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.

| Main Article
| Discussion
| Related Articles  [?]
| Bibliography  [?]
| External Links  [?]
| Citable Version  [?]

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

This editable Main Article is under development and subject to a disclaimer.

[edit intro]

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 teams).

An equivalent person that coordinates artillery or naval guns and gunnery|naval gunfire support is called a forward observer.