Requirements for a Joint Terminal Attack Controller Primary Military Occupational Specialty in the Post-OEF Marine Corps
Abstract
A Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) is the link between Marine ground units and the aircraft supporting them. This Marine must be capable of unsupervised, creative action in pursuit of his duties. Historical examples of terminal control in die ate an extremely complex and fluid task that requires depth of personal expertise to perform adequately. The more dispersed operating environment since 9/11 prompted the USMC to train and assign nonaviator JTACs, in addition to aviator Forward Air Controllers, to terminal control tasks. The USMC has adjusted the JTAC program considerably in the last three years, ending in the 2012 Tables of Organization. Additional modifications are necessary to produce the expert controller required for Enhanced Company Operations. Behavioral psychology studies show that complex tasks cannot be learned in a short period of time. Army and Air Force JTAC programs have certain strengths that the USMC program could incorporate for additional capability. The long-term trend from several directions shows that a JTAC primary MOS will best serve the Marine Corps' needs. Extending JTAC tour lengths and creating a primary MOS builds experience and realizes significant cost savings for aviation assets. Planned aircraft acquisition timelines could create stress on aviator populations contributing to FAC billets. Adequate numbers of personnel are available .to create a primary MOS without affecting other skill sets.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA600275
Entities
People
- Erik J. Bartelt
Organizations
- Marine Corps University