Exercise helps JTACs maintain precise skill
Rachel Riley
THREE dimensional thinking and the ability to accurately multi- task under combat conditions are but a few of the skills required of a competent Joint Terminal Attack Controller.
Last month at Townsville Field Training Area, Army JTACs, supported by RAAF No. 3 Squadron F/ A- 18 Hornets, conducted the twice yearly Exercise Nigrum Pugio.
The exercise is conducted to maintain JTACs’ currency requirements in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between United States forces and numerous allied countries across the globe.
Remaining current and competent is critical as a JTAC may well control other nations’ aircraft on to a target.
Officer commanding 16th Air Land Regiment’s JTAC Troop Captain Cameron Phasey said maintaining the standard was critical to force protection and minimising potential fratricide.
“JTAC personnel are likely to be required to call in close air support and their job is to protect own forces while helping destroy the enemy. There is no room for error and that’s why we have to make sure we get it right in training,” Capt Phasey said.
Exercise Nigrum Pugio immediately followed Exercise Black Dagger, which is a RAAF No. 4 Squadron lead abinitio JTAC course certification exercise.
Sequencing these two activities created efficiencies as No. 3 SQN supported both exercises while deployed to RAAF Base Townsville.
Joint Fires Observers from 3rd Brigade’s 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery also worked with the JTACs to mark targets with smoke rounds fired from 4RAA’s M777s to assist the F/ A- 18 crews in identifying the target.
Many of the current JTACs involved have operational experience, including one who gained proficiency with the US Army.
Bombardier David Allen of 8/ 12th Medium Regiment is a lateral transfer. He joined the Australian Army following his retirement after 20 years of service in the US Army, which included multiple operational tours – his last posting being attached to the 1st Special Forces Group ( US Army).
Bdr Allen said he found the skill set transferable between forces – an aspect that bodes well in terms of interoperability. He is also grateful for being able to “get back on the tools”.
“I love what I do and this transfer allowed me to keep doing it,” Bdr Allen said.
Capt Phasey said the JTAC skillset also provided soldiers the opportunity to deploy on operations.
“We have JTACs in theatre right now working in joint fires effects co- ordination,” he said.
“For those keen to deploy, this could be the job for you.”
16th Air Land Regiment JTAC Troop staff will conduct JTAC screening in the new year in Darwin, Townsville and Brisbane for those considering becoming a highly skilled and valued JTAC.