Joint Precision Strike Training Boosts Lethality, Readiness for 284th ASOS

NAVAL AIR STATION FALLON, Nev. – Tactical Air Control Party specialist from the 284th Air Support Operations Squadron participated in a Joint Special Warfare Precision Strike exercise at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, Aug. 17- 22, 2025. This rigorous training event partnered the 284th ASOS with 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and U.S. Navy SEAL Team 5, enhancing joint interoperability and combat effectiveness. 
 
The exercise focused on refining Joint Terminal Attack Controller skills and capabilities within a complex, multi-domain environment. Participants worked closely with the Navy Rotary Wing Weapons School, Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center, and the Joint Close Air Support Division, gaining valuable experience in coordinating air support in diverse scenarios. 
 
Throughout the week, the team tackled a comprehensive curriculum including: 
  

• Helicopter landing zone/pickup zone briefs: Planning and executing safe and efficient HLZ/PZ operations for infiltration and exfiltration tactics on and off the objective 

• Mastering rotary-wing close air support tactics, techniques, and procedures 

• Refining standard operating procedures for joint close air support missions 

• Tactical combat casualty care: Enhancing TCCC skills, ensuring immediate and effective treatment of battlefield injuries, including submitting medical evacuation 9-lines 

• Helicopter assault force infil/exfil planning and execution: Integrating air mobility assets into tactical operations for personnel insertion and extraction 

• Small-unit tactics/troop-leading procedures: Reinforcing fundamental SUT and effective leadership principles 

• Full mission profiles: Executing end-to-end mission scenarios, simulating real-world combat operations 

Tech. Sgt. Ulric Baumgardner, a TACP from the 284th ASOS emphasized, “The Joint Special Warfare Precision Strike exercise at Naval Air Station Fallon provided invaluable training and experience for all involved.” 

A central focus of the exercise was JTAC-coordinated multi-service/multi-asset integration to achieve mission objectives in a joint battlespace. TACPs seamlessly coordinated fixed-wing and rotary-wing assets to deliver precision strikes, achieving desired effects. 

The exercise proved instrumental in improving cross-service integration and joint interoperability with Naval Special Warfare. Participants gained a deeper appreciation for the capabilities and limitations of different service branches, leading to more effective teamwork and mission accomplishment. 
 
TACPs from the 284th ASOS conducted mountainous reconnaissance missions with 3rd ANGLICO, deploying small reconnaissance teams to gain visual confirmation of the objective. These teams then provided dynamic precision fires to prepare the battlefield for the main assault force to land and seize the objective. 
 
Through training in realistic scenarios, the participants enhanced their lethality and improved effectiveness across combined/joint, special operations forces, and conventional mission sets. The exercise also fostered an expanded understanding of sister-service JTAC employment TTPs within multi-domain operations. 

“By working alongside different service branches and leveraging cutting-edge technology, participants honed their skills and strengthened their ability to provide precision strike capabilities in support of joint operations. The training covered both day and night operations, and will ultimately contribute to increased combat effectiveness and sharpen the scalpel of our national security,” Baumgardner concluded.