18th ASOG helps link Air Force, Army

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ciara Wymbs
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  Army green and Air Force blue combined to deliver the successful completion of the Mobility Forces Exercise 12A, May 21 through 24 here and at the nearby Nevada Test and Training Range in Tonopah, Nev.

Airmen from the 93d Air Ground Operations Wing took part in Mobility Forces Exercise 12A to test their ability to link Air Force mobility assets with sister service ground capabilities to ensure joint entry into a combat zone. The 93d AGOW 18th Air Support Operations Group from Fort Bragg, N.C., helped bring the two services together.

"This exercise pieces together all components of the Air Force needed to integrate with Army units to guarantee entry into the battlefield at any time," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brian Wald, 57th Weapons Squadron commander and MAFEX 12A air boss. "The 18th Air Support Operations Group joint terminal attack controllers were a wonderful translator between the needs of the Army, and capabilities and capacities of the Air Force."

Wald said mobility pilots and aircrews from across the continental United States were mobilized in an effort to assemble and offload the substantial number of Army forces and equipment needed to conduct forcible entry operations to complete the mission.

The goals for MAFEX were to build the relationships between Air Force and Army units, learn the capabilities and limitations of the participating units, and rehearse joint tactics, techniques and procedures in preparation for real-world execution.

In order to manage a clear path for 70 mobility aircraft, JTACs were on hand to provide a link for successful delivery of paratroopers and equipment.

"My job is to monitor the airspace for threats to aircraft," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Wheeler, 18th ASOG JTAC at Pope Field, N.C. "Any type of damage or loss of any aircraft downrange is catastrophic."

Aircraft from across the country traveled to Nevada for this unique opportunity, which is held twice a year. The exercise is part of the graduation process for the six-month Weapons Instructor Course conducted by the U.S. Air Force Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

"To have that mouthpiece that understands the air work, but also understands the ground force commander's intent was instrumental," said Wald. "The work after initial delivery couldn't have been done without the ASOG."

In addition to JTACs, Airmen from the 820th RED HORSE Squadron and Soldiers from a long range surveillance unit and a secure enroute communications package also participated in this exercise.