For the Sake of Ceremony

The United States Navy has a longstanding tradition of using Forward Air Controllers (FAC) to coordinate air support during military operations. These personnel are trained to communicate with pilots in the air and guide them to their targets on the ground. However, the Navy’s Airborne FAC program has been under scrutiny in recent years, with some arguing that it is outdated and unnecessary in modern warfare. The program’s defenders argue that it is an essential component of naval operations and provides crucial support to ground forces.

Those who advocate for the continuation of the Airborne FAC program argue that it provides a level of support that cannot be replicated by other means. They argue that FACs provide critical intelligence on enemy positions and can direct air support in real-time, which can be the difference between success and failure on the battlefield. Moreover, FACs are able to operate in areas where ground-based controllers may not be able to, such as in mountainous terrain or over water.

Opponents of the program argue that advances in technology have made the Airborne FAC program obsolete. They point to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other airborne sensors that can provide real-time intelligence on enemy positions without putting personnel at risk. They also argue that the cost of training and equipping FACs could be better spent on other programs that are more in line with current military needs.

The debate over the Airborne FAC program is a complex one, with valid arguments on both sides. Ultimately, the decision to continue or discontinue the program will depend on a variety of factors, including the strategic priorities of the Navy, the effectiveness of alternative methods, and the cost-benefit analysis of maintaining the program. While tradition and ceremony are important considerations, they must be balanced against the needs of modern warfare and the realities of a changing global landscape.

READ “FOR THE SAKE OF CEREMONY: SHOULD THE U.S. NAVY CONTINUE ITS AIRBORNE FORWARD AIR CONTROLLER PROGRAM?” by TREVOR PHILLIPS-LEVINE AND ANDREW TENBUSCH at War on the Rocks