Forward air controller

This article may be deleted soon.
	To oppose or discuss a nomination, please go to CZ:Proposed for deletion and follow the instructions. For the monthly nomination lists, see Category:Articles for deletion. 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. They are part of the overall structure of controlling close support to ground forces]]. 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 FACs may operate as teams, with a combination of team leader, radio operator, laser designator]] or other marking specialist, etc. Ground-based FACs may use special vehicles, which include a laser designator, laser rangefinder]] and precision position transmitter (e.g., GPS]]), and multiple sets of radios. Ground troop communication tends to be on ITU Frequency Bands|very high frequency (VHF)]] while air-to-ground and air-to-air is ITU Frequency Bands|ultra-high frequency (UHF)]]. Communications security devices now may be separate; reduction in the number of separate radio and security devices is one of the goals of the U.S. and allied Joint Tactical Radio System]]. 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|combat control team]]s). An equivalent person that coordinates artillery]] or naval guns and gunnery|naval gunfire support]] is called a forward observer]].