SMOKY HILL AIR NATIONAL GUARD RANGE, Kan. — Army models from all around the United States joined collectively at Smoky Hill Air Nationwide Guard Vary close to Salina, Kansas in June for a two week lengthy joint drive employment train referred to as Gunslinger. The train was geared toward supporting joint drive coaching goals by specializing in aviation command and management, aviation floor assist, supporting aircrew coaching, and collectively integrating aviation belongings.
Gunslinger was a Giant Drive Train that was held throughout the month of June involving individuals from the Air Nationwide Guard, Marine Corp, and Army from all around the nation. This was an important alternative for floor elements to work carefully with air assets so as to assist enhance communication strategies and mission readiness.
The idea to the Gunslinger train was to assist bridge a niche between the marines and the air drive. The main target of this occasion was to assist all army members perceive the totally different army jargon used for fight deployments. This allowed for a greater understanding between the 2 branches.
The 190th Air Refueling Wing supported the train by offering gas to a number of air belongings, together with; F-18s, A-10s, B-52s and the E-8. Refueling within the air prolonged the time and vary of taking part models, permitting them to take off, partake within the train, and return to their dwelling stations.
“With out 190th tanker assist the air side of the mission wouldn’t have been potential,” mentioned Capt. Todd Clain, a pilot for the 190th ARW.
The KC-135 didn’t simply present gas assist, the plane and aircrew have been additionally gamers within the train. With the vital tasking of holding planes within the air, the KC-135 was additionally thought-about a particular asset and was due to this fact “focused by the enemy”, permitting for fighters to follow defending the tankers and offering assist for floor belongings. This helps facilitate a greater perceive of actual world fight conditions for all pilots and floor forces.
Though air assist was the most important position the 190th performed, it was not the one contribution towards the train. The 190th Civil Engineering Squadron was additionally tasked with the setup of the state of Kansas’ Catastrophe Reduction Beddown System in Salina, Kansas, permitting for taking part Marines to comfortably keep close to the train location. Along with the Beddown System, sleeping tents, bathe and shave services and self-help laundry was additionally provided.
“I spent 100 plus hours coaching and serving to over 100 Marines arrange the camp,” mentioned Tech. Sgt. Lyle Johnson.
“Gunslinger is an instance of how we’re constructing a resilient joint drive in accordance with the priorities outlined within the 2022 Nationwide Protection Technique,” mentioned Colonel Brian Budden, Commander of the 190th ARW.
Whether or not it was within the air or on the bottom, the 190th devoted time and personnel in assist of joint coaching goals via the execution of the Gunslinger train.
