Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC)

🎯 Role Definition

A Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) is a qualified service member responsible for directing the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support (CAS) and other offensive air operations from a forward position. The JTAC performs terminal attack control, plans and coordinates joint fires, manages airspace deconfliction, and communicates precise targeting instructions to aircrews and joint partners. JTACs often embed with ground maneuver units, special operations forces, and fire support teams to enable timely, accurate and lawful fires in complex and dynamic environments.

JTAC keywords: JTAC, Joint Terminal Attack Controller, Close Air Support, CAS, terminal attack control, forward air controller, FAC(A), joint fires, air-to-ground coordination, target marking, airborne and surface ISR coordination.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Fire Support / Artillery (Field Artillery) enlisted or officer roles transitioning to JTAC qualification.
Infantry / Maneuver units cross-training into Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) or JTAC pipelines.
Forward Air Controller (FAC) / FAC(A) or air liaison roles that train to JTAC standards.
Special Operations Forces operators pursuing JTAC certification.

Advancement To:

JTAC Instructor / Standards and Evaluations JTAC
Air Liaison Officer (ALO) or Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) senior leader
Joint Fires or Targeting Officer at battalion, brigade or joint task force level
Special Operations targeting or fires planner
Force-level Fires Chief or doctrine developer

Lateral Moves:

Forward Air Controller (Airborne) / FAC(A)
Fire Support Team Leader / Fire Support Coordinator
Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) senior NCO / warrant officer roles

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct and execute terminal attack control for Close Air Support (CAS) missions by directing fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft during live-fire and no-fire zones, ensuring precise weapon delivery and minimizing collateral damage.
Plan, coordinate and integrate joint fires (air, artillery, naval gunfire, and indirect fires) into maneuver operations, developing fire support plans and synchronized target lists.
Provide positive, unambiguous target identification and clearance to engage by using appropriate identification methods (visual, laser, IR, sensor imagery, and multi-source ISR) and clear Rules of Engagement (ROE) and collateral constraints.
Deconflict and manage airspace in a battlespace that may include multiple aircraft, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and indirect fire assets; apply procedural and tactical airspace control measures to prevent fratricide.
Employ precision target location techniques using digital mapping, MGRS/GPS coordinates and multiple coordinate systems; ensure coordinate accuracy, verification and re-check procedures are followed before weapon release.
Use secure and non-secure voice/data communication systems (UHF/VHF, SINCGARS, Link, TACAN, and SATCOM) to maintain continuous, clear communications with aircrews, ground units and joint command and control elements.
Conduct pre-mission briefs and risk assessments that include aircraft capabilities, munitions effects, aircraft ingress/egress corridors, ordnance delivery methods, and contingencies such as abort and emergency procedures.
Integrate and cue ISR assets (manned and unmanned sensors) to provide near-real-time targeting information and battle damage assessment (BDA) for dynamic targeting and success metrics.
Direct and adjust terminal attack munitions employment including laser-guided, GPS-guided, free-fall, and strafing runs; call for ordnance types based on target, collateral considerations and desired effects.
Execute close coordination with command and control (C2) elements to ensure mission synchronization, clearance authority, and chain-of-command reporting during joint operations.
Perform target nomination, time-sensitive target (TST) processing, and higher-echelon coordination when applicable, ensuring legal and procedural compliance with joint fires doctrine.
Maintain, operate and troubleshoot JTAC-specific equipment such as laser designators, target-marking systems, rangefinders, digital targeting tablets, and integrated radio suites under austere conditions.
Deliver post-strike reporting and battle damage assessments (BDA), capturing lessons learned, weapons effects, and recommend follow-on actions to refine targeting processes.
Conduct continuous rehearsals and dry/range training to validate TTPs and maintain currency for weapons delivery in both day and night operations using NVG and IR techniques.
Train, mentor and certify subordinate personnel, allied and coalition partners on JTAC procedures, joint fires coordination, and modernized targeting tools to build interoperable capabilities.
Ensure compliance with international and domestic law, ROE, and collateral damage estimation (CDE) processes; coordinate with legal and targeting authorities when necessary.
Employ established safety procedures and range clearance operations for strafing, bombing, and high-explosive munitions employment in both live and simulated environments.
Support contingency operations, humanitarian assistance, and non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO) where joint fires or aviation support is requested, adapting JTAC functions to fluid mission sets.
Maintain detailed logs and records of sorties, engagements, munitions expended and communications for after-action review and higher headquarters reporting requirements.
Participate in joint planning cells and targeting working groups to provide subject matter expertise on terminal attack capabilities, limitations and integration recommendations.
Remain current on aircraft platform capabilities (e.g., A-10, F/A-18, F-16, AV-8B, AC-130, rotary-wing), weapons effects, and changes in doctrine or aircraft avionics that affect terminal control procedures.
Rapidly assess tactical situations, make collateral-sensitive decisions under time pressure, and execute weapon release in accordance with commander’s intent while protecting friendly forces and non-combatants.

Secondary Functions

Assist with logistics and maintenance coordination for JTAC equipment, ensuring all targeting and communication devices are serviceable and mission-ready.
Support training development by drafting course material, scenario design and assessment criteria for JTAC qualification and currency programs.
Facilitate inter-service and coalition interoperability exercises to standardize procedures and ensure seamless multinational CAS employment.
Provide input into procurement and fielding decisions for targeting systems, radios and ISR tools based on operational feedback and mission requirements.
Support civil-military and interagency coordination in complex environments where air-delivered munitions may be requested for non-traditional missions.
Conduct administrative duties including certification tracking, qualification records, and compliance reporting to higher headquarters.
Contribute to tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) updates and doctrine reviews based on operational lessons learned from deployments and training events.
Offer subject matter expertise to mission planners for deliberate targeting packages, ensuring terminal control considerations are included early in the planning cycle.
Participate in AARs, producing actionable recommendations to enhance joint fires integration and minimize future risk in live and simulated engagements.
Provide mentoring and cross-training for allied JTACs and partner-nation forces to develop sustainable, interoperable targeting and CAS capabilities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

JTAC certification and currency: verified qualification by the appropriate service authority and maintenance of currency requirements for terminal attack control.
Proficient Close Air Support (CAS) execution across fixed- and rotary-wing platforms, including understanding of aircraft employment envelopes and munitions options.
Advanced map reading and geospatial skills: accurate use of MGRS, UTM, and GPS coordinate systems with proficiency in digital mapping tools and battle management software.
Airspace management and deconfliction: use of airspace control measures, coordinating procedures and terminal attack control measures to prevent fratricide.
Radio and comms proficiency: secure and non-secure voice/data operations (UHF/VHF, SINCGARS, Link, SATCOM), call-sign protocols, and multi-net management under load.
Targeting and laser designation: employment of hand-held and vehicle-mounted laser designators, laser codes, and target-marking techniques for precision-guided munitions.
ISR integration and cueing: tasking and interpreting sensor data from UAS, manned ISR platforms, and airborne targeting pods to refine target solutions.
Weapons effects and munitions knowledge: understanding of blast/fragmentation patterns, collateral risk estimation, and selection of appropriate ordnance for mission objectives.
Digital targeting tools and situational awareness systems: proficiency with ruggedized tablets, mapping apps (e.g., TAK), and common joint fires planning software.
Targeting processes and doctrine: familiarity with joint fires doctrine (e.g., JP 3-09), TST procedures, clearance to engage, and legal/ROE compliance.
Battle damage assessment (BDA) skills: methods to assess mission effectiveness and recommend follow-on actions using imagery and ground reporting.
Troubleshooting and field maintenance of JTAC equipment under austere conditions, ensuring operational readiness.
Mission planning and brief writing: developing clear target briefs, ingress/egress profiles, and risk mitigation measures for pilots and ground commanders.

Soft Skills

Clear, concise and authoritative radio/voice communications to multi-national, multi-service audiences under duress.
Rapid decision-making and prioritization in high-stress, time-sensitive engagements.
Leadership and mentorship: ability to train, certify and lead small teams and embedded personnel.
Exceptional situational awareness and pattern recognition to anticipate threats and emerging targeting opportunities.
Teamwork and coalition-building across services, agencies and partner-nation forces.
Cultural sensitivity and diplomacy when operating with coalition partners or in advisory roles.
Attention to detail for coordinate verification, weapons release procedures and legal compliance.
Stress tolerance and emotional resilience during combat operations and critical incidents.
Instructional ability and adult learning techniques for conducting JTAC qualification and refresher training.
Analytical problem solving and after-action reporting to improve future mission outcomes.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent, plus completion of service-specific JTAC initial qualification course and required recurring proficiency training.

Preferred Education:

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Military Science, Aviation, Emergency Management, or a related field.
Formal instructor or leadership course completion (e.g., Senior NCO or officer professional military education).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Military Science / Operations
Aviation / Aeronautics
Fire Support / Targeting / Ballistics
Emergency Management / Crisis Response
Geospatial Intelligence / GIS

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–8 years of operational military experience, to include time in ground maneuver or fire support roles and progressive responsibility for joint fires.

Preferred:

5+ years of combined operational experience with documented live-fire JTAC engagements, Close Air Support missions, or deployments in joint operations.
Prior service in Field Artillery, TACP, Special Operations, or aviation-forward control roles.
Demonstrated instructor or evaluator experience for JTAC certification programs.
Combat deployment experience with demonstrated adherence to ROE and collateral damage estimation processes.

If you are recruiting for or considering a career as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), highlight JTAC certification, CAS experience, communications proficiency, and demonstrable operational deployments in your resume and applications to maximize visibility in applicant tracking systems and job searches.