Extending the eyes of the ETAC via FO ECAS training: the 101st joint fires training strategy.

Close air support (CAS) plays a major role in 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) operations. Joint aircraft can provide lethal fires and mass effects rapidly across the Screaming Eagle's battlespace, complementing the division's organic fire support systems.

The recent combat experiences of the division's 3d Brigade Combat Team, the Rakkasans, in Afghanistan during Operation Anaconda illustrate the need for fire supporters--forward observers (FOs)--to be trained to help enlisted terminal air controllers (ETACs) by serving as their eyes forward and conducting emergency CAS (ECAS). The Air Force requires a certified ETAC control joint CAS assets. However, constraints on the numbers of ETACs/tactical air control parties (TACPs) distributed in Army formations on a dispersed, noncontiguous battlespace, as well as in complex urban terrain challenge their abilities to positively identify both the aircraft and targets.

Thus, in the 101st Division, fire supporters and TACPs have developed a Joint Fires Training Strategy that fosters teamwork and cohesion between joint units that will fight together. This strategy trains fire supporters to extend the eyes of the ETACs and ETACs in Army call-for-fire (CFF) procedures. Located with the division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the 19th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) supports the 101st with ETACs and is the Air Force partner in this joint training.

In addition to the obvious benefits of this joint training, fire support teams (FISTs) and TACPs better understand the lethal fires each brings to the battle-field, enabling them to combine and complement each other's fires for synergistic effects throughout the division's s spectrum of combat operations. It is important that TACPs and fire supporters understand not only the effects of joint fires, but their integration as well. Practice is the key to effective integration.

The intent of the joint training program for FOs is not to "certify" them as ETACs--that would require significant additional training and resources. Rather, the purpose is to ensure 101st fire support personnel can help ETACs and control aircraft in ECAS during close operations to satisfy warfighting necessities on the battlefield.

Implementing this Joint Fires Training Strategy helps transform joint mindsets and cultures. Rather than relying on "stove-piped" training within the fire support and TACP communities, the joint force can gain exponentially from harmonizing training efforts while still allowing for focused training within each skill set: Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 13F Fire Support Specialist and Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) 1C4 Enlisted Terminal Air Controller.

Why We Train. ECAS is a CAS mission conducted under emergency wartime conditions when a qualified terminal air controller is unable to provide attack control, as defined in Air Force Instruction 13-102, Air Support Operations Center (ASOC) and Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Training and Evaluation Procedures, dated 1 September 1996. In the event an ETAC is not present (wounded, etc.), ground commanders can use ECAS to prosecute targets if they weigh the risk of fratricide against the danger posed by enemy forces being engaged.

Fire supporters are clearly the ground commander's best choice for ECAS control if an ETAC is not available. Training on ECAS procedures is crucial for all fire supporters to ensure mission success.

As a result, the 101st Division implemented an ECAS training program as part of its overall Joint Fires Training Strategy. This program satisfies [Army Training and Evaluation Program] ARTEP 6-037-30-MTP Mission Training Plan for Consolidated Cannon Battery, M102, M119, M198, M109A5, M109A6, dated 1 April 2000, that requires fire supporters be proficient in requesting and controlling CAS missions.

Regulations do not allow Army fire support personnel to become certified controllers--there are limited training opportunities even for ETACs to be certified. Any non-certified controller is limited to facilitating indirect control of CAS aircraft through a certified controller (executed via radio) or executing ECAS.

Certified controllers normally are assigned call signs when deployed to theatres of operation. The air support operations center (ASOC) tracks these call signs to verify that legitimate controllers are submitting CAS requests. The theatre special instructions (SPINS) published in the air tasking order (ATO) normally provide information on procedures for non-certified controllers to perform ECAS. The SPINS are released by the joint force air component commander (JFACC), who usually is a flag officer from the service with the preponderance of air assets in theatre, most often Air Force.

Depending on the SPINS, FOs can attack targets using ECAS procedures, even without air liaison officer (ALO) or ETAC support, if their troops are in contact with the enemy.

The Types of CAS. According to Joint Publication 3-09.3, Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Close Air Support, there are three types of terminal control: "positive direct," positive indirect" and "reasonable assurance."

The ground maneuver commander should select the type of control used to bring CAS effects onto the battlefield, based on his assessment of the target and the effects desired and the tactical risk involved. Positive direct control requires the terminal controller see both the target and the aircraft attacking the target.

Positive indirect control is when the terminal controller cannot see the target and (or) the attacking aircraft. An FO, combat observation lasing team (COLT) or even unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can see the target can help the ETAC control CAS via radio. In both positive direct and positive indirect control, the ETAC passes the theatre standard CAS briefing to the attacking aircraft and transmits the release authority "Cleared Hot" before the aircraft engages the target.

The final procedure for the release of ordnance is reasonable assurance. With the concurrence of subordinate commanders, the joint force commander establishes the conditions for reasonable assurance. Normally, reasonable assurance is employed only when the risk of fratricide is low. In this procedure, the terminal controller gives the pilot clearance to engage a target versus a "Cleared Hot" call onto a specific target.

Currently, CAS terminal air controllers are in key command and control nodes in a ground maneuver unit. For conventional forces, this is down to the battalion level. Maneuver battalion commanders have at least one qualified terminal controller and at least one additional ETAC to task organize on the battlefield, as required.

Given the urban sprawl worldwide, both heavy and light forces will fight many future battles in complex urban terrain. The compartmentalized urban terrain reduces the visibility of a terminal controller. In an urban environment, one city block or even one wall can degrade the ETAC's ability to maintain positive direct GAS control.

The techniques used to employ GAS in such terrain will be either through positive indirect or reasonable assurance control with a non-certified terminal controller, such as an FO, serving as the ETAC's eyes forward.

It is critical we train Army fire supporters in the doctrine and execution of terminal control of CAS to enhance the ETACs' capabilities. FOs trained in CAS help the ground maneuver commander identify potential CAS targets and help ETACs prosecute those targets in a timely fashion.

Air Force ETAC Certification. The 101st Division training qualifies fire supporters to conduct terminal control of fixed-wing aircraft in emergency situations, not become certified to USAF standards. The process the Air Force uses to certify ETACs is lengthy and requires a significant number of CAS assets dedicated to ETAC training and certification. (See Figure 1.)

After an airman completes technical school, he is assigned to an operational ASOS, usually on an Army post, where he begins training for "mission-ready status." This training focuses on communications and other equipment specifically associated with the career field and the mission profile of the Army unit the ASOS will support in wartime. During this initial unit training, airmen become familiar with ECAS operations.

For the airman to achieve mission-ready status, he is evaluated on his ability to accomplish specified tasks. The time to complete a mission-ready evaluation ranges from six months to one year after the airman arrives at his duty station.

After becoming mission ready, the airman enters "Tier Training" to become an ETAC, as shown in Figure 1. In addition to completing the three tiers, an airman must have maintained a mission-ready status for one year and have a minimum rank of E-4 to become a certified ETAC.

During Tier One, the terminal air controller trainee receives additional ECAS training and terminal air control academics. During the Tier Two ETAC candidate phase, the training is more intense and focused and the airman attends the three-week Joint Firepower Course at Nellis AFB, Nevada.

After an ETAC candidate graduates from the course and with his unit commander's concurrence, he enters Tier Three ETAC training. During this phase, the airman continues with supervised CAS control training until his proficiency has increased to the point his trainer(s) thinks he can pass the terminal air controller hands-on evaluation and written examination. Once he passes those and has his commander's concurrence, he is certified as an ETAC. This IC4 training takes a minimum of two years and, in most cases, substantially longer.

Training 101st Division FOs in ECAS. By comparison, the terminal control training for FOs takes three to four months. (See Figure 2.) The Joint Firepower Course taught at Nellis AFB or via a mobile training team (MTT) at Fort Campbell provides FOs basic knowledge about joint doctrine and the employment of Air Force assets. The 19th ASOS then conducts CAS labs that are classroom exercises covering the use of DD Form 1972 (CAS Request Form), CAS mission planning and aircraft "talk-on" procedures. This is entry-level instruction and provides repetitive training on battle drills for CAS control.

Next, division artillery fire supporters attend CAS training with 19th ASOS personnel at various CAS ranges where they watch TACP personnel conduct live CAS control. The two doctrinal methods of control taught are positive direct and positive indirect. FOs train on ECAS control under the supervision of a certified terminal air controller instructor.

As part of the division's overall Joint Fires Training Strategy, division personnel reciprocate by training TACP personnel during each CAS training exercise. Division fire supporters instruct TACP personnel on call-for-fire (CFF) procedures for Army indirect fire systems. Air Force Instruction 13-102 specifies TACPs train on CFF procedures.

The division fire support element (FSE) has implemented a "crawl, walk, run" CFF training program. TACP personnel first receive classroom instruction on CFF procedures via the guard-unit armory device full-crew interactive simulation trainer (GUARDFIST) and conduct live CFF training at one of the Fort Campbell's observation posts (OPs). ETAC joint fires training can include participation in a walk-and-shoot exercise, which is a tactical exercise without troops (TEWT) and the division's premier fire support training event for company commanders and platoon leaders.

Reciprocal training between TACPs and fire support personnel increases joint force proficiency, satisfies regulatory training requirements and, most importantly, builds mutual respect among supporting services.

The division is codifiying this strategy via a Division Artillery Standardization Memorandum and an Air Force Squadron Operating Instruction--a major step in changing service mindsets and cultures. On the practical side, the joint training involves the collective development of training and exchange of calendars to nest internal and command-directed training.

ECAS training for 101st Division fire supporters does not eliminate the requirement for Air Force ETACs. Special ETAC equipment and the ETAC certification process make that an undesirable and impractical goal. The ETAC training enhances Army fire supporters' knowledge of joint ECAS procedures and confidence in their abilities to execute them, preparing soldiers for any contingency they might face on tomorrow's battlefield. The ECAS training is to extend the eyes of the ETAC.

In the end, this training will ensure the Screaming Eagles are trained and ready to meet the challenges of their next Rendezvous with Destiny.

Figure 1: Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) 1C4 ETAC Certification

Pre-Tier Training (6 Months to 1 Year #)

* Technical School

* Basic Skills Training

* ECAS Familiarization

* Mission-Ready Evaluation

Tier One: TAC Trainee (6 Months #)

* Further ECAS Familiarization

* Terminal Air Controller Academics (Academic Evaluation and Task Certification)

Tier Two: ETAC Candidate (6 Months #)

* More Terminal Air Controller Training/Proficiency

* Joint Firepower Course (Three Weeks)

Tier Three: ETAC (4 Months #)

* Additional Terminal Air Controller Training and Evaluation

# Typical Times

Legend:

ECAS = Emergency Close Air Support

ETAC = Enlisted Terminal Air Controller

Figure 2: Screaming Eagle ECAS Training for Fire Supporters. This training typically takes three to four months.

* Joint Firepower Course

* CAS Labs

* CAS Hands-On Control (On and Off Post)

Lieutenant Colonel Kevin M. Felix is the Deputy Fire Support Coordinator (DFSCOORD) in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky. His previous fire support assignments include serving as a Company Fire Support Officer (FSO) for D Battery, 319th Airborne FA Regiment (AFAR), assigned to 3d Battalion, 325th Airborne Battalion Combat Team (ABCT) in Vicenza, Italy. He also served as Targeting Officer for the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment (AIR) during Operation Desert Storm; Battalion FSO for 4th Battalion, 325th Airborne AIR; Brigade FSO for the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR); Assistant FSCOORD; and Commander of C Battery, 2d Battalion, 319th AFAR, all in the 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina He has a master's degree in International Relations from the University of Geneva in Switzerland. He will assume command of 2d Battalion, 320th FAR in the 101st Division this summer.

Lieutenant Colonel Zane W. Mitchell, Jr., US Air Force, commands the 19th Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He also serves as the 101st Division Air Liaison Officer (ALO). Before this assignment, he was the Deputy ALO for the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Hood, Texas. He served as Deputy Director of the Air Support Operations Center (ASOC) and Division ALO for Coalition Joint Task Force-Mountain at Bagram AFB in Afghanistan from May to July 2002. In addition, was the Chief of Combat Operation at the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC), Joint Task Force-Southwest Asia. He holds an MS and PhD in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech. Lieutenant Colonel Mitchell is a Command Pilot with more than 3,900 flying hours in bomber and electronic combat aircraft and flew 21 combat missions in a B-52 during Operation Desert Storm.