Many thanks to Paralus for this idea!
By now you've read the story by David Axe over at "War is Boring" Blog about how an Air Force Lt Col practically gleamed with the news that OPFOR kicked the Blue Force's ass and that the A-10 was the only way they were able to win the fight.
One of my readers suggested that the focus of the article was to show the importance of the A-10 to US Army operations.
I can't argue that. But still....
The US Army is trying to get its feet wet in the Pacific. I contend that this exercise is not only a wake up call to the importance of Air Defense Artillery (you can't plan on the air boys always being around) but also a notice to the Army that they should expand their horizons.
Its time to get Marine and Navy Air playing at JRTC. Invite ANGLICO, JTACs and FACs to play simulating naval guns too.
Even if the scenario is landing a Stryker Brigade to push out of a beach head established by Marines or an Airborne Brigade holding prime real estate until they can be linked up with, the working relationships and tribal knowledge could pay off in the future.
Its a modest proposal but I doubt the Army would go for it. Pity. JRTC is close to several Marine and Navy reserve aviation and infantry units that could fill the need even if active duty units couldn't. Naval Aviators would get valuable flight time and if expanded it would be a terrific opportunity for Marine/Army Infantry to start working together even more than ever.
It would be a win win.
By now you've read the story by David Axe over at "War is Boring" Blog about how an Air Force Lt Col practically gleamed with the news that OPFOR kicked the Blue Force's ass and that the A-10 was the only way they were able to win the fight.
One of my readers suggested that the focus of the article was to show the importance of the A-10 to US Army operations.
I can't argue that. But still....
The US Army is trying to get its feet wet in the Pacific. I contend that this exercise is not only a wake up call to the importance of Air Defense Artillery (you can't plan on the air boys always being around) but also a notice to the Army that they should expand their horizons.
Its time to get Marine and Navy Air playing at JRTC. Invite ANGLICO, JTACs and FACs to play simulating naval guns too.
Even if the scenario is landing a Stryker Brigade to push out of a beach head established by Marines or an Airborne Brigade holding prime real estate until they can be linked up with, the working relationships and tribal knowledge could pay off in the future.
Its a modest proposal but I doubt the Army would go for it. Pity. JRTC is close to several Marine and Navy reserve aviation and infantry units that could fill the need even if active duty units couldn't. Naval Aviators would get valuable flight time and if expanded it would be a terrific opportunity for Marine/Army Infantry to start working together even more than ever.
It would be a win win.
