Training teaches principles of requesting close air, indirect fire support

By Sgt. Christopher Harper
3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. PAO

	Photos by Sgt. Christopher Harper/3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. PAO From left to right: Spc. Jeffery Costigan, 1st Lt. Michael Piccini, Pfc. Mark Bushouse and Pvt. Michael Cate, members of 1st Platoon, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, begin the process of identifying targets, communicating with command and engaging the enemy.

Tactically armed vehicles, armored vehicles in the open, mortar teams and snipers are a few of the simulated scenarios faced by members of 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, during a fire support exercise here Wednesday.

Platoons comprised of a platoon leader, squad leader, forward observer and two radio operators practiced identifying enemy targets and coordinating available fire support options.

During the exercise, platoons like 1st Platoon could select from close air support in the form of simulated fixed wing aircraft in the area, such as F-16 fighters, A-10 or C-130 gunships. Attack helicopters, artillery in the form of 105mm and 155mm howitzers, as well as mortar teams were also available.

“We trained for two weeks together prior to the exercise,” said 1st Lt. Michael Piccini, platoon leader for 1st Platoon, Company A, 2nd Bn., 505th PIR, 82nd Abn. Div., of his platoon’s cohesive demonstration.

Piccini and squad leader Staff Sgt. Wayne Burchard led 1st Platoon on a simulated patrol. The platoon moved from wooded terrain to open ground to an urban environment. In addition to pulling constant security, scenarios involving spotting enemy forces were presented to the paratroopers.

The exercise challenged the individual platoons to effectively communicate on multiple levels. They had to communicate with their company and battalion commanders, constantly updating the chain of command as to their position on the battlefield and the scene as it unfolded in front of them.

Pfc. Mark Bushouse, a forward observer, was charged with identifying targets of opportunity, determining their grid and selecting from available options to destroy the enemy threats.

“Bushouse has eyes on the targets and is in the best position to choose how to destroy them,” said Burchard.

Pvt. Michael Cate supported Bushouse in his effort by monitoring the battalion fires net via radio. Cate keeps Bushouse informed as to which fires assets are available.

Multiple platoons moved through the exercise simultaneously and therefore may request various fires. This narrowed the choices available to Bushouse.

“Cate keeps Bushouse up to date,” said Burchard.

This ensured the platoon is not requesting an asset currently being used elsewhere on the battlefield.

Piccini and his radio operator Spc. Jeffery Costigan maintained constant contact with the company commander, helping the commander coordinate the battlefield from his position.
“This is where we want to make our mistakes,” said Burchard.

“This is really good training for things that we’d likely see in combat,” said Piccini, of the fire support exercise.

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