Forward Air Controllers in the Vietnam War: Exemplars of Audacity, Innovation, and Irreverence
Abstract
The precise application of airpower in Southeast Asia from 1963 through 1973 required Forward Air Controllers (FACs). They were bold men who linked air power to ground forces, supersonic jets to propellers, and bombs to targets. They faced their enemy at low altitudes, in underpowered, under armored, makeshift aircraft, while drawing the full wrath of enemy fire. In addition to the tactical dangers, FACs faced a daunting operational environment in the Vietnam War. The USAF designed for strategic nuclear confrontation with the Soviets was ill prepared for the jungles of Vietnam. The geopolitics of the Cold War, the Strategic Air Command focused USAF and the elusive enemy in dense jungle, presented great challenges for the FACs. In spite of these challenges, FACs adapted and innovated, learned and mastered their techniques. They audaciously risked their lives and irreverently risked their careers to defend allied forces and prosecute the enemy. The distinctive political, military, and environmental context of the Vietnam War produced audacious, innovative, and irreverent FACs. By the end of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, they had mastered their missions and set forth a worthy legacy. Today, the enduring qualities of audacity, innovation, and irreverence continue to define FACs and their contemporary brethren.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1020073
Entities
People
- Heath J. Kerns
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College