Two F-16 fighter jets, the “Fighting Falcons,” of the US Air Force will conduct a bilateral ground-air exercise with JTAC teams from the Special Forces of the US Army (SOF) and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (OSBiH) in the area of Tuzla and Brčko today, January 8th, in the afternoon.
This bilateral training is carried out as part of the advanced level of cooperation between the two armies that contributes to peace and security in the Western Balkans and demonstrates the commitment of the United States to the territorial integrity of BiH in the wake of anti-Dayton and secessionist activities. The United States constantly emphasizes that the Constitution of BiH does not provide for the right to secede and that it will act if someone tries to change this basic element of Dayton.
This training is conducted as part of the activities of the American Armed Forces on the exchange of tactics, operational methods and procedures with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This mission will be supported by the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, which will provide refueling in the air for the F-16 aircraft over the territory of the Republika Srpska entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
US Air Force Europe and Africa units regularly engage militarily with regional partners to provide training, improve interoperability, and demonstrate our shared commitment to the same security goals. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a key partner of the USA and has a common goal in ensuring regional stability.
American aircraft will return to base immediately after the mission is completed. The ability to rapidly deploy, locate a target, and return to base demonstrates the US’s capacity to project power anywhere in the shortest possible time and to operate together with allies and partners.
JTAC teams consist of specially trained members who direct the action of combat aircraft that provide close air support. JTAC teams are the key link between military units on the ground and in the air. JTAC teams are used as a ground vanguard to direct the actions of military aircraft operating in support of ground forces. US Special Forces European Command (SOCEUR) JTAC teams are key tactical teams that provide support to conventional units, including US Air Force Europe and Africa units. Their skills and unique training make them multi-effective.
For several years, the JTAC teams of the European Command of the American Special Forces (SOCEUR) have been holding training for the JTAC unit of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The JTAC program is one of the first programs for the establishment of trained and equipped units of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina for special purposes. The establishment of BiH of the national JTAC program was made possible in part with the help and advice of US special operations units.
US special operations units also train JTAC members of the OSBiH in advanced infantry skills, with the ultimate goal of establishing a TACP (Tactical Air Control Unit) JTAC program. SOCEUR provides a united front to prevent potential enemy attacks by assisting partner forces in the development of specialized units, Klix.ba writes.
