`Scarface' conducts joint training with Air Force special forces
HMLA-367 introduces AF to Marine aviation
USMC
Story Identification Number: 20033404644
Story by Sgt. John Sayas
KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa, Japan(27 Feb 2003) -- Marines of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-367, Marine Aircraft Group-36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, recently trained with members of the Air Force's 320th Special Tactics Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Group, here.
The training was conducted to help the squadron, known as "Scarface," increase the effectiveness of its forces during joint-operated missions.
"Scarface" pilots gave the seven airmen who participated in the training a short brief, introducing them to Marine Corps aviation and its capabilities in supporting Marine air and ground combat units. Both units also used this training opportunity to review close-air support procedures and talk about specific unit capabilities.
The 320th Special Tactics Squadron is primarily comprised of combat controllers, para-rescuemen and combat weathermen trained to operate out of planes, helicopters, boats and submarines.
"The training conducted was highly professional and extremely beneficial to both parties," said Air Force 1st. Lt. James G. Alexander, special tactics officer, 320th Special Tactics Squadron. "It provided all personnel involved an understanding of what is accomplished in operational training."
Additionally, the special forces team conducted day and night insertion and extraction training at range W-172 with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-367, which consisted of AH-1W "Super Cobras" and UH-1U "Huey" helicopters. The practical exercise also gave the airmen a chance to call in close-air support, using Cobras that were set up in "holding areas" several miles away. Upon calling for air support, the Cobras would then fly in firing their 20mm-turret cannon and 2.75-inch rockets at silhouette targets set up a few hundred meters from the Special Tactics Squadron team.
Other capabilities of the squadron included offensive-air support, utility support, armed escort and airborne supporting arms coordination during naval expeditionary operations or joint and combined operations, according to Maj. James H. Fuller, AH-1W "Super Cobra" pilot.
As American forces increasingly find themselves operating in joint and combined environments, Fuller believes this type of training becomes essential for safe and effective integration of the squadron's assets.
"What we are finding is that many personnel in the units we are training with have never had the opportunity to work with Marine Corps air before," the Columbus, Ohio native said. "By working with each other, we get a much better understanding of each other's capabilities and limitations."
Fuller added that increased demands on American forces around the world would make joint training a much more common occurrence.
"Though the opportunities to train with other services are sometimes scarce, we try to take advantage of them as much as possible. The biggest thing the units get from this type of training is familiarity with each other," Fuller explained.
"We have been impressed with the high level of professionalism and skill that we have seen, and have been very appreciative of the opportunity to train with them. I think the feeling is the same on their side, and that they come away with an increased sense of what the Marine Corps can do for them," he said.
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