Training with Apaches increases ground troops confidence

Courtesy Photo | Arrow 26, the call sign for an AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter responds to an air-support request made by The Royal Air Force's A Flight, 51st Squadron, during a close combat attack training mission at Tarnak Farms Range near Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.  

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN

09.19.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

By Army 2nd Lt. Eric Williams
Task Force Corsair

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – As ground troops trained to repel an insurgent attack at Tarnak Farms Range in Kandahar province, the call was made for AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter support. "Arrow 26" answered the call arriving on station amidst simulation small-arms fire and smoke marking friendly positions.

Soldiers with 2nd Assault Helicopter Battalion (AHB), 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, and the British Royal Air Force's 51st Squadron, trained together to enhance trooper confidence in utilizing Apache support in their battle rhythm.

"There is no doubt that the AH-64D helicopter is intimidating with its weapons system on the battlefield, said Army Capt. Andrew Ruszkiewicz, fire support officer. "This is true not only for enemy forces but also to the friendly forces not familiar in conducting close combat attacks."

The training covered how to properly talk to and control Apache support in combat situations, said Army Sgt. Morgan Grant, fire support non-commissioned officer.

During this training event, Ruszkiewicz and Grant accompanied the 51st Sqdn. to Tarnak Farms Range in order to oversee and guide British soldiers while they conducted the training mission.

When conducting a close combat attack, assault helicopters are called in support of ground forces in close contact with enemy forces, said Ruszkiewicz. The 2-82nd AHB has the responsibility of providing air-support to various elements of coalition forces on a day-to-day basis.

Some elements of coalition forces have never implemented attack helicopters into their battle rhythm before, which is why as new coalition units rotate into RC-South the task force fire support continually conducts ground force training mission in the classroom and out on live-fire ranges, said Ruszkiewicz.

All together, 15 soldiers from the 51st Sqdn. conducted this particular training mission, and with the air support provided by "Arrow 26," the troop's confidence was enhanced in successfully executing close combat situations in southern Afghanistan, said Ruszkiewicz.

• Date Taken: 09.19.2007
• Date Posted: 09.19.2007 12:33
• Story ID: 12442
• Location: KANDAHAR, AF