Airmen demonstrate JTAC training, equipment for Congress

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  Airmen from the Warrior Preparation Center were on Capitol Hill last week to demonstrate to Congress how Airmen work with joint partners to provide close-air support for troops on the ground.

Specifically, the Airmen displayed their simulation training gear used to train joint terminal attack controllers at the center, located in Einsiedlerhof, Germany, near Ramstein Air Base.

Col. Scott Manning, the WPC commander, narrated the demonstration and answered questions for Congressional members and their staffs.

"We're here to demonstrate how we're using virtual and constructive technologies to train our joint terminal attack controllers as they prepare to do combat operations in the joint environment," Colonel Manning said.

Tech. Sgt. Jotham Baumer, a JTAC, controlled a remotely-operated video-enhanced receiver, or ROVER, system, while Maj. Jason Koltes flew a simulated A-10 Thunderbolt II. In the roughly two-minute demonstration, a mock MQ-1 Predator fed Sergeant Baumer intelligence while he directed Major Koltes in his A-10 to drop a pair of simulated GBU-12 laser-guided bombs on a target.

"The ROVER gives a JTAC the visual intelligence we need to talk with a pilot and get them to a target," Sergeant Baumer said. "What we're showing in the display is exactly how we use the ROVER to provide close-air support while we're embedded with an Army unit."

Colonel Manning spoke with several Congressional staffers, explaining how the JTAC, Predator and A-10 crews work together to provide joint support in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

"It's absolutely important for people, especially Senators, to understand how these systems work," said Mandi Crutchfield, who works for Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). "They need to know what kind of technology we use and all the advances we've made. It's good for them to see why these systems are cost-effective, which is important."

Colonel Manning agreed with her.

"I think it's extremely important for us to be here today so the Congressional staffers, and members of the senate and house actually see the technologies available to their men and women wearing the uniform," the colonel said. "As they see the technologies displayed today, it should not only give them the confidence, but the American public the confidence, that the warriors they are sending out into battle are highly-trained and equipped, and ready to succeed at the tasks they are (being asked to do)."

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