A specially trained military officer who directs close air support (CAS) aircraft engaged in attacks on enemy targets near friendly forces. The FAC’s role is to ensure that strikes are effective while preventing friendly fire incidents.
Key responsibilities of a FAC include:
- Target identification and marking: Locating and designating enemy positions using smoke, lasers, or coordinates.
- Radio communication: Providing pilots with target descriptions, attack headings, ordnance restrictions, and clearance to engage.
- Deconfliction: Coordinating with ground commanders and air assets to ensure safe and effective fires.
- Battlefield awareness: Maintaining a clear picture of friendly positions to reduce the risk of fratricide.
FACs may operate on the ground, in vehicles, or from airborne platforms (often referred to as AFACs — Airborne Forward Air ControllersAFACs — Airborne Forward Air Controllers).
Application in DCS World
- DCS includes JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller) units that simulate FAC functions, capable of marking targets with smoke, IR pointers, or laser designators, and giving players 9-line briefs for CAS missions. Some aircraft can also serve as AFACs in multiplayer scenarios.
- DCS JTAC/FAC simulation is menu-driven and simplified, lacking the nuance, improvisation, and voice brevity of real-world FACs. True dynamic FAC support usually requires human players in multiplayer, often coordinated through SRS.
Cadets should practice CAS procedures with AI JTACs to learn the basics of 9-line communication, then transition to multiplayer training with human FACs for realistic battlefield coordination and comms discipline.