31st MEU air, ground forces link up
Cpl. Kamran Sadaghiani

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa (May 25, 2007) -- Close air support has played an important role throughout modern warfare, serving a purpose similar to artillery in how it provides fire support for ground forces.

To refine their skills in providing close air support, the tactical air control party of Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, the ground combat element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unity, practiced calling in numerous close air support missions at range W-174 off the coast here May 7-9.

During the exercise, the BLT's TACP, comprised of six forward air controllers, called in more than 40 fire missions for AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters, UH-1N Huey helicopters and AV-8B Harriers, all attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (Reinforced).

The pilots engaged targets between 250 and 500 meters away from their observation post with heavy munitions and machine gun fire, according to Capt. Jon Curtis, the BLT air officer.

Curtis explained that from a forward position the TACP directs the action of combat aircraft in providing close air support and other offensive air operations.

"Our primary function is to identify and designate targets using indirect fire, infrared pointers, lasers, and radios, which improve aircraft target acquisition while increasing the safety of the troops from friendly fire," said Curtis.

Since enemy targets in the forward edge of the battlefield may be close to friendly forces, those forces are at risk.

The danger is twofold, explained Capt. Michael Bersky, a Huey helicopter pilot who participated in the exercise. Without the TACP, the pilot may not be able to identify the target clearly and may not be aware of the locations of friendly forces.

Also, camouflage, constantly changing situations and the fog of war all increase the risk. Safely executed aviation fires are facilitated through the support and employment of the TACP.

The exercise was also a great training opportunity for the aircrew, said Bersky.

"Providing close air support for the forward air controllers helped us build aircrew proficiency with ordnance delivery, tactics, techniques and procedures," he continued. "This is important because they are our eyes on the ground, so we must be on the same sheet of music."

Curtis added that the exercise helped the forward air controllers improve their sight picture for required safety control measures that need to be employed on targets at close proximity from friendly lines.

Because close air support requires excellent coordination between air and ground forces, the TACP performs training exercises like this about once every four to six weeks to maintain and build on their valuable skills.

"As a result, we will maintain proficiency on employing ordnance off aircraft in close proximity to us safely and accurately," said Curtis.

http://www.okinawa.usmc.mil/Public%20Affairs%20Info/Archive%20News%20Pages/2007/070525-meu.html