Photo By Staff Sgt. Alexandria Lee | A Polsih Special Operation forces, combat controller, free falls out of an MC130J...... read more read more
Subscribe
Members from U.S. Air Force's 352nd Special Operations Wing, stationed at RAF Mildenhall, England, participated in another successful exercise, 18 -22 March 2019, alongside members of the Polish Special Operations Forces near Krakow, Poland.
Air commandos were joined by Polish SOF combat controllers to train and enhance capabilities for special operations air-land integration. They trained together on tasks such as deploying undetected into austere environments to establish landing zones and conducting air traffic control to forward project manpower, airspace and resources.
“Our training includes air traffic control, mainly, and survey productions, and then associated FMPs (full mission profiles), where they set up an airfield and control tilt-rotor and fixed-wing aircraft, as well as, drop zones,” said a combat controller of the 352nd Special Operations Wing.
The team deployed to Poland months prior, to build upon Polish Special Operations Command's ability to conduct special operations air-land integration. This follow up exercise allows both parties to benefit. The U.S. increase their training, such as high-altitude drops, while the Polish SOF increases their combat controller skills, including cooperating with foreign aircrew and ground support.
“This exercise is a great opportunity to train with each other,” said Polish Special Operations Forces operator from CCT Military Unit. “There were only minor differences between our procedures. The U.S. is more experienced in regards to the CCT skills. To have the opportunity to train with SOF aircraft and speak with the crew, that is a huge advantage for us. This is not the end of our training with the U.S.”
Combat controllers are uniquely trained special operations forces and certified FAA air traffic controllers. By sharing methods, and developing best practices, U.S. and NATO partners around the world remain ready to respond to any potential real-world contingencies in Eastern Europe by forward staging to establish, secure, and control landing zones to get manpower airpower and resources closer to fight.
“I’ve had the opportunity to correct my procedures and learn, as well give the U.S. training on high altitude airdrop, what we specialize in, said Polish Special Operations Forces operator from
CCT Military Unit. “We want to exchange our knowledge and benefit from each other. I think we’re ready to operate on our own from the things we’ve learned from the U.S.”
Through these regular exercises, the U.S. and Polish partnership grow stronger, building a stronger force through all of the NATO Allies.
“The Polish are extremely proud, with their history, with their heritage, the sacrifices that were made by those that came before them,” said a combat controller of the 352nd Special Operations Wing. “It’s a lot like looking in the mirror, it’s something we can easily relate to, and it’s admirable to see. It gives me much faith in our NATO Allies, and it feels good to know they are on o160ur team and we are all capable and like-minded.”
| Date Taken: | 03.22.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 04.12.2019 09:45 |
| Story ID: | 317872 |
| Location: | GB |
| Web Views: | 133 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, US and POL SOF heighten proficiency through culmination exercise, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT