Residing at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, the 12th Combat Training Squadron (Ravens) works in conjunction with the NTC Operations Group, 916th Support Brigade and the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment to create realistic combat scenarios, preparing soldiers for eventual deployment where they will fight in large-scale combat missions.
Throughout the year, JT4 operates and maintains equipment systems used to support these training exercises. In the field, we manage twelve communications sites equipped with radios and remote interrogation units, which are used to track airborne and ground-based participants. Our transport network provides various sources of time-space-position information (TSPI) for accurate position referencing of the participants. All sources converge in operational areas where our display and debriefing network resides, creating a picture of the battlespace. When combined with the audio from air-to-ground radio transmissions to ground forces in the field, the battlespace picture becomes clear to mission monitors. On a post-mission basis, system recordings are used to support debriefings, which allow for the assessment of effectiveness and discussions for improving performance.
Train like you fight
Combining airborne assets with the forces on the ground, scenarios throughout the exercise range from close air support to combat search and rescue. Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), or service members who are qualified to make communications with aircraft and direct fires, hone their skills on providing direction to those called in for support.
Soldiers on the ground will at some point likely find themselves in the midst of the “Urban Complex”, a group of cities within NTC that emulate the environment of a foreign country. Attempting to replicate all aspects of a region elsewhere in the world, the cities are equipped with structures imitating vendors, hotels, local police and government. Filled with actors and props depicting the local culture, soldiers may experience encounters with individuals portraying anyone from civilian residents to hostile insurgents. This provides training for meeting military objectives while in unfamiliar, unpredictable surroundings. At times, all four branches of the military take part in the Green Flag exercise to promote integration between pilots and soldiers. The overall philosophy is to train like you fight.
Sister operations
In direct support of the 549th Combat Training Squadron (Warbats), JT4 operates and maintains the complementary half of the Green Flag display and debriefing network used for the same combat training scenarios. By receiving exercise data from the NTC Fort Irwin system infrastructure, the Nellis team supports the same real-time and post-mission events.
Because the airborne participants originate from the Nellis AFB flight line, JT4 employees prepare for flights by creating aircraft mission files and display overlays and testing communications plans. During each training mission, the JT4 team oversees system activity and validates the quality and accuracy of the data and network performance. Similar to the Fort Irwin operation, the display and debriefing system at Nellis produces a battlespace atmosphere for monitors and controllers that is live and in the moment. Replays support debriefings, which allow for the essential lessons learned that help prepare participants for the future.
Where we work
JT4 employees supporting GFW are based at Fort Irwin and Nellis Air Force Base. Our personnel participate in trips to remote communications infrastructure locations in order to perform maintenance, and they spend the remainder of their time in facilities such as the Operations Command and Control Center or the Division Tactical Operations Center.
Fort Irwin resides in an isolated area, surrounded by the hills and mountains of the High Mohave Desert. It covers over 1,000 square miles of land and boasts an uncluttered electromagnetic spectrum and restricted airspace.
A message from the range manager
The JT4 team at the NTC provides superior operational support to military forces from the United States and allied nations. The mission objective of this location focuses on development of techniques associated with Close Air Support and Joint Terminal Attack Controller effectiveness. In support of this mission, our team remains steadfast in their commitment to excellence.
Platforms and exercises supported
Ten Green Flag exercises per year keep our JT4 employees extremely busy. Each instance of the Green Flag exercise lasts for two weeks, but typically an additional week of preparation is required of our team and the exercise players. During this week, participants are familiarized with the various mission scenarios and our team ensures all equipment is fully operational and properly maintained for use.
JT4 also supports air operations in support of Maritime Warfare events at the National Training Center. These training exercises are joint air operations designed to rehearse and perfect the capability to neutralize threats in a maritime territory. In between the various exercises, our employees are performing preventive maintenance actions, training and property management throughout the year.
Where we live
Since I hired on with the J-Tech team in 2011, I’ve been afforded many opportunities to expand my professional credentials through JT4’s Employee Educational and Training Assistance Program (EETAP). I have earned my bachelor’s degree, my master’s degree and numerous professional development certificates at little or no cost to me. As an employee of JT4, I feel truly appreciated for the work that I do. Although our mission is important, the size of our team at Fort Irwin is relatively small, which allows for close professional friendships to form. I can proudly say that working for JT4 has been one of the best career decisions I have made.
Contact Us
Location:
4228 Arcata Way
North Las Vegas, NV
89030
Mailing Address:
4228 Arcata Way
North Las Vegas, NV
89030
Phone: 702.399.9966
Fax: 702.399.9970