DECEMBER 16, 2025 – Reserve Marine units from across the country assembled at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, for a Tactical Air Control Party exercise focused on joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) and joint fires observer (JFO) training and qualification sustainment. The event enhanced joint fires proficiency while allowing Marines to complete their annual certification requirements and refine their air support coordination skills.
Participants included Marines from 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) and 4th ANGLICO, both part of Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve. They trained alongside Marines from 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company, 23rd Marine Regiment and 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, combining expertise from multiple Marine Corps Reserve elements.
The exercise consisted of both live and simulated close air support missions conducted under day and night conditions. Controllers directed aircraft such as F/A-18 Hornets from Marine Fighter Squadron 112 (VMFA-112) and AH-64 Apache helicopters, executing precision engagements while maintaining clear communication and procedural accuracy.
“This exercise in particular prepares us for real-world missions because of the aircraft we get to work with. By pulling all of the Marine Forces Reserve JTACs into one exercise and bringing in a bunch of aircraft, we capitalize on this opportunity to meet the training objectives we need for our standards.” Major Clay Smith, 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company
Marines also utilized the Army’s Simulated Battle Space here to conduct computer-based training to simulate multiple close-air-support scenarios and drills. The virtual environment allowed participants to make mistakes as well as analyze outcomes and refine their techniques in a controlled setting, helping ensure they are more confident and proficient when performing their roles in the field.
“Simulators are some of the best ways you can go about learning your job,” said Lance Cpl. Giovanni Messina, a joint fires observer with 4th ANGLICO. “You are able to take what you learn here and apply it to real-world situations and scenarios.”
A unique portion of the training was the integration of a KC-130J Hercules for live-fire coordination, which is an uncommon platform for Marine JTACs to employ in a close-air-support role. The event provided a rare opportunity for participants to work directly with an aircraft not typically utilized in Marine Corps fire support, expanding their familiarity with joint aviation assets and improving flexibility in multi-platform coordination.
Camp Shelby’s varied terrain allowed controllers to operate in realistic conditions, from densely wooded areas to open impact zones. Scenarios emphasized target acquisition, airspace deconfliction and rapid coordination across multiple aircraft and firing platforms.
“This exercise needs to continue,” said Gunnery Sgt. Michael Wexler, a platoon sergeant with 3rd Force Recon. “It’s definitely worthwhile and one of the few opportunities every year that we can bring out multiple units to participate, share knowledge and requalify our Marines.”
By bringing together diverse Reserve Marine units and incorporating a range of joint aviation assets, the exercise strengthened interoperability, enhanced joint fires proficiency and ensured continued readiness across the Marine Corps Reserve fire support community.
Lance Cpl. Payton Goodrich
U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve