DENMAN residents will experience a rare glimpse of specialised Defence training when Exercise Black Dagger comes to town this month.
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In addition to trainee Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) and instructors operating within the Denman township and surrounding farmland, the training activities will be supported by fast jet aircraft.
From Thursday, March 15, to Friday, March 23, fast jet aircraft activity will also be visible over the Singleton Military Training Area during this period, and will be dropping training weapons within the confines of the Singleton Range area.
The JTAC course is aimed at graduating selected personnel in the planning, briefing, controlling and reporting of Close Air Support (CAS) on the battlefield.
Personnel will wear uniform and webbing but will be carrying simulated weapons.
There will be a small presence of military vehicles and all activities are planned during daylight hours.
All personnel will remain clear of private property except where there are land holder agreements in place.
Commander Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Michael Kitcher, said JTACs provide eyes on the ground for aircrew during operations.
“Working from forward positions, they can direct the actions of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations,” Air Commodore Kitcher said.
“In the urban battlespace we face on operations today, the role of JTACs is crucial to ensuring the precision application of air power; delivering maximum effect with minimal impact on civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
PC-9 aircraft and Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter aircraft will conduct medium to close air support down to a height of 45m.
F/A-18A/B Hornet aircraft are also providing support to the training but will operate at high altitudes.
The Air Force is committed to ensuring every effort is made to minimise any inconvenience to residents living in these areas.
The ongoing support of the Denman community is appreciated.