Joint terminal attack controller



A Joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) is the term used in the United States Armed Forces for a qualified military service member who, from a forward position, directs the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations. The term used in other countries, previously in the US and in the relevant NATO standard is Forward Air Controller. The term became effective in the US on 3 September 2003 with the publishing of Joint Publication (JP) 3-09.3 Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) for Close Air Support.

Australia
The Royal Australian Air Force in 2006, became first foreign air force to receive Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) accreditation from the United States Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM). No. 4 Squadron RAAF runs JTAC training, and provides trained controllers to other units, with its main role in supporting the units of the Special Operations Command.

United States
In the United States Armed Forces a qualified and current joint terminal attack controller will be recognized across the U.S. Department of Defense as capable and authorized to perform terminal attack control. United States Marine students are trained at Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Pacific (EWTGPAC), and Atlantic (EWTGLANT). United States Air Force students are taught at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. United States Navy students at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) at Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada by SEALs assigned to NSAWC. Members of the United States Army are trained along with Air Force students at JTAC Qualification Course (JTACQC) and members of special operations units attend the Special Operations Terminal Attack Control Course (SOTACC) at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.

Army and Air Force Forward Air Controllers or "JTACs" are now also trained at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany through the Joint Firepower Center Of Excellence (JFCOE).