Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Adrian Smith of the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), holds the static...... read more read more
Perhaps equally special—besides leading about 50 Army Reserve paratroopers—was the fact that the airborne operation, which took place about 10 miles east of the city of Dayton, was aided by other military professionals who don’t wear Army fatigues.
“What makes this exercise even more unique is, it was truly a joint operation,” said Schond. “The Air Force ran the base ground operations. The
Marines flew the two C-130J aircraft, and the Army Reserve conducted both day and night combat equipment jumps.”
During their engagement with the Air Force and Marines, the 412th paratroopers experienced first-hand how the other sides live in the form of slogans such as, “Above and Beyond” and “No Applications—Only Commitments,” which were bandied about routinely.
The tactical exercise proved valuable to the paratroopers of the 412th and the 346th Psychological Operations Company. Both units are based in Whitehall, Ohio.
The Marines who flew the aircraft during the exercises represent the 252 Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aerial Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, based in Cherry Point, N.C.
COMMUNICATION DYNAMICS
During Schond’s planning, inter-service communications were a barrier, but all the leaders worked through them to ensure success.
Schond added that many meetings transpired to work through the unique vernacular specific to each service. The terms are similar, but with an airborne operation, the leaders of each service worked to ensure there was no miscommunication.
“We worked on each other’s acronyms to ensure a smooth communication flow,” said Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Gauger, assistant jumpmaster and assistant safety officer in the drop zone. “We conducted meetings with the ground operations and Marine pilots to ensure we understood each other before any paratrooper jumped.”
The learning exchange was reciprocal.
ARMY COHESION
“Army culture is so cohesive,” said Senior Master Sgt. (Retired) Bryan Ripple, assigned to the 88th Air Base Wing public affairs office on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Ripple explained the characteristics that he was impressed with most with after seeing the Army Reservists in action: teamwork and cohesion.
“During my deployment to Iraq, I witnessed several injured Army Soldiers arriving at the hospital for treatment. Regardless of rank, every wounded Soldier had a buddy with him who would not leave his side,” said Ripple.
Ripple reported that sometimes there would be long waits between treatments, but the healthy Soldier refused to leave his wounded buddy’s side.
“I saw privates escorting NCOs (non-commissioned officers), senior ranking personnel escorting junior ranks – it did not matter,” said Ripple. “They stuck together throughout the entire medical ordeal.”
“The buddy system impressed me,” said Senior Airman Franchesca Pancham, a broadcast journeyman with the 88th Airbase Wing Public Affairs. “I was so fascinated at how Army Soldiers do everything together in teams.”
Pancham also elaborated on how the Army buddy-system is a good safety net for Soldiers when they go off base to visit communities.
Even the Family Readiness Group (FRG) for the 412th joins the Soldiers during their jumps. The FRG set up its display to provide refreshments for the troops after their day jump was complete.
“When we are consistently present at all 412th events, and we celebrate the fantastic things our battalion does, the Soldiers get to know us,” said Mrs. Kyla Floyd, the FRG leader.
Floyd added that establishing an FRG comfort level with Soldiers is important.
“Our Soldiers know that in case they need us in the future, the FRG is available to provide information and support to them and their families, whether they are deployed or here at home,” said Floyd.
The successful joint operations spawned enthusiasm to work together again.
“Future airborne operations at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will enable both the United States Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (USACAPOC) and WPAFB to enhance operational readiness and organizational response capabilities in support of global mission operational requirements," said Schond,
Schond added, "This newly established partnership will provide an immediate enhancement in the ability to successfully carry out joint day or night tactical training by implementing realistic scenarios, resources and infrastructure, which will pay enormous dividends in both near and long-term operational readiness."
After the night jump, the tired Army, Marine and Air Force participants shook hands and said their goodbyes, hoping to work together again.
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| Date Taken: | 03.19.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 05.17.2016 09:50 |
| Story ID: | 198344 |
| Location: | DAYTON, OH, US |
| Web Views: | 277 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 412th Paratroopers Participate in a Joint Operation Jump, by MSG David Johnson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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