BAGHDAD - American soldiers and airmen assigned to the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division were afforded a unique opportunity to train with F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets and AH-64 Apache helicopters, Dec. 29, east of here.

"The purpose of today is to refresh the joint tactical air controllers and joint forward observers on close air support and close combat attack procedures," said Senior Airman Jacob Torwick, a JTAC with the 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div.

JTAC's are airmen who are trained to communicate with and control fixed wing aircraft, directing them to engage enemy targets that are in close proximity to friendly ground forces.

These ground pounding airmen are a critical asset to the Army and Air Force and shortly after the war began, it was identified that there are not enough JTAC's to go around.

To help bridge this shortage, the Army organized the Joint Forward Observer Course located at Fort Sill, Okla.

"I attended the two week course at Fort Sill and am excited to refresh my memory on CAS," said Spc. Charles Danna. 

During the training, the radio crackled as Apache pilots from the 1st Cavalry Aviation Bridge came on station, ready and willing to deliver their lethal fire.

After the CCA report was sent, and the Apache's started their approach, the final step was executed.

"Cleared for engagement," said Danna, a native of Madisonville, La., over the radio.

On the ground, the anticipation built as the attack helicopters launched their rockets toward their intended target. 

The explosive boom from the rockets' impact was followed by a second explosion - one of cheers from the soldiers and airmen watching the scene.

"The whole point of being out here is to see and engage targets," said Capt. Michael Holl, an F-15E pilot currently serving as a air liaison officer with 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division.

Not to be outdone by their rotary wing counterparts, two F-16 fighter jets roared on station, ready to participate in the training, although because of range restriction there strafing runs would have to be dry.

On their final run of the day, the F-16's came out of the sun, low and fast, reminding everyone of the supporting firepower in the sky.