Page 115 - RSDG Year of 2022 CREST

deployed on Ex TEMPO THUNDER 21.2, our two-week, biannual JTAC training exercise to Georgia (USA), where we worked with A-10 ‘Warthog’ and HH-60 Pave Hawks from the US Airforce. This is a real privilege, because these guys really are the best there is and I learned a hell of a lot working with them. Returning to the UK I was again thrust into further exercises such as Ex RAPID TEMPO working with RAF F35Bs from 617 Sqn in STANTA, followed by Ex WILDCAT TEMPEST. This was an exercise working with 661 Sqn AAC Wildcats, and saw us routing low level from RAF Topcliffe through the Pennines to RAF Spadeadam, conducting CAS, then getting picked up and returned home. If you get motion sickness, I would not advise. These exercises set the conditions for me to be able to complete my PCCS. The final stage is an externally assessed battle lane which tests your JTAC knowledge and abilities under pressure in an exercise-style environment. Five months after passing the course and with my training wheels off, I was then qualified to control aircraft on my own without supervision.
Since then I have attended numerous courses, and have deployed on a multitude of further JTAC exercises. These include Ex TERMINAL STRIKE in Lossiemouth, where we were working with RAF Typhoon FGR4s. As well as travelling to Arizona (bring sun cream), flying in and out of Las Vegas for Ex VINTAGE STRIKE, training alongside JTACs from the US Marine Corps and controlling an assortment of A10, F16 and F35A from the US Airforce. It has not all been JTAC related activity though and as part of 97 Battery I have helped plan and run Jackal Ranges, LFTT and mounted BCS. Since the integrated review, 97 Battery should solely be aligned to, and support SCOTS DG, however due to 4 Brigade not having a regular artillery regiment, we deployed with little notice on Ex KHANJAR OMAN 22 in September to support the 2 SCOTS Battlegroup. 2 SCOTS were very accommodating and left us with a very good impression of their professionalism and abilities. The exercise featured us again working extensively with 661 Sqn Wildcats and the odd sortie of Omani F16s. Though we had a great time in Oman, we are looking forward to supporting SCOTS DG on Ex WESSEX STORM in 2023.
At time of writing, sat here again in the US on Ex TEMPO THUNDER 22.2, I can honestly say that my time as an OC TACP and JTAC has been incredible. The range of activity I have conducted, the travel, mission command, and the opportunities to develop myself and my subordinates have been unprecedented. I would stress that anyone who has considered being an RAC JTAC to grab the opportunity with both hands and run. We need to develop these career opportunities for members our regiment and I will happily support anyone that may be interested.
EAGLE AND CARBINE 123
Capt Hebblewhite on Ex TEMPO THUNDER
Capt Hebblewhite dropping bombs on Ex VINTAGE STRIKE