Tactical Air Controllers Command Over Afghan Sky | Aero-News Network
Aero-News Network
RSS icon RSS feed
podcast icon MP3 podcast
Subscribe Aero-News e-mail Newsletter Subscribe

Airborne Unlimited -- Most Recent Daily Episodes

Episode Date

Airborne-Monday

Airborne-Tuesday

Airborne-Wednesday Airborne-Thursday

Airborne-Friday

Airborne On YouTube

Airborne-Unlimited-04.29.24

Airborne-NextGen-04.30.24

Airborne-Unlimited-05.01.24 Airborne-AffordableFlyers--05.02.24

Airborne-Unlimited-05.03.24

Tue, Nov 23, 2004

Tactical Air Controllers Command Over Afghan Sky

Air Force By Service, Army By Trade

They are a unique breed of servicemembers on the frontline -- Air Force by service, but Army by trade. Air Force joint tactical-air controllers can be found throughout Afghanistan -- planning, communicating and facilitating the execution of close- air support for ground forces.

For the "Wolfhounds" of 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, operating in Paktika province, JTAC support comes from the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii. Located everywhere from tactical headquarters to operations with company-sized elements, JTAC personnel act as the liaison for all air support that comes from every service and all coalition partners.

"Because what we do can be applied to any air-support element, we have no problems working with anybody," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Mark Hiler, a JTAC with the 25th ASOS.

From helicopters to bombers, JTAC personnel and their leaders have a variety of weapons capabilities at their disposal to perform many different tasks. Choosing the right weapon for the task is just one part of their job. To be successful at calling in air support, they must master two vital skills: communication and planning, said Hiler.

In the stages leading up to operations, JTACs are very important to planning because they pay constant attention to how close-air support will be used and even advise leaders on the best ways to use air assets, said Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Pena, another JTAC with the 25th ASOS. Planning is also important so that close-air support can always operate safely on the battlefield with other indirect-fire assets, such as artillery and mortars.

While communication goes hand in hand with the planning process, it is also one of the most important things the JTACs do. "If we can't talk, we can't do anything," said Hiler. "Communications is such an important aspect of our job."

To assist in their communication needs, the JTACs employ not only a complete array of equipment, but also the knowledge to operate, maintain and fix the equipment. "We have to know how to do everything with our (communication equipment)," said Pena. "We are away from our support elements so often, it is many times up to us to make sure we can continue on with the mission."

For the JTACs, being isolated away from not only support, but also other airmen, is something they say is just a part of the job -- an aspect they not only enjoy, but one that also sets them apart from everyone else in their service. Because every JTAC is a volunteer, Pena said the job creates its own identity and desire for a job well done.

JTAC is also one of the few jobs in the Air Force that is so far forward on the battlefield, he said. "We like to be out on the frontline with the Army," said Pena. "It is something that you want to do, and is very rewarding. It is almost like a brotherhood."

(ANN salutes Army Sgt. Frank Magni, 17th Public Affairs Detachment)

FMI: www.army.mil

Advertisement

More News

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (05.01.24): Say Altitude

Say Altitude Used by ATC to ascertain an aircraft's specific altitude/flight level. When the aircraft is climbing or descending, the pilot should state the indicated altitude round>[...]

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (05.01.24)

Aero Linx: European Air Law Association (EALA) EALA was established in 1988 with the aim to promote the study of European air law and to provide an open forum for those with an int>[...]

Classic Aero-TV: Korean War Hero Twice Reborn

From 2023 (YouTube Version): The Life, Death, Life, Death, and Life of a Glorious Warbird In 1981, business-owner Jim Tobul and his father purchased a Chance-Vought F4U Corsair. Mo>[...]

Airborne 04.29.24: EAA B-25 Rides, Textron 2024, G700 Deliveries

Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World Wa>[...]

Airborne Affordable Flyers 05.02.24: Bobby Bailey, SPRG Report Cards, Skydive!

Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]

blog comments powered by Disqus



Advertisement

Advertisement

Podcasts

Advertisement

© 2007 - 2024 Web Development & Design by Pauli Systems, LC