Supporting Arms
- Air Support. An additional Naval Aviator (NA) joined the Battalion during the month to replace the Air Liaison Officer (ALO) whose TAD was terminated. Both of the NA’s new with the Battalion are helicopter pilots; however, the capability to direct fixed wing aircraft strikes has not diminished due to their personal initiative and desire to learn. The ALO remains with the Battalion CP and utilizes an AN/PRC-41 (UHF) radio in the control of high-performance aircraft. He also maintains a transponder (commonly referred to as a ‘beacon’) at the position, using it in conjunction with the off-set radar-controlled bombing technique employed by Marine A6A Aircraft. This provides the Battalion with an all-weather Air Support Capability which has been vital during the volatile weather conditions existing in northwestern Quang Tri Province. During the month a total of 26 ‘Beacon’ strikes were run, delivering devastating ordnance with pinpoint accuracy.
The Forward Air Controller (FAC) has been employed generally with one of the Companies, thus expanding the Air Control resource of the Battalion. This employment has enhanced the coordination effort required in the field between the units on the ground and the numerous helicopters and fixed wing aircraft that have continuously supported the Battalion in a tactical, as well as logistical rolls.
There was a total of 34 TPQ strikes requested during the month and 17 flown. These strikes are also radar controlled from the Direct Air Support Center (DASC) at VCB. Requests are submitted one day in advance and are scheduled around the clock against selected targets ranging from likely avenues of approach to known or suspected enemy positions.
- Artillery Support. There were generally two Batteries of 105’s supporting the Battalion during May, with 155’s and 8” Fire available upon request. This heavier artillery was employed in a general support, reinforcing role. The two 105 Batteries were G/3/12 and H/3/12, located at FSBs Neville and Russell respectively. The location of these Batteries allowed the Battalion to conduct operations throughout the AO while remaining well within the 105 ‘fan’. Nearly 3,000 rounds were fired by these Batteries during the month, including Harassing and Interdiction Fires, TOT’s, Night Defensive Fires and Fires for Effect being delivered on known and suspected enemy positions and lines of communication.
This page last corrected 7 September 2011