WTI 2-18 executes AST-2, plans for MAGTF integration

Photo By Sgt. Ashley McLaughlin | U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines fire a M777 towed 155 mm howitzer during assault support tactics 2, an exercise in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 2-18 at Fire Base Burt, Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, Calif., April 18. AST-2 is an exercise focused on executing a duel-site, simultaneous night raid with a company sized element that integrates combined arms using the six functions of Marine Aviation. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1 cadre, which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force and provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ashley McLaughlin/Released)  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, AZ, UNITED STATES

04.18.2018

Story by Lance Cpl. Ashley McLaughlin 

Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-1

U.S. Marines with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One planned maneuvers for the Assault Support Tactics 2 exercise in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-18 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 18.

Students from multiple military occupational specialties planned tactics for executing a battalion insert into an operational area while simultaneously conducting a company raid on an alternate objective as a deception.

“The students had 10 hours to form a plan that supports the ground tactical plan for a dual-site battalion air assault while integrating all six functions of Marine Corps aviation,” said Maj. Dan Bowring, a MAWTS-1 UH-1Y Venom Instructor. “It utilized Marine Corps fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft, support from joint services and the full gamut of everything we have in the Marine Corps.”

AST-2 is more intricate than AST-1; going from a single to multiple objective areas and having more directly correlated deep air support.

“AST-2 had Marines hold and defend an area for an extended period of time while cohesively conducting deep air support in relatively close proximity,” said Capt. Paul Lancaster, a MAWTS-1 MV-22 Osprey Instructor pilot.

The students were presented with challenges to help them become more adaptable such as a compressed timeline and the integration of multiple air and ground assets.

“Our primary challenge is managing assets and two objectives, often each individual asset will be utilized in both objective areas,” said Lancaster. “Understanding the sequence of events allows us to execute these missions in a safe manner.”

These challenges prepare the students for future missions when they return to the fleet as MAWTS-1 Instructor Pilots. Having experience and a template will reduce stress and increase success in future conflicts.

“AST-2 helps the Marines understand their responsibilities and role as Marine Air Ground Task Force planners,” said Bowring. “Coming to WTI, whether they’re a pilot, intelligence Marine or a ground Marine, we’re trying to develop MAGTF planners who understand all aspects of the MAGTF, six functions of aviation and how they integrate them in order to ultimately support the ground tactical plan. It’s stepping out of whatever your specific job or military occupational specialty is and understanding the big picture of how to employ a MAGTF.”

• Date Taken: 04.18.2018
• Date Posted: 04.27.2018 12:38
• Story ID: 274622
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, AZ, US