How to become a FAC

[WASP]

Hi there,I wanted to know how you become a Forward air controller in the RAF Regiment?Can you chose to become one.

 

[Humble Scribe]

You need to talk to the ALI cell at Honington ideally; they will give you all the pointers and potentially arrange the aptitude day for you. Also put it on your JPA preferences for the CM's to see.

 

[WASP]

You need to talk to the ALI cell at Honington ideally; they will give you all the pointers and potentially arrange the aptitude day for you. Also put it on your JPA preferences for the CM's to see.

Could you link it to me,(I am not good with these technical words)Thanks!

 

[Humble Scribe]

Could you link it to me,(I am not good with these technical words)Thanks![/QUOT]

Link what? Not in work so difficult for me atm. Ask your Sqn admin to access JSP 918, that's the FAC bible and most of the gen will be in there; they should also be able to advise you how to amend your JPA preferences. If all else fails, speak to your SNCO or Sqn WO they will be able to advise you.

 

[Elwood]

Joint Terminal Attack Controller

Joint Terminal Attack Controller

Wasp,
Unfortunately you cannot join the RAF Regiment as a FAC. (The new term is Joint terminal Attack Controller, but it is largely the same thing.) The role is a specialisation on top of being a Gunner, or junior Regiment officer.

The minimum rank needed for the role is Cpl. Therefore you will need to spend at least 1 tour as a gunner on a squadron, and provided that you pass the tests, you could then become a signaller on a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) before attempting the JTAC course. So in reality it will be 3+ years before you get to control aircraft.

If you come in as an officer you will need to do a tour (3 years) as a flight commander before being considered for a JTAC role.

The good news is that the role is expanding, so once you are in, and you have the aptitude, it is likely that you will get the opportunity.
Hope this helps. Good luck

 

[WASP]

Wasp,
Unfortunately you cannot join the RAF Regiment as a FAC. (The new term is Joint terminal Attack Controller, but it is largely the same thing.) The role is a specialisation on top of being a Gunner, or junior Regiment officer.

The minimum rank needed for the role is Cpl. Therefore you will need to spend at least 1 tour as a gunner on a squadron, and provided that you pass the tests, you could then become a signaller on a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) before attempting the JTAC course. So in reality it will be 3+ years before you get to control aircraft.

If you come in as an officer you will need to do a tour (3 years) as a flight commander before being considered for a JTAC role.

The good news is that the role is expanding, so once you are in, and you have the aptitude, it is likely that you will get the opportunity.
Hope this helps. Good luck

I dont mind spending some time as a gunner,Thanks this helped a lot!

 

[Humble Scribe]

Wasp,
Unfortunately you cannot join the RAF Regiment as a FAC. (The new term is Joint terminal Attack Controller, but it is largely the same thing.) The role is a specialisation on top of being a Gunner, or junior Regiment officer.

The minimum rank needed for the role is Cpl. Therefore you will need to spend at least 1 tour as a gunner on a squadron, and provided that you pass the tests, you could then become a signaller on a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) before attempting the JTAC course. So in reality it will be 3+ years before you get to control aircraft.

If you come in as an officer you will need to do a tour (3 years) as a flight commander before being considered for a JTAC role.

The good news is that the role is expanding, so once you are in, and you have the aptitude, it is likely that you will get the opportunity.
Hope this helps. Good luck

Sorry WASP, I was assuming you were already serving; pretty naïve looking at the forum in which you posted! Elwood is correct in the information he has provided and you would be expected to serve at least 3 years on a Regt Field Sqn before looking at the JTAC route and would need to be a JNCO. As an SAC or LCpl you could look at other roles like signaller or FST to support the JTAC's. Early days for you right now though.