Brunswick’s 165^th Air Control Operations Squadron (ASOS), Georgia Air National Guard will join their brothers in green with the 48^th Infantry Brigade when the brigade deploys to Iraq in the spring. 

“We will accompany the 48^th Brigade during their National Training Center rotation in April, “ says Lt Col John Haley, Commander of the 165^th ASOS, “and we anticipate continuing with the brigade into Iraq.”

While the actual numbers of deploying Air Guardsmen are not confirmed, Haley estimates that from six to fifteen joint Terminal Air Controllers (JTACs) will join with the Army once the 48^th mission in Iraq is defined. “We are planning on twelve individuals on a series of four-month rotations,” suggests Haley.

This plan would allow JTACs to be with the assigned to the 48^th Brigade should they be divided and work out of separate locations.  Although a request to mobilize a brigade package ( up to 25 Air Guardsmen) have been submitted, it has not been approved by JFCOM.

The 165^th ASOS provides close air support for designated Army Brigade or Battalion Maneuver units.  Since 9-11, more than half the 120-person Air Guard unit has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

“We are fully trained and qualified to deploy today with no additional training or equipment required, “continued Haley. 

In a related story, five JTACs have recently been sent to forward operating bases in Afghanistan replacing six Georgia Air Guardsmen who will be returning home next week.  The returning ASOS airmen have all been nominated to receive the Bronze Star for their action in Afghanistan.