Forces unite: Army, Air Force participate in Iron Focus

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Olivia Dominique
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
Fort Bliss, Texas --  In the desert terrain of the Oro Grande Training Complex at Fort Bliss, Texas, nearly 4,000 Soldiers and Airmen combated hours of unpredictable scenarios, standstills and inclement weather to participate in the month-long exercise Iron Focus 16.2 held from Jan. 7 to Feb. 19.

The joint readiness exercise allows Soldiers from the 3rd "Bulldog" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division to integrate with members of the 75th Fires Brigade, 2-18 Field Artillery team from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Air Force tactical air support parties to prepare for upcoming deployments.

"I think there are two [benefits of training together]," said Army Lt. Col. Wade Germann, 1 Armored Division deputy fire support coordinator. "The first is a better understanding of each other's capabilities. Working through these exercises, we all gain an understanding of the challenges and how we can better integrate and synchronize the joint assets to accomplish the mission.

"The second, without a doubt, is the relationship building piece," Germann added. "We get to meet personnel from the Air Force and they get to meet people from the Army that, inevitably, we will run into around the world during various exercises and operations. It always is better when you know who is on the other end of the phone versus just a name. That's the value of these exercises; bringing each other together to build that relationship."

Throughout the month, Air Force assets such as B-1B Lancers from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, B-52 Stratofortresses from Barksdale Air Force Base, Lousiana, MQ-1 Predators and MQ-9 Reapers from Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, and joint terminal attack controllers from the 7th Air Support Operations Squadron stationed here, were all used to assist Army counterparts in their ground maneuvers.

"As a [joint terminal attack controller], we bring our air power to the Army's fight," said Tech. Sgt Jason Robertson, 7th ASOS JTAC. "We integrate at least once a week to gain a better understanding of their mission and then every exercise we are fully integrated."
According to Robertson, that kind of integration allows key players to be familiar with each other and the sister service's policies and procedures, "so we can provide close air support to the best of our ability."

To ensure accuracy and precision, Soldiers and Airmen were evaluated during various situation training exercises, which are short, scenario-driven, mission-oriented exercises. These exercises are designed to train participants by creating a realistic scenario of a deployed military operation.

Germann said that during an STX, members wear multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES) gear, which is comparable to equipment worn while deployed.

"MILES gear is used during force-on-force training," said Germann "It essentially is a simulated radar detection laser that responds if you get shot."

Other training included the fires coordination exercise, which integrates and synchronizes weapons systems such as aircraft, rockets and artillery, and the command post exercise in which the brigade staff simulates mission planning and the execution of the entirety of the exercise.

When Iron Focus is completed, the 3rd Brigade, along with their Air Force affiliates, will head to the National Training Center, located at Fort Irwin, California for four weeks prior to heading to their deployed location.

"The NTC is larger in scope," said Germann. "It is a dedicated training center designed to test units that come through and ensure they are ready to go to combat environments."

Capt. Kyle Spain, 7th ASOS brigade air liaison officer, said that the range space at Fort Bliss is an added benefit that allows them to prepare for NTC and real-world deployments.

"Because of the space we have, we are able to drop live weapons out here," Spain said. "We've dropped over 6,000 pounds of live weapons. That is something that most Army units are not able to incorporate into their brigade-level exercises.

"The joint training environment we're afforded here is a definite plus," Spain added. "We're able to bring Air Force assets to this Army range and integrate them. This gives us a unique capability and we are getting to train in ways Airmen in other CAS units aren't afforded."