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    “Talk Me on Target:” Infantry Marines Learn Close Air Support Procedures

    “Talk Me on Target:” Infantry Marines Learn Close Air Support Procedures

    Photo By Sgt. Carson Gramley | U.S. Marine Sgt. Frederick Miller, a Joint Fires Observer from 1st Air Naval Ground...... read more read more

    (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

    03.19.2015

    Story by Cpl. Carson Gramley 

    Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade

    UNDISCLOSED LOCATION - U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, used their joint fires and communication skills to teach a handful of infantry Marines the ins and outs of close air support, in the Central Command area of operations, March 19, 2015.

    The instructors, from 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, were Joint Fires Observers and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. They are trained in the 12-step process used to communicate and guide fixed and rotary-wing aircraft into position to support ground units.

    The class was 10 days long and covered all the basics of when, where, why and how to use close air support assets.

    “We really want them to walk away with a general understanding of how the whole close air support process works, from the beginning to the end,” said Cpl. Michael Owens, JFO with Company E, 2/7, SPMAGTF – CR – CC. “They won’t be perfect, but at least they’ll know what needs to happen next and how to direct the aircraft onto the proper target.”

    The Marines began the class by learning the different roles they might assume when handling close air support. They watched videos and did practical exercises to get an idea of what the situation looks like from the perspective not only of the one calling for support, but the pilots as well.

    “Typically the JTAC would be in the command building, but the JFO remains out on the ground with the patrol so he can give the pilots a good idea of what it looks like on the ground and request support from the aircraft,” said Owens.

    After learning the different roles and seeing some examples of their responsibilities, it was time for the Marines to go out and practice.

    “We had them do a little patrol from one side of the base to the other and we, the instructors, called out some targets so they can practice getting their 12-step process down to see what it really sounds and feels like to communicate with the pilots,” said Owens.

    The GCE was asked to host the class with hopes that they might be able to teach some of the junior Marines of 2/7 important knowledge they can use when they eventually start filling leadership billets within their companies and moving onto advanced courses.

    “They’re not qualifying as a JFO, but it’s like a primer before that,” said Owens. “This will get them a quick understanding into what close air support really is, so that way when they get into their advanced courses, like Advanced Infantryman’s Course or Advanced Mortarman’s Course, they will have some kind of background knowledge.”

    Aside from the school and leadership aspect, the instructors emphasize the importance of Marines getting the training; after all they’re the ones on the ground who will need the support.

    Owen said, the training is important for them because sometimes they might not have a JFO available to go out with the patrol, or he may get injured if the situation escalates; so having the capability to call for support could save lives.

    After attending the course, the instructors say they believe the Marines have a good knowledge base and understanding on how to use air assets.

    “Most of these guys are mortarmen and didn’t really know much about close air support at the beginning of this one-week course, but they learned a lot and I feel confident with them controlling or providing terminal guidance for close air support,” said Sgt. Frederick Miller, a JFO with 1st ANGLICO and instructor for the course.

    The GCE continues to offer classes and training on close air support to improve the capabilities and readiness of SPMAGTF – CR – CC for the remainder of the deployment.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.19.2015
    Date Posted: 03.24.2015 02:28
    Story ID: 157863
    Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

    Web Views: 271
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN