The two-week airfield training program at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia was completed by Airmen Soldiers and Marines. The military exercise needed to create vital technical skills which showed all the fighting abilities which military units could display when they worked together. 

The U.S. Air Force 53rd Combat Airfield Operations Squadron joined forces with the U.S. Marine Corps Air Control Squadron 2 and the U.S. Army Air Traffic Services Command for the joint operation.

Mastering Shared Radar Technology for Austere Environments

The Army’s quality assurance division led the training which concentrated on a highly deployable airport surveillance and precision approach radar system. The service members learned to set up the system components which included version 10 radar and operations shelter and specialized lighting systems needed for runway operations at remote or deployed sites.

Air traffic controllers took turns during the exercise to practice both precision approaches and safe aircraft landings. The Air Force has only recently acquired this system although the Army has successfully operated it for more than twenty years. This air traffic control system is the only one which all three military branches currently use for operational purposes.

The Army’s deep operational experience with the system’s distinctive system capabilities brought them significant benefits. The instructors shared their extensive practical knowledge to teach participants troubleshooting and maintenance skills which they needed to use technology in fast-paced real-world situations.

Strengthening Interoperability and Cross-Branch Rapport

The training program achieved its main objective to teach technical and operational skills but it also developed vital connections between air traffic control professionals who work in a small career field. The joint exercise provides significant advantages because service members from different branches have limited chances to collaborate in such close proximity.