1-24IN conducts joint fires observer re-currency

Photo By Sgt. Michael Blalack | Soldiers in the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division‚ mortar platoon fire a 60 mm mortar during the battalion live-fire exercise at Yukon Training Area, Alaska, Sept. 27. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Blalack, 1/25 SBCT Public Affairs)  

FORT WAINWRIGHT, AK, UNITED STATES

10.31.2013

Courtesy Story

1st Brigade, 11th Airborne Division

By Capt. Benjamin Davis
1-24IN FSO

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska – On Oct. 30 and 31, soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division conducted joint fires observer re-currency in order to sustain their qualifications to observe and control surface-to-surface and air-to-surface fires assets that the U.S. military and other allied countries employ.

The semiannual re-currency was conducted at the Call for Fire Trainer at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

This digital system uses a simulator to replicate realistic calls for fire from all surface to surface and air to surface fires systems. The re-currency requires JFOs to de-conflict airspace between indirect fires and combat aircraft, identify threats on the battlefield, and engage targets quickly with the correct assets and munitions.

The JFOs operate in several scenarios during the event including urban settings, mountainous terrain, and nighttime operations.

“JFO re-currency training is vital to maintain the skills necessary to efficiently and safely coordinate the most effective assets available for the maneuver commanders. We designed this training to be challenging and realistic to receive the most benefit,” said 1st Lt. Dave Luce, battalion JFO evaluator and Seattle native.

The JFO conducts tasks characteristic of a forward observer by employing surface-to-surface fires, but he provides the unit with an added capability. The JFOs receive additional instructions on controlling and directing close combat attack which includes the use of Army combat helicopters. Additional training is also provided for directing maritime assets such as naval gunfire, and working with Air Force joint terminal attack controllers to direct the actions of combat aircraft.

“This was a great training event. We carry out training ourselves, but having the JTAC there to facilitate the event made that experience more realistic. He brought a lot of value to the training event,” said Staff Sgt. Jacob H. Murphy, Bravo Company JFO and a native of Baton Rouge, La.

JFO re-currency is conducted biannually following a series of strict requirements. The training is designed to be stressful, force flexible thinking, quick decision making, preparing soldiers for live-fire training events and the battlefield.

Re-currency is important in order to retain their expertise.

This event provides 1-24th soldiers additional training opportunities. Second Lt. William Sanders is one such soldier who has the opportunity to go to Australia in January and conduct a Close Air Support joint training exercise with the Royal Australian Air Force.

• Date Taken: 10.31.2013
• Date Posted: 10.31.2013 21:59
• Story ID: 116072
• Location: FORT WAINWRIGHT, AK, US
• Hometown: BATON ROUGE, LA, US
• Hometown: DELTA JUNCTION, AK, US
• Hometown: FAIRBANKS, AK, US
• Hometown: FORT WAINWRIGHT, AK, US
• Hometown: NORTH POLE, AK, US
• Hometown: SEATTLE, WA, US