nationals,” Krebs explained. “The fuel trucks are light-skinned vehicles and seem like an easy target for the enemy.

“With us there, if air support is needed, we can get it immediately,” Krebs continued. “Once the aircraft gets there to provide support, it’s a huge intimidation factor, and the enemy is less likely to engage.”

They also provide route reconnaissance, which notifies the rest of the convoy of any enemy activity taking place in the area, and they establish restrictive operating zones for IEDs. With the large size of IEDs or the chance of multiple IEDs in one spot, it’s important no aircraft are flying over the detonation location.

“We have to ensure the airspace is clear,” Krebs said. “Any of the [service members] can do it, but we’re the subject matter experts, so it’s easier and quicker for us to do it.”

With the knowledge and assets JTAC teams offer, they play an essential role in combat logistics patrols for the 2nd MLG (Fwd.) and other coalition forces supporting International Security Assistance Force operations.

• Date Taken: 07.09.2011
• Date Posted: 07.11.2011 02:15
• Story ID: 73522
• Location: HELMAND PROVINCE, AF