Close Air Support (CAS) operations are conducted in highly demanding, dynamic environments. The effectiveness of the ground scheme of maneuver and the safety of its participants often relies on critical decisions made by the aviators in the air. Two factors have been identified as the most critical for the success of CAS missions: communication between the Joint Terminal Attack Controller or Forward Air Controller and the Close Air Support provider, and the capabilities of the pilot/CAS platform. In typical CAS missions, both missing and incorrect information conveyed via the communication channel has to be detected and immediately rectified while the pilot is operating the aircraft - this puts very stringent performance requirements on pilots. Training for CAS operations is therefore complex and time consuming. Current training approaches observe Cognitive Load Theory and a scaffolding approach, and guide trainees through a series of part-task training opportunities. This paper focuses on the two critical factors - the communications (practiced through instructor-driven 'chalk-talk' sessions) and procedures. As the number of available instructors is limited, currently perceived training needs are directed towards a stand-alone, part-task trainer that allows self-paced practice of standardized communication commands. The paper details our efforts in developing such a system: it includes task analysis, survey of the user domain, design and development of prototype system using commercial-off-the-shelf technologies, and a feasibility study with a review of system performance and an informal test with experts. The developed prototype trainer addresses the issues identified in the survey and adds technology-enabled training capabilities beyond traditional practices. An added level of real-time visual and auditory feedback supports effective acclimatization to the actual task and enables more realistic user interactions. We believe that once fully developed, this approach holds the promise of providing more effective training while preserving all the advantages of a part-task trainer.