Brady expressed his appreciation of Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, noting that many of the participating air assets are based close by, proving essential to the success of the operation and for controller training.
"I am grateful for the Wisconsin Air National Guard's exceptional hospitality as host of Ramstein Rover," Brady said. "The combination of their facilities, professional force, and proximity to both ranges and units make Volk an outstanding resource. This has been a tremendous opportunity for our forward air controller capability branch, as well as all the nations participating in the exercise.
The primary purpose of Ramstein Rover 2010, held from Aug. 21 to Sept. 3, is to ensure integration of air and land forces by providing realistic training opportunities for NATO forward air controllers and joint terminal attack controllers. Brady was able to tour the squadron operations facility and talk to a variety of forward air controller teams from Estonia, Lithuania, and Great Britain, among others.
A forward air controller is a qualified and certified service member who, from a forward position, directs the action of a combat aircraft engaged in close air support. While forward air controller is the historical NATO term and most commonly used by Alliance members, joint terminal attack controller is the term used by the U.S. military.
"This is a perfect example of building capability," Brady said. "Thirteen nations coming together, executing a training plan and developing one of the most critical skill sets we need in Afghanistan - that of forward air controllers and joint terminal attack controllers.
"This type of exercise must continue because air-land integration is so incredibly important to the ongoing fight in Afghanistan," Brady continued. "That's what this is all about - making Alliance Airmen more effective for commanders in the field."
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