Photo By Ryan Campbell | Airmen assigned to the 274th Air Support Operations Squadron, 107th Attack Wing, New...... read more read more
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FORT DRUM, N.Y., (Sept. 26, 2018) — More than 12 Airmen assigned to the 274th Air Support Operations Squadron, New York Air National Guard, called in live fire from A-10 Thunderbolt IIs during training scenarios at Ft. Drum, Sept. 18-20, 2018.
To meet training requirements, the 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Idaho, provided four of the aircraft for the joint terminal attack controllers to train with. With 30 mm rotary cannons, white phosphorus rockets and 500 pound bombs at their disposal, the JTACs coordinated several attacks on stationary targets.
“We were controlling close air support, we had A-10s overhead,” said Senior Airman Blaine Moore, a JTAC assigned to the 274th ASOS. “We were being a liaison on the ground to coordinate with the pilots so they could deliver close air support on enemy targets.”
The targets may not have been truly enemies, but to train as they fight is essential for keeping their skills sharp. On a battlefield, it is a JTAC that is going to ensure that air support delivers the desired results.
“This type of training is extremely important for us because it‘s hands on training,” said Moore. “It’s what we’re actually going to be doing downrange so that when the time comes and we have to save and protect friendly ground forces, we can coordinate and provide these ordinances in a safe manner.”
Playing such a vital role on the battlefield, the Airman of the 274th ASOS spend countless days perfecting these skills. Success for them is measured in their ability to save and protect others.
“Our role is extremely crucial in a downrange environment,” said Moore. “Without us on the ground to liaison with the assets in the air and the ground commander, there is not necessarily a connection between the two.”
A JTAC is specially trained to be able to communicate with the various aircraft of the U.S. military that provide air support. They plan and coordinate missions to have ground targets engaged, and then control the aircraft to execute the mission. U.S. and coalition forces can utilize JTACs in ways that can drastically change the face of a battle.
“Any chance we get, we take full advantage of it and take our training to next level,” said Moore, describing the opportunity to train with live fire from aircraft. “We were in full scenario the entire time utilizing every piece of equipment that we possibly could, that we don’t get to use outside of a firing range.”
The week of training at Ft. Drum ended as a success with all training goals achieved. For the Airmen of the 274th ASOS, the job may not be easy but it is exactly how they want to serve their country.
“It feels awesome, it’s a lot of hard work but it’s very rewarding,” said Moore.
| Date Taken: | 09.27.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 09.27.2018 11:14 |
| Story ID: | 294606 |
| Location: | FORT DRUM, NY, US |
| Hometown: | SYRACUSE, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 108 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Idaho Joins New York for A-10 Live Fire, by Ryan Campbell, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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