US Army Formal FAC-A Program is the Solution for Improving Joint Fires Integration for the Maneuver Commander

摘要

Operations in Afghanistan and Iraq have once again rekindled the debate about the viability of the aerial FAC. The bottom line is that the FAC(A) is an essential combat multiplier for ground component commanders. The mission, regardless of platform or service, is designed to extend the operational reach of the tactical air control party and ground-based FACs resulting in better air-ground integration. The fact that the mission is performed by an aerial platform only increases flexibility and applicability. Effective employment and utilization of the TACP, FACs, and FAC(A)s ensures air power remains a viable combat multiplier at the forefront of ground commander's minds. Ironically, FAC(A)s are being vastly underutilized in these two current conflicts. Army aviation, attack and reconnaissance in particular, is ideally suited to perform the FAC(A) mission. As a maneuver force, Army aviation is integral to the ground scheme of maneuver and directly tied in with ground forces. The relationship between Army rotary wing aviation and supported ground elements closely resembles the relationship between the Marine Corps air and ground forces; the standard bearer for FAC(A) progression, implementation, and execution. Additionally, current Army doctrine and training for attack and reconnaissance units and pilots already encompasses the tasks necessary to function as a FAC(A). Minor changes to the commander's task list (CTL) and modifications to training and progression plans could fully incorporate the joint standards for FAC(A)s. Formalizing the process and sharing of resources, to include schools, is all that is required to have enough joint qualified FAC(A)s to truly enable the ground commanders and affect effective employment of CAS on the contemporary battle field.