Troops on the frontlines are armed with pistols, rifles and grenades, but their most potent weapons might actually be flying overhead.
A course called Patriot 7 trains people to use intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tools at the tactical level to be successful at their mission.
Essentially, the course teaches students how to use remote operated video enhanced receiver systems to locate potential threats, better understand terrain and in dire circumstances, call in emergency close air support, said Lt. Col. Greg Harbin, the training commander.
"What we're teaching is precision engagement," Colonel Harbin said. "If our folks on the ground can talk to a Predator or a Strike Eagle, they can get better intelligence about an area. What our course does is give them practical training on how they use those assets to be more effective and more efficient."
The Patriot 7 course lasts five days at Fort Pickett, located about 60 miles southwest of Richmond, Va. During that time, the 40-60 students must stand-up a tactical operation center, attend several classes on topics like maneuvers and ROVER use, and several field training exercises. There are roughly 20 instructors who come from all around the Total Force. The course culminates in a scenario where students have to integrate all the aspects of their training at a mock urban location, Colonel Harbin explained.
"The best part about being located here is the access we have to so many flying units who are willing to help us out," said Lt. Col. Ben Votipka, a joint terminal attack controller instructor. "Our students are able to talk directly to pilots so they get top-notch, real-world experience. It also gives pilots a chance to work with folks on the ground the same way they might while they're deployed."
The Patriot 7 course is "as close to combat as possible," said Colonel Votipka, a member of the North Carolina Air National Guard. It was developed in the aftermath of attacks on Airmen from the office of special investigations and security forces where seven were killed.
Patriot 7 was initially created for OSI agents and security forces Airmen preparing to deploy, but soon expanded to be available to sister services as well as international partners. People from eight other counties have graduated from Patriot 7.
"People from all over want to come here and learn what we have to teach them," Colonel Harbin said. "Irregular warfare training is vital to surviving attacks and conducting operations right now."
J.G. Buzanowski (AFNS)
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