Composite Training Unit Exercises and Joint Task ... - Govsupport.us

COMPTUEX/JTFEX EA/OEA Final Chapter 22.3.2.6 HaystackThe purpose of a Haystack operation is a part-task training event, designed to challenge and refinefundamental target acquisition skills in an urban environment using available onboard sensors andsimulated weapons delivery for aircrew. During these operations, no ordnance is loaded on the aircraft,and aircrews must locate specific and often obscured targets in an urban environment under a compressedtimeline. This type of training helps aircrews by forcing them to focus on target identification,symbology, and switchology. Due to the need to work in an urban environment, haystack operations donot occur on a range per se. Aircraft launch from the CVN in W-291, contact approach control and fly ahorseshoe route around San Diego County that typically starts at the tip of Point Loma, heads east, curvesnorth towards Ramona and then west over Encinitas, ending back over the water. For these operations,SOCAL Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) and the Navy establish an Altitude Reservation(ALTREV), typically between 25,000 and 27,000 feet, that is activated by aircrew upon initial contactwith Approach Control.The participants in a Haystack include:Strike Fighter aircraft2.3.2.7 Close Air Support (CAS)CAS is the use of air-to-ground weapons in proximity to friendly forces. It differs from Long RangeStrikes in that it must be integrated with the fire and maneuver of ground forces. It requires the preciseapplication of firepower constrained by time, weapons effects, andcircular error probable (CEP). CAS operations require the highest levelof coordination and integration of fires of any military activity involvingair-delivered weapons, and sufficient training is required to instill thedegree of confidence necessary for ground forces to request/employCAS. The majority of these operations occur in SHOBA on thesouthwest side of San Clemente Island. CAS operations also occur inthe CMAGR, NTC Fort Irwin, and MCB Camp Pendleton, but to amuch lesser extent in numbers and duration.The participants in a CAS operation include:Strike Fighter aircraftSome or all of the following types of ordnance is expended:Laser guided training rounds (LGTR)MK-80 general purpose bombsMK-76 practice bombsBDUs2.3.2.8 Urban Close Air Support (Urban CAS)Urban CAS is identical to CAS with the exception that it occurs in a fabricated urban environment wherecollateral damage is a concern. The urban environment presents a unique challenge, in that much greaterprecision of ordnance dropping is required in an effort to reduce collateral damage. Because of thisrequirement, typically precision guided munitions are used to a much greater extent in Urban CAS ascompared to CAS. The operations take place at NTC Fort Irwin and occasionally in BMGR-W inBSTRC.February 2007 2-22