The FACs | Wings over Vietnam | Battlefield Vietnam

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Forward air control is the control of close air support (CAS) aircraft to ensure that their attack hits the intended target and does not harm friendly troops. This task is performed by a forward air traffic controller (FAC).

The primary function of forward air control is to ensure the safety of friendly forces with close air support. Enemy targets on the front line (the "front edge of the combat zone" in US terminology) are often close to friendly forces, and therefore friendly forces are at risk of friendly fire due to proximity during an air attack. The danger is twofold: the bomber pilot cannot clearly identify the target and does not know the location of his forces. Camouflage, a constantly changing situation and the fog of war increase the risk. Modern doctrine states that forward air controllers (FACs) are not needed to interdict air attacks, although such use of FACs has occurred in the past.

An additional concern of forward air controllers is to prevent harm to civilians in the strike zone.

Forward air controllers played an important role in the largest bombing campaign in history during the Vietnam War. While World War II involved indiscriminate mass air raids on major cities around the world, bombing during the Vietnam War was aimed at smaller targets in a country the size of New Mexico. Unless bombs were dropped in a free-fire zone or on a predetermined target, bombing in Vietnam was directed by the PIC. In addition, unlike World War II, serious efforts were made to avoid targeting civilians, which also required the intervention of the FAC.