thedrifter
08-17-09, 06:23 AM
Marines and Airmen blast through support barriers
8/14/2009 By Lance Cpl. Dwight A. Henderson , 2nd Marine Division
CAMP LEJUENE, N.C. —
When Marines find themselves pinned down by enemy fire, or when they can’t destroy enemy armor blocking their path, sometimes it’s necessary to call in some devastating air support. However, if Marine air is unavailable, the Air Force is more than willing, and ready, to step in and help the Leathernecks on the ground.
During a recent week-long combined arms training exercise Camp Lejeune, N.C., Marines from 2nd Tank Battalion and 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, trained with the Air Force to learn how to properly call in emergency close air support.
From Aug. 3-7, 2009, Air Force F-15 Eagle tactical fighters from the 335th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters from the 79th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group, soared above Camp Lejeune. The exercise gave the Marines the chance to learn how to call in close air support when a joint-terminal air controller or forward air controller is not available to make the call, and gave the Air Force pilots the opportunity to interact with Marines.
“That’s the primary reason why we’re working with them,” said Capt. Robert P. Hurst of 2nd Tank Battalion. “We talk a different language than [the Air Force.] We’re letting them know what they can expect when working with Marines.”
The service members practiced two types of close air support. The first and most effective is when Marines on the ground could view the target and the supporting aircraft simultaneously. This helps the controller better direct the aircraft onto target.
The second style of close air support is when the Marine on the ground can see the target but not the plane, and guiding the pilot onto target requires the use of identifiable terrain features. Regardless of the method, once the pilot verifies identification of the target, the Marine clears the pilot to attack.
The training was a good opportunity for the Marines as well as the airmen. Many Marines don’t get the chance to work in a combined arms environment with Air Force assets very often.
“The whole Marine Corps is going back to core competency and combined arms, and this is just one small piece of the big picture,” said 2nd Lt. Thomas C. Figgatt, a platoon commander with Company D, 2nd Tank Battalion.
The Marines of 2nd Tanks and 2nd CEB said they feel confident and comfortable in their ability to utilize the training in their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
“It’s awesome; the best training I’ve ever had,” said 1st Lt. Daniel C. Walker, the executive officer for Engineer Supply Company, 2nd CEB.
For more information on the II Marine Expeditionary Force, visit the unit’s web site at www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil.
Ellie
8/14/2009 By Lance Cpl. Dwight A. Henderson , 2nd Marine Division
CAMP LEJUENE, N.C. —
When Marines find themselves pinned down by enemy fire, or when they can’t destroy enemy armor blocking their path, sometimes it’s necessary to call in some devastating air support. However, if Marine air is unavailable, the Air Force is more than willing, and ready, to step in and help the Leathernecks on the ground.
During a recent week-long combined arms training exercise Camp Lejeune, N.C., Marines from 2nd Tank Battalion and 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, trained with the Air Force to learn how to properly call in emergency close air support.
From Aug. 3-7, 2009, Air Force F-15 Eagle tactical fighters from the 335th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters from the 79th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group, soared above Camp Lejeune. The exercise gave the Marines the chance to learn how to call in close air support when a joint-terminal air controller or forward air controller is not available to make the call, and gave the Air Force pilots the opportunity to interact with Marines.
“That’s the primary reason why we’re working with them,” said Capt. Robert P. Hurst of 2nd Tank Battalion. “We talk a different language than [the Air Force.] We’re letting them know what they can expect when working with Marines.”
The service members practiced two types of close air support. The first and most effective is when Marines on the ground could view the target and the supporting aircraft simultaneously. This helps the controller better direct the aircraft onto target.
The second style of close air support is when the Marine on the ground can see the target but not the plane, and guiding the pilot onto target requires the use of identifiable terrain features. Regardless of the method, once the pilot verifies identification of the target, the Marine clears the pilot to attack.
The training was a good opportunity for the Marines as well as the airmen. Many Marines don’t get the chance to work in a combined arms environment with Air Force assets very often.
“The whole Marine Corps is going back to core competency and combined arms, and this is just one small piece of the big picture,” said 2nd Lt. Thomas C. Figgatt, a platoon commander with Company D, 2nd Tank Battalion.
The Marines of 2nd Tanks and 2nd CEB said they feel confident and comfortable in their ability to utilize the training in their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
“It’s awesome; the best training I’ve ever had,” said 1st Lt. Daniel C. Walker, the executive officer for Engineer Supply Company, 2nd CEB.
For more information on the II Marine Expeditionary Force, visit the unit’s web site at www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil.
Ellie