Airmen provide critical ground support to soldiers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
FORT BRAGG, N.C. --  Night and day assaults into hostile environments by parachute and helicopter are routine to the 18th Air Support Operations Group out of Pope Field, North Carolina and the 3d ASOG, at Fort Hood, Texas, who work closely with the Army to provide their on-scene air planning expertise.

The groups are made up of joint tactical air controllers, battlefield weather Airmen and air liaison officers who total more than 1,000 and help execute the air and ground operations in support of national, theater and tactical objectives.

"We are here to jump in and give our expertise of the air space and what options are available to the battlefield commander," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matt Lengel, 18th ASOG director of operations. "We have the capability to go wherever we are needed and in a moment's notice."

The 14th Air Support Operations Squadron, part of the 18th ASOG helps integrate air power into the Army's 82d Airborne Division, at Fort Bragg, N.C., scheme of ground maneuvers and airborne capabilities.

"The commander looks to us for support and advice on the air power that's available to him," said Staff Sgt. Jason Robertson, 14th ASOS JTAC member. "There's more to it than just that though, we have the ability to handle situations like calling in recon drones to help collect intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for the ground forces or deal with electronic warfare suppression."

A unique addition to the Army is the 18th Weather Squadron who provides meteorological support to the 18th Aviation Brigade, 82d Airborne Division, 82d Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Bragg.

"The battlefield weather Airmen offer an added element due to the fact that the Army does not have any weather personnel," said Lengel. "These weather Airmen have the ability to jump in and provide support to the commander which enhances the safety and operational effectiveness of the mission."

One of the most recent applications of the 18th ASOG's capabilities was Joint Operations Access Exercise 12-01. Where, alongside the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, the Canadian armed forces Royal Canadian Regiment and the Air Force's 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing, they tested their Global Response Force readiness and their ability to conduct operations with coalition partners.