3rd ABCT holds FSO Academy

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait -- The "Iron Brigade" of 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, hosted a Fire Support Officer Academy for field artillery lieutenants and infantry platoon leaders at Camp Buehring, March 19-28.

The FSO is the adviser to the maneuver commander and is in charge of putting all forms of indirect fire support into battle plans. They are responsible for coordinating indirect fire systems such as Paladins, mortars, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), as well as attack aviation and close air support.

"We are reviewing the importance, benefits and disadvantages of indirect fires as well as how to properly call for close air support and close combat attacks from AH-64 Apache helicopters," said Capt. Jason S. Polglaze, brigade FSO, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div. "We've worked hard the past year with our training and have put our FSO system footprint in place, so we are holding this training event to keep the continuity with some of our newer lieutenants, as well as officers from infantry units."

Officers from across 3rd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div., teamed with other officers from the 82nd Airborne Division, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and 1st Armored Division to conduct the academy. U.S. Air Force Airmen also participated and provided two instructors from the 82nd Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron.

Capt. Stuart F. Searle, commander, Company B., 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Div., said that his infantry platoon leaders joined the FSOs and attended the training, because it would benefit them to understand the effects of munitions and coordination that has to occur before calling in for rounds to be sent down range.

"This all ties into us integrating the full use of our mortars, close combat attacks and fire support into our plans to effectively accomplish our missions on the ground," Searle said. "It's very important for our officers to understand what all is required for calling for indirect fire support."

The course will also include fires planning, digital sustainment training, target selection, a refresher on the call for fire trainer and a more in-depth review for what is expected from company FSOs, Polglaze said.

FSOs are expected to make sure maneuver commanders get the full realm of fire support assets available in every phase of the battle. They are also responsible for the execution of providing fire support during both attack and defensive tactical operations.

The academy was beneficial for all officers whom attended, no matter what branch, said Searle.

"It's been great to work with the FSOs of 3rd ABCT," Searle said. "The real value was close combat attack training. Now we have a better understanding of how AH-64s could be used tactically. They've been able to interact with pilots, aircraft and get questions answered about different tactical considerations."

The ability for FSOs and infantry platoon leaders to work together brought to light some differences, but also bridged the gaps to similarities.

"I think all of the officers involved have enjoyed this training, and I know we are excited to work with the other units," Polglaze said. "When heavy units work with light units, it opens both of our eyes to the other end of the spectrum and how we work differently, but what we can do to be on the same page."