Back to the Future

America's experience in Vietnam provides many insights into tactical innovations that are directly applicable to current operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and future battlegrounds in the Global War on Terror (GWOT). The Vietnam experience, however, is littered with examples of high technology reconnaissance platforms that emerged, floundered, and died. Unlike the ill-suited technological solutions of the day, the Forward Air Controller (FAC) was a low-tech enigma that flourished in the Vietnam conflict. Lauded by the infantry and ridiculed by fighter jocks, FACs effectively bridged the gap between the ground and air war over South Vietnam like nothing seen since. Re-introducing a simple Forward Air Control aircraft into the Theater Air Control System will significantly enhance the Air Force contribution to military success in the Global War on Terrorism.