US Army infantry question?

Question

If a group of US Soldiers ( not special force ) need to direct an airstrike against a certain target , the guy who is responsible of directing the air attack is he from the army or air force ?

Answer 1

FO ( Forward observer )

Answer 2

It's a complex process. In order to reduce the chances of friendly fire against our own troops the Air Force began imbedding air combat controllers in units in the form of TAC-Ps and other specialized personnel. This reduced the chances of miscommunication of coordinates and distances because of interservice protocol differences.

Unfortunately, TAC-Ps and other ground controllers are often a low density, high demand resource, and can't be assigned to EVERY unit that might need ground support. For that reason, there are regional ground air combat controllers, who can take the call for an air strike from the forward observer, locate the unit, and direct airstrikes. This can also be done from JSTARS and AWACS Aircraft. As IFF technology expands alongside joint forces operational interconnection, the need for troops like TAC-Ps will decrease as synergistic cooperative effects go up and communication and operations difference go out the window

Answer 3

The Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) is a group of airman that are assigned at Army echelons from Corps to Battalion. Battalion teams will often send TACP to the company and platoon depending on the operation and manning. These Airmen advise and assist their Army counter parts on the use and employment of airpower, then control those assets in order to meet the ground commander objective.

A Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) is someone is has been highly trained to call in Air Strikes and is recognized throughout the Department of Defense as a qualified controller.

The Army Special Forces used to have JTACs, but the program has died out and is completely run by the Air Force. Marines have their own TACP and JTACs as well.

The Army does not have its own JTAC program.

Answer 4

Army Infantry leaders, non commissioned Officers and Officers are trained to call in an air-strike or fire support of any kind; sometimes, attachments from the Navy and/ or Air-force run with the ground commanders to handle Air support, but basically anyone trained that has a radio is capable to call in air support it is part of the communications plan as an appendix of the operation order.

Answer 5

Often a unit MAY have a combat air controller, TAC some other Air Force rep with them. Especially in Afghan. BUT, it is also possible for a patrol to call for air support if they don't have Air Force with them. The responsibility would be on the patrol leader then.

Answer 6

airstrike - Air Force...the job is Combat Control Team, CCT.

artillery strike - Army

Although, due to modern cross-utilization, it's entirely possible that Army units engaged in combat can call in an airstrike.

Answer 7

He gets authorization from Army higher headquarters then relays directions threw communications.

SSG Schramm
US Army 15 years
OIF 2003

Answer 8

The grunt on the gound can call in air, mortar, or artillery strikes. It's the man on the ground that needs the fire support so the he and his men can continue their mission.

Answer 9

Most likely from the Army. An artillery forward observer (FO) is probably the guy that would handle that. At least that the way it used to be.

Answer 10

the army officer in charge of his section would request an air strike on the enemy if his unit was in dire emergency.