VMU-1 supports WTI 2-18

Photo By Cpl. Andrew Huff | U.S. Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 1 launch an RQ-21 Blackjack in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 2-18 at Cannon Air Defense Complex, Yuma, Ariz., March 22. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1 cadre, which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force and provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Huff/Released)  

CANON AIR DEFENSE COMPLEX, ARIZONA, UNITED STATES

03.23.2018

Story by Lance Cpl. Lisa Collins 

Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-1

Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 1 conducted flight training operations during Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-18 on Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., March 22.

This training allows WTI students the opportunity to directly integrate with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, preparing them for a forward deployed situation.

“We have to be integrated during WTI so that other manned aviation assets can learn to work with us,” said Gunnery Sgt. Duane Ammeter, the VMU-1 flight maintenance control chief. “If we do deploy, working together will give pilots and ground troops a more precise grid of where to attack.”

UAV’s assist both the air combat element and the ground combat element in the mission planning process.

“During WTI, we collect imagery that is critical for mission planning,” said Cpl. Justice Kupner, a VMU-1 UAV operator. “After we collect the imagery, we give it to our S-2 who then packages it and delivers it to the troop and squadron commanders.”

For some students, WTI 2-18 is the first time they have interacted and worked with UAV’s.

WTI gives us the ability to integrate with other flying squadron, giving them the opportunity to learn how to effectively utilize our assets, said Kupner.

Training at WTI not only assists the other squadrons, but also gives UAV operators skills and qualifications they need to advance their career.

“This gives the flyers opportunities to earn more codes and qualifications,” said Ammeter. “This training ultimately gives back to WTI because it creates lethal operators, educated pilots and ultimately strengthens the [Marine Air Ground Task Force] as a whole.”

• Date Taken: 03.23.2018
• Date Posted: 03.28.2018 17:02
• Story ID: 270996
• Location: CANON AIR DEFENSE COMPLEX, ARIZONA, US