Forward air controller: Difference between revisions
imported>Howard C. Berkowitz (linked Forward Observer) |
imported>Howard C. Berkowitz (crosslinked to FO) |
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A '''Forward air controller (FAC)''' is an pilot, or other individual with a deep understanding of the capabilities of aircraft and weapons available for [[close air support]], who is responsible to the supported ground organization for the proper employment of air support. FACs may be attached to foot-mobile [[special reconnaissance]] teams or to conventional combat units. | A '''Forward air controller (FAC)''' is an pilot, or other individual with a deep understanding of the capabilities of aircraft and weapons available for [[close air support]], who is responsible to the supported ground organization for the proper employment of air support. FACs may be attached to foot-mobile [[special reconnaissance]] teams or to conventional combat units. | ||
The FAC may be on the ground with the supported troops, or in a specialized aircraft (i.e., airborne FAC or "fast FAC"), optimized for observing ground threats and designating them for attack. Some organizations, such as the [[United States Marine Corps]], require their FACs to have training in leading ground troops as well as aviation knowledge. Other organizations start with air-qualified personnel, but give them extensive ground training (e.g., U.S. Air Force [[Combat Control team]]s). | The FAC may be on the ground with the supported troops, or in a specialized aircraft (i.e., airborne FAC or "fast FAC"), optimized for observing ground threats and designating them for attack. Ground FACsmay operate as teams, with a combination of team leader, radio operator, laser designator or other marking specialist, etc. | ||
Some organizations, such as the [[United States Marine Corps]], require their FACs to have training in leading ground troops as well as aviation knowledge. Other organizations start with air-qualified personnel, but give them extensive ground training (e.g., U.S. Air Force [[Combat Control team]]s). | |||
An equivalent person that coordinates land or sea gunfire is called a '''[[forward observer]]'''. | An equivalent person that coordinates land or sea gunfire is called a '''[[forward observer]]'''. | ||
Revision as of 20:44, 29 July 2008
A Forward air controller (FAC) is an pilot, or other individual with a deep understanding of the capabilities of aircraft and weapons available for close air support, who is responsible to the supported ground organization for the proper employment of air support. FACs may be attached to foot-mobile special reconnaissance teams or to conventional combat units.
The FAC may be on the ground with the supported troops, or in a specialized aircraft (i.e., airborne FAC or "fast FAC"), optimized for observing ground threats and designating them for attack. Ground FACsmay operate as teams, with a combination of team leader, radio operator, laser designator or other marking specialist, etc.
Some organizations, such as the United States Marine Corps, require their FACs to have training in leading ground troops as well as aviation knowledge. Other organizations start with air-qualified personnel, but give them extensive ground training (e.g., U.S. Air Force Combat Control teams).
An equivalent person that coordinates land or sea gunfire is called a forward observer.