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GAU-8 · 01-07-2008, 13:18 PM

A) Is this a role that you can join as right off the bat?
B) Has anyone here has any experience working in or with such a role?
C) Any other info really on what the role involves. I can more or less work out the basics, get on the radio, tell Pilot boy to drop bombs on X Y and Z (more detailed than that I know), but is there more to this role?

I can give you a little perspective from the U.S. forces point of view. I was an airborne FAC in two squadrons and did my share of ground duty. Doing the job from the ground and the air is very important.

The most critical element in becoming an effective FAC is to have an aerial perspective. You need to fly, see things from the air and understand the three-dimensional aspects of aerial operations. You don't have to be a pilot to develop this. Many of our enlisted FACs aren't pilots and they are superb. Extensive weapons inventory knowledge and weapons effects knowledge is essential as well. Most FACs I knew enjoyed this side of the job. You'll learn not only the inventory of your country but those of your allies as well. You will become very flexible in your tactical thinking--because you'll never know what weapons the fighters you're about to work with are going to show up with. When they check on the radio, they'll tell you and you'll have about 20 minutes to brief them, organized the attack, guide the attack and send them away--because the next formation of fighters is about to check in. You'll have to match their weapon's effects to your target set and tactical situation. At first, it's mind-boggling.

Although controlling fighters gets a lot of attention, there's an aspect of being a FAC that is just as much fun: Calling in artillery is a hoot!

The training and experience program that you'll have to travel to become a FAC in your armed forces will provide you with the experience and perspective that you need. Go after it and stick with it. Becoming and being a FAC is incredibly rewarding. Never in any endeavor, have I learned so much about task management. In later years, when you're not busy blowing things up anymore, you'll still use the task management and task prioritizing skills you learned from your years as a FAC.

There is far more to this role than just getting iron on target. Your fellow FACs will be some of the best friends you'll ever meet and some of the most professional experts you'll ever learn to respect.

Go for it and keep us posted on your progress.

Oh, and don't forget to call in hot.

01-07-2008, 13:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
GAU-8 Old Cold Warrior *Military Professional* Join Date: 02-14-07 Location: Grapevine, Texas Posts: 606 Country:	A) Is this a role that you can join as right off the bat? B) Has anyone here has any experience working in or with such a role? C) Any other info really on what the role involves. I can more or less work out the basics, get on the radio, tell Pilot boy to drop bombs on X Y and Z (more detailed than that I know), but is there more to this role? I can give you a little perspective from the U.S. forces point of view. I was an airborne FAC in two squadrons and did my share of ground duty. Doing the job from the ground and the air is very important. The most critical element in becoming an effective FAC is to have an aerial perspective. You need to fly, see things from the air and understand the three-dimensional aspects of aerial operations. You don't have to be a pilot to develop this. Many of our enlisted FACs aren't pilots and they are superb. Extensive weapons inventory knowledge and weapons effects knowledge is essential as well. Most FACs I knew enjoyed this side of the job. You'll learn not only the inventory of your country but those of your allies as well. You will become very flexible in your tactical thinking--because you'll never know what weapons the fighters you're about to work with are going to show up with. When they check on the radio, they'll tell you and you'll have about 20 minutes to brief them, organized the attack, guide the attack and send them away--because the next formation of fighters is about to check in. You'll have to match their weapon's effects to your target set and tactical situation. At first, it's mind-boggling. Although controlling fighters gets a lot of attention, there's an aspect of being a FAC that is just as much fun: Calling in artillery is a hoot! The training and experience program that you'll have to travel to become a FAC in your armed forces will provide you with the experience and perspective that you need. Go after it and stick with it. Becoming and being a FAC is incredibly rewarding. Never in any endeavor, have I learned so much about task management. In later years, when you're not busy blowing things up anymore, you'll still use the task management and task prioritizing skills you learned from your years as a FAC. There is far more to this role than just getting iron on target. Your fellow FACs will be some of the best friends you'll ever meet and some of the most professional experts you'll ever learn to respect. Go for it and keep us posted on your progress. Oh, and don't forget to call in hot. Last edited by GAU-8 : 01-07-2008 at 13:23 PM.