Forward Air Controller

<p>The problem undertaken in this thesis is to determine whether or not the Forward Air Controller (FAC) as currently trained and equipped would be a viable factor in a mid-intensity conflict in Central Europe. Areas investigated included the Soviet threat terrain and climatological factors prevalent in Europe the number of FACs assigned to support Army maneuver units the equipment they use and the training they receive. The conclusions drawn from this analysis are: (1) The FAC is improperly trained in that he is not provided sufficient ground FAC training during the initial training period and the airborne training does not present survivable techniques for a mid-intensity conflict. (2) The FAC does not receive sufficient ground training with the supported maneuver unit once he reaches his final destination. (3) The airborne FAC is not properly equipped in that the OV-10 aircraft could not survive the vast array of surface-to-air weapons available to Soviet forces. (4) Standardized armored vehicles are not available to the ground FAC for either training or actual combat. (5) Based on the tactics and procedures presently being taught the number of FACs available in Europe today is not sufficient to meet the demand created by a conflict in Europe. The United States Air Force is at a critical juncture in its conduct of the close air support mission run by forward air controllers. If the Army is to be provided the type of support they are currently being promised then several areas must be changed. Training and tactics must be upgraded to reflect the current threat. The FAC must be provided with both aerial and ground vehicles that are designed to survive in a mid-intensity environment. Adequate numbers of FACs must be trained and available to meet the requirements of a short notice war. Finally the Army and the Air Force must realistically review the threat and establish a strong well trained combined arms team that will accomplish doctrinal requirements.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>