4-25th ID, 3rd ASOS provide CAS during NE08

  • Published
  • By Army Spc. Brooks Fletcher
  • Northern Edge 2008 Joint Information Bureau
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Shortly after coordinates were relayed to the pilots and infrared heat markers were deployed emitting a discreet optical beacon, F-16s passed over an unsuspecting convoy, deployed ordnance, and neutralized any possible threats.

What appeared to be a malicious air raid was actually a training exercise in support of Northern Edge 2008, Alaska's largest joint-service training exercise.

Soldiers and airmen from two Alaska units joined forces during a close air support exercise held outside of Fort Greely, Alaska, Tuesday.

The mock town of Simpsonville was the reconnaissance site for Fort Richardson Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and Airmen from the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, 354th Operation Group here, during an exercise familiarizing the servicemembers on air support operations.

"This exercise simulates close air support with ground maneuvers," said Tech Sgt. Allen Hawk, brigade air liaison officer, 354th Operations Group. "By providing accurate and timely target data to the pilots, It measures their proficiency in CAS."

According to the Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures, CAS is air action by fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft against hostile targets that are in close proximity to friendly forces, which require detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those forces.

"During close air support scenarios, we generate an objective, come out and execute," said Senior Airman Christopher Pierce, joint terminal attack controller, 3rd Air Support Squadron, "The basic premise is to drop ordnance and neutralize enemy threats."

This tactical effort requires that all cylinders are firing in respect to the ground and air crews' cohesive synchronization.

Prior to target engagement, joint fire observers serve as a forward reconnaissance component, who pass real-time targeting data to the JTAC, said Pierce.

"[JFOs] serve as non-qualified JTACs," Pierce said. "Although they can't call in air support, they are our "tentacles" or "feelers" in the scenarios."

For soldiers like Spc. Andrew Duran, JFO, 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry, the training was surreal, allowing a different perspective on what he normally does in an "urban" environment.

"I learned a lot. I have never been put in the situation where I had to work with an aircraft in such an open environment," Duran said in regards to Simpsonville's marsh-like fields.

Duran explained that once information was gathered on target, it was relayed to the JTAC, who in turn, communicated it to the pilots to begin engagements.

"I had the opportunity to learn the JTAC's job and how to set up a fire mission," said Duran. "If we deploy and are in a fire fight, now I know how to react."

Active duty, National Guard, and reserve component Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors will continue to participants in Northern Edge 2008 through May 16.