NAMEST AIR BASE, Czech Republic -- Members of German and Czech Republic air forces discuss the forward air control training scenario they are about to execute during Ramstein Rover 2012 Sept. 11, here. During this scenario German forward air controllers, who are based out of Baumhoelder, Germany, communicated with Czech Republic helicopter pilots to establish targets for the ground commander while mitigating risks to civilians and civilian assets. Sixteen NATO member nations are participating in RARO 12 to include: The United States, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Turkey. The 81st Fighter Squadron is participating in the exercise as the United States counterpart to provide close air support for forward air controllers. This squadron often conducts close air support and forward air control missions with the FACs from Baumhoelder. Each nation's participation in RARO 12 ensures effective employment of airpower in support of alliance or coalition forces while mitigating risks to civilians in contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard/Released)
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The Almost three-week long International Military Air Exercise "Ramstein Rover 2012" is focused on training of forward air controllers and tactical pilots in accomplishing their close air support missions in support of ground forces and being held at air bases and over military training areas in the Czech Republic.
"Ramstein Rover 2012" (RARO12), held 4 - 21 September 2012, provides a great training opportunity for aircrews, forward air controllers ano/or observers from the Czech Republic, Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
