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 historically and in other countries and the relevant NATO standard[1] is Forward Air Controller.[2] The term became effective on 3 September 2003 with the publishing of Joint Publication (JP) 309.3 Tactics. Techniques and Procedures (TTP) for Close Air Support.[3]
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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).[4]
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 JTACs 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, and 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 "JTAC's" are now also trained at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany through the JFCOE (Joint Firepower Center Of Excellence).[5]
Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is sanctioned by United States Special Operations Command (US SOCOM) as the proponent for Joint Fires training and execution. Currently training is also being enhanced and accomplished through an AFSOC contract for professional services dedicated to the Small UAS program and the JTAC Program Management and Training. This contract sanctions the only existing Civilian Contracted authorities to conduct JTAC training as documented by US SOCOM Judge Advocate General. Though many entities are currently claiming Subject Matter Expertise (SME), they are not authorized to execute their former military skills unless they are part of the above listed program. Currently, Determinative Consulting Associates and Professional Services (DCAPS inc.) is assigned as the SUAS and JTAC program managers by WinTec Arrowmaker ISO US SOCOM initiatives.