The CAS WEEK training (Close Air Support Week) addressed to the specialized personnel of the JTAC nuclei (Joint Terminal Attack Controller) of the Armed Force, intended to operate within the main international missions, as well as the 23rd TACP / laser operator course. These activities were organized and conducted by the JTAC section of the Fires & Targeting Center and Info Ops of the Italian Army (CFTIO).
The training, which lasted two weeks and carried out in full compliance with the prevention measures provided for the fight against COVID-19, saw the participation of officers, non-commissioned officers and graduates from various departments of the Armed Force who operated in the shooting ranges of Capo Frasca, the PISQ and the Sulcis Iglesiente area.
The objective of the exercise was to train the JTAC teams and their respective TACP operators (Tactical Air Control Party), in the practical phase of the qualification course, to modern operational scenarios of use, seeking the complete integration of specialist structures.
The training activity included both blank phases and phases of guided and unguided drop release and direct firing ammunition. The exercise scenario, within regulated national ranges, has given specialists the opportunity to plan and conduct high-level technical missions, in order to perfect the technical-tactical procedures envisaged by national and NATO doctrine.
Thanks to the experimental use of TCCK (Targeting and Communications Command Kit), a battlefield management tool designed specifically for use by JTACs, it was possible to initiate new procedures for the digitization of air cooperation.
The attendees of the 23rd TACP / laser operator course, conducted in the presence, at the Interforce Polygon of Salto di Quirra by the instructors of the JTAC section of the CFTIO. New TACP operators are able to support JTAC teams while conducting CAS activities (Close Air Support), to manage radio communications with aircraft pilots and to use laser optoelectronic equipment with which to acquire and designate targets.
