JFOs recertify to increase lethality, readiness

Photo By Chuck Cannon | Soldiers with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and Airmen from the 20th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS), conduct Joint Fires Training Oct. 9-12 at Fort Polk, LA.  

FORT POLK, LOUISIANA, UNITED STATES

10.18.2018

Courtesy Story

Fort Polk Public Affairs Office

FORT POLK, La. — From Oct. 9-12, Soldiers from 5th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, conducted joint fires training to ensure that joint forward observers (JFOs) retain their JFO currency and increase overall proficiency and lethality through the integration of air and surface delivered fires in support of maneuver combat units.
Army JFOs are specialized forward observers (FOs) who are trained and qualified to request, control and adjust surface-to-surface fires, provide close air support to maneuver units by passing targeting information to a joint terminal attack controller or a forward air controller/airborne, and conduct autonomous terminal guidance operations by providing detailed targeting information directly to aircraft.
Soldiers from Fire Support Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment and joint terminal attack controllers from the 1st Detachment, 20th Air Support Operations Squadron spearheaded the training regimen focusing on JFO currency and proficiency. The training provided JFOs across the brigade the opportunity to test their capabilities and demonstrate proficiency through a tough and realistic tactical scenario.
Soldiers started training at the Call for Fire Trainer where they received a tactical scenario brief from Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Chambers, the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 10th Mtn Div fire support non-commissioned officer. Chambers described the importance of the training.
“What we’ve put together out here is a tough and realistic environment for our JFOs that takes them out of the simulator, gets their kit on, makes them use their equipment, and pushes them to do their job under pressure in a tactical scenario,” Chambers said. “This is exactly what we need to keep us ready for the next fight.”
Following the course overview and instruction, JFOs were evaluated inside the CFFT utilizing communications and precision fires equipment, such as the AN/PED-1 Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder. Following certification in the CFFT the JFOs went outdoors and entered a simulated combat environment by executing a 30-45 minute tough and demanding tactical exercise in the nearby woods. To pass the exercise, the JFOs had to safely and successfully conduct a simulated Type II Control with a JTAC and conduct TGOs with a qualified FAC/A.
Staff Sgt. Lawrence Trujillo, a JTAC from Det. 1, 20th ASOS, offered his perspective on the week-long exercise he helped facilitate.
“This training is all about increasing joint fires lethality,” he said. “Integration in garrison ensures we know what to expect from each other when the intensity is ramped up. Everyone from the newest FO to the most experienced JTAC came away with learning points.”
Over the course of the training exercise, JFOs and FOs from across the brigade trained to sustain their joint warfighting skills. JTAC support provided the validation to the currency training and the opportunity for many of the junior FOs to receive valuable mentorship from subject matter experts, greatly enhancing the tactical training exercise and building a strong relationship among the joint warfighters.
Spc. John McDaniel, a senior fire support specialist from FIST, 2nd Bn, 4th Inf Reg, expressed his enthusiasm for the joint training opportunity he helped facilitate.
“The integration between our JTACs and JFOs is what we need to increase our fire power superiority,” he said. “We needed this to knock the rust off and get back in the fight. Everyone out here walked away as more proficient Fire Supporters.”
Fire Support certifications are critical to maintaining lethality and readiness within combat units. JFOs and FOs continue to maintain a high level of proficiency and are ready now to provide exceptional service to maneuver forces within the 3rd BCT, 10th Mtn Div.

• Date Taken: 10.18.2018
• Date Posted: 10.18.2018 15:25
• Story ID: 296928
• Location: FORT POLK, LOUISIANA, US