ANGLICO, which stands for Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, is a vital component within the United States Marine Corps. ANGLICO provides the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Commander with a liaison capability, allowing for the planning, coordination, and conduct of terminal control of fires in support of Joint, Allied, and Coalition forces operating within or adjacent to MAGTF battlespace.
ANGLICO: Origins and Purpose
ANGLICO has a storied history within the Marine Corps. The company was initially established to enhance the coordination between ground forces and air support units in both offensive and defensive operations. This coordination became crucial during World War II, where ANGLICO’s expertise in calling for and directing fire support proved instrumental in achieving mission success.
The primary purpose of ANGLICO within the Marine Corps is to act as a liaison between the MAGTF Commander and various support units, such as air support and naval gunfire. Through their expertise, ANGLICO facilitates effective communication and coordination, ensuring that accurate and timely fires are delivered to the battlefield.
Roles and Responsibilities of ANGLICO
ANGLICO Marines play a vital role within the Marine Corps, with responsibilities that encompass various aspects of fire support coordination. Their key roles include:
- Liaison and coordination with air support units: ANGLICO Marines work closely with aviation assets, providing real-time coordination and directing air support to assist ground forces. They ensure that air assets are effectively employed to achieve mission objectives.
- Naval gunfire support coordination: ANGLICO Marines work alongside naval units to coordinate artillery fire in support of ground forces. Their expertise in naval gunfire ensures accurate and effective support during military operations.
- Joint terminal attack control capabilities: ANGLICO Marines are trained as Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), which allows them to coordinate and control close air support operations. They provide precise targeting information to aircraft, ensuring the delivery of accurate and timely strikes.
- Supporting amphibious operations: ANGLICO specializes in supporting amphibious assaults, providing critical fire support coordination during landing operations. Their knowledge of both ground and naval operations makes them an essential asset in these complex missions.
- Integration with Special Operations Forces: ANGLICO Marines often work alongside Special Operations Forces (SOF), providing fire support coordination during joint operations. Their ability to seamlessly integrate with SOF units enhances the overall effectiveness and success of these specialized missions.
Training and Qualifications for ANGLICO Marines
ANGLICO Marines undergo extensive training to prepare them for their specialized roles. They must possess exceptional communication skills, on top of being proficient in fire support coordination and target acquisition. The training pipeline includes various courses, such as Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) School, which provides them with the necessary qualifications to become JTACs.
ANGLICO Marines are expected to be physically fit, adaptable, and capable of working in high-stress environments. Their training establishes a solid foundation, enabling them to handle the complexities of coordinating fire support across multiple domains effectively.
ANGLICO in Action: Real-world Operations
ANGLICO’s expertise and contribution to military operations cannot be understated. In numerous conflicts and operations worldwide, ANGLICO Marines have played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of ground forces. Whether it’s providing crucial fire support in combat zones or coordinating humanitarian efforts during disaster response, ANGLICO stands ready to support the mission.
One notable example of ANGLICO in action was during the Battle of Fallujah in 2004. ANGLICO Marines effectively coordinated air support and artillery fire, playing a vital role in the success of the operation. Their ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations and communicate with different units proved essential in achieving victory.
ANGLICO Career Opportunities and Advancement
For Marines interested in joining ANGLICO, several career paths and opportunities await. ANGLICO offers a unique avenue for professional growth and advancement within the Marine Corps. The specialized training and skills acquired during service with ANGLICO open doors to various roles, such as becoming an instructor or pursuing leadership positions within other specialized units.
Moreover, ANGLICO provides an opportunity to work closely with Joint, Allied, and Coalition forces, fostering invaluable partnerships and expanding one’s military network. The experiences gained within ANGLICO can serve as a solid foundation for future career endeavors within the Marine Corps.
Conclusion
ANGLICO, the Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, plays a crucial role within the United States Marine Corps. Through their expertise in coordinating fire support, liaison capabilities, and their ability to work seamlessly with various support units, ANGLICO Marines enhance the operational effectiveness and success of the Marine Air Ground Task Force.
From their origins in World War II to their involvement in modern-day operations, ANGLICO Marines have consistently demonstrated their value and effectiveness. Their training, qualifications, and dedication enable them to provide critical fire support coordination, ensuring the safety and success of ground forces. ANGLICO remains a prominent asset within the Marine Corps, ready to support future missions with their unwavering commitment and expertise.
