Looking For A Challenge?
Story by SSG Jeff Clayton - Photos by SPC Charles Ames & courtesy U.S. Air Force
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Tired of mowing your lawn and cleaning out your garage on your weekend? Try something a little different for a change. The Air Guardsmen of the 116th Air Support Operations Squadron of the Washington Air National Guard, headquartered at Camp Murray, WA invite you to take a closer look at how they spent their weekend recently.
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In the past, each of the services had it’s own distinct mission, as did the units that made up each of those services. In many cases, the same capability was duplicated from service to service. Beginning with the separation of the Army Air Corp from the Army proper, shortly after World War II, it became clear that close coordination between the services would be critical to our success on the battlefield. The Korean War and the Vietnam War were the initial test beds for such inter-service coordination. Operations conducted in the 80s such as the invasion of Grenada and Operation Just Cause in Panama provided the opportunity to perfect these skills. By the time the Gulf War was fought, the United States military was well practiced at this type of combat.
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The value of our modern air power was clearly demonstrated during Operation Desert Storm. Using such devastating weapons in close proximity with our own ground forces has become commonplace – but not without the hard work of some very special people – the Air Force and Air National Guard’s Tactical Air Control Parties, or "TAC-P" for short. These highly trained special operations professionals are responsible for providing the close coordination between Army and Air Force units required to make the air-land battle happen.
The Washington Air National Guard’s 116th Air Support Operations Squadron is tasked with the mission of deploying alongside Army ground forces to advise and assist the commander in the use of Air Force close air support, tactical airlift and reconnaissance aircraft. At the core of this unit are its TACP teams.
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Each TACP Team is composed of Tactical Air Command & Control Specialists, Air Force Specialty Code 1C4X1. These specially selected Guardsmen are all graduates of the Air Force Tactical Air Command & Control School at Hurlburt Field, FL and the Combat Survival School at Fairchild AFB, WA, in addition to their Air Force Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, TX – a total of 23 weeks of schooling. Each Guardsman is trained in the operation of high-tech secure radios systems, satellite communication devices, laser rangefinders, and global positioning systems.
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They are all experts in map reading, land navigation, field crafts and survival techniques. Upon completion of this training these airmen have earned the right to wear the black beret that signifies they’re membership in the TACP community.
But it doesn't stop there. When deployed, they operate immediately alongside Army ground forces on the Forward Edge of Battle Area (FEBA), and that means they must have ground close combat skills not normally taught and honed in Air Guard units. The 116th’s training schedule is geared to provide those skills.
Some of this ongoing training occurred recently as the 116th trained alongside US Navy SEALs, and received training in how to conduct Military Operations in Urban Terrain (or MOUT) at the Regensburg MOUT Training Site, Ft. Lewis, WA.
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On the same weekend, other members of the unit were directing air strikes by Air Force fighter planes on the ranges of Yakima Firing Center, also located in Washington.
Members of the 116th are regularly sent to locations nationwide to attend schools operated by all branches of the military, and to train alongside a wide variety of units.
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The Bottom Line
The mission of he 116th is difficult and demanding, and the training is challenging both mentally and physically. Its members don’t have a chance to settle into a "business-as-usual" mindset.
Their high operational tempo means that they are always on the lookout for qualified applicants with the "right stuff". If you are interested in becoming a "Black Beret", please visit our Air Guard Recruiter page on this website, or call the 116th ASOS at (253) 512-2501.
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