FEBRUARY 11, 2025 – In a recent exercise involving U.S. Army Chinook and Black Hawk helicopters, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s 1st Space Brigade, 4th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Space Command demonstrated rapid deployment of personnel and tactical space systems to provide close space support on the battlefield.
Soldiers with 18th Space Control Company, 1st Space Battalion, conducted the joint air assault and medevac training at Fort Carson on Jan. 31 to validate expeditionary deployment and delivery methods of Army space forces and equipment. Capt. Anthony Portuesi, 18th Space Company officer-in-charge, organized and led the exercise.
The 18th Space Control Company supports Army and joint force commanders by deploying platoons and crews into positions of advantage to seize and retain key terrain in the electromagnetic spectrum. These platoons deploy on land to monitor friendly satellite communications and report on sources of electromagnetic interference.
More than two dozen Soldiers and two MARFORSPACE Marines practiced loading and unloading a CH-47 Chinook helicopter before being flown to a landing zone near compound buildings, where they received lessons on area reconnaissance. Following the transport of troops, a second Chinook carried a small form factor kit, the tactical vehicle used to move the kit, and its crew to the landing zone.
“As a space control company, we are exercising our proficiency to conduct rapid deployment into a theater with our space-enabled assets,” said Capt. Daniel McGee, 18th Space Control Company. “It’s important for our space operators to understand the bigger picture in how Army Space contributes to the maneuver force. We are not directly supporting maneuver battalions or brigades, but really several corps within a field Army or a larger element in the corps’ close and deep fight. This air assault mainly focused on our ability to conduct an area reconnaissance, electromagnetic reconnaissance and forward observation, and a site survey for follow-on space control operations.”
Though not the first time 18th Space Control Company has partnered with 4th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade – the two units conducted an air assault and medevac training using UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters in May 2024 – it was the company’s first exercise in deploying its tactical vehicle and small form factor system via rotary-wing assets.
Such training is an example of efforts to further integrate space capabilities with more expeditionary special operations forces units, joint forces like MARFORSPACE, or adjacent aviation units within the 4th Infantry Division on Fort Carson to enhance those partnerships’ ability to enable movement and maneuver of the joint force and allow space Soldiers deeper physical access into austere operating environments.
“This was my first training mission at the company,” Spc. Ireshia Paige said. “It was interesting working with service members of different branches and mission sets in a tactical environment. I was tasked with calling in a nine line to retrieve an urgent casualty, which was made to feel accurate to a real-life scenario.”
Spc. Fernando Barroso said the hands-on training in safely boarding and exiting aircraft, securing a casualty in a stretcher to prepare for air evacuation and properly hoisting the casualty to the Black Hawk “instilled a strong sense of confidence” in his operational capabilities.
“Beyond enhancing my technical proficiency, this training underscored the vital importance of teamwork, precision, and decisive action in high-pressure environments,” Barroso said. “As a future sergeant, I will leverage these capabilities to train and mentor the next generation of Soldiers, ensuring they are well-prepared for air assault operations. By passing on these lessons, I will contribute to the effectiveness of individual Soldiers and strengthen the overall readiness of the unit. This training has not only enhanced my confidence but has also deepened my motivation to continue developing as a Soldier.”
Story by Brooke Nevins
1st Space Brigade