Joint Terminal Attack Controller: Separating Fact from Fiction

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Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan highlighted the dramatic, synergistic capabilities achieved by the Special Operation Forces (SOF) and airpower. Just prior to OEF, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had established an Executive Steering Committee, which adopted a grass roots qualification for ground forward air controllers (GFACs) called the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) program. The JTAC program is designed to serve as a cross service "driver's license" or credentialization for GFACs from all services. Once finalized, the JTAC program will enhance the nation's ability to apply airpower whenever and wherever needed, while also reducing the chance of fratricide. However, many hurdles remain prior to accomplishing this goal. Each service, for the first time, must accept a common, joint training and evaluation standard that applies across the components. The research begins by discussing the historical background that led up to the JTAC concept. The paper discusses the draft Joint Publication 3-09.3 (Joint Close Air Support) and highlights the important changes this publication will make such as codifying the JTAC program.