U.S., NATO combine forces for Allied Strike

  • Published
  • By Army Spc. John W. Herrick
  • 126 Press Camp Headquarters, Michigan Army National Guard
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany --  The recent U.S. and NATO joint/combined training event, ALLIED STRIKE 10, emphasized the importance of joint and combined Close Air Support missions, while highlighting the role Allied nations bring to the battlefield in current theaters of operation.

The 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment based out of Hohenfels, Germany, assisted in the event as opposing forces to increase the realism of the exercise. However, much of the training was a joint effort by Airmen and multinational forces.

"The main purpose of this exercise was to provide a comprehensive training environment with Allied nations, which assesses our Close Air Support effectiveness, all in a graduate-level venue with a focus on Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs)," said Air Force Lt. Col. Jon Berry, 4th Air Support Operations Group Director of Operations and ALLIED STRIKE 10 exercise director.

The Joint Multinational Training Command here provided participating units with a fully integrated training opportunity using organic support systems and facilities to train forces and leaders to dominate in full spectrum operations.

The two-week event also allowed NATO Allied forces such as Germany, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Portugal the opportunity to train side by side with American service members in four specific training lanes. Combat relevant items such as Urban Operations, Convoy training, Tactical Operations Center conduct and live Close Air Support ordnance drops form US/allied aircraft were conducted. Additionally, training opportunities existed further enhancing combat effectiveness including Combat Life Saver course, M-4/M-9 weapons qualification training, Leadership Reaction Course and the Obstacle Course. Also key was the deliberate inclusion of support personnel during all facets of training to provide a multi-faceted and realistic training environment.

"The intent of exercise ALLIED STRIKE 10 was to provide robust and realistic Close Air Support training that helps build partnership capacity among allied NATO nations in a joint/combined environment while refining the latest operational tactics, techniques and procedures. We want to train here, so we can better provide close air support for Soldiers and Coalition Force members in Afghanistan and Iraq," said Air Force Lt. Col. Michael McManus, 4th Air Operations Support Squadron commander, who also directs the Air Support Operations Center that provided the command and control node for ALLIED STRIKE 10.

Another aspect of the training focused on the Air Force's JTACs and multinational equivalents. JTACs are specially trained combat Airmen aligned with Army units with the mission of advising and integrating airpower into the ground scheme of maneuver. Among other things, they provide vital information and timely intelligence from the battlefield to the Joint Tactical Operations Center, ensuring Close Air Support capabilities and ordnance are delivered on time and on target.

"This exercise highlights the criticality of what Close Air Support brings to the battlefield, and is among the most dangerous working environments in which an Airman may operate. Our JTACs are very close to where our planes are dropping bombs and firing their guns, meaning their lives and the soldiers they are with rely on pinpoint accuracy under fire as airstrikes are called in," said Colonel Berry.

Originally, when the ALLIED STRIKE series started three years ago it was much smaller, but since then has grown exponentially. According to Colonel Berry, he has seen a 27 percent event growth, clearly depicting the demand for robust Close Air Support training. Already, there are numerous other countries wanting to take part in the exercise, all seen as a positive sign.

"Nine additional countries have expressed interest in participating in this training, and I think that shows what we are doing is effective," said Colonel Berry.

While future ALLIED STRIKE exercises continue to evolve, it is obvious that Airmen and multinational forces are benefitting from the training with each other, as evidenced by superior performances of deployed personnel in support of contingency operations. They work countless hours in often harsh environments, so that one day when they're needed they'll be ready.

"ALLIED STRIKE 10 provided an incredible training venue for the Close Air Support mission. It required a great deal of time and coordination from all the participating nations, and full integration of all personnel to include fighter aircraft squadrons and Allied counterparts. Overall, this venue continues to prove a great resource for troops in theater who rely heavily on Close Air Support effects," said Colonel McManus.