JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller)

The Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) is a specialized billet within MSOT 8213 – Task Force Raven. JTACs are responsible for the coordination and control of close air support (CAS), indirect fires, and the deconfliction of air and ground operations.

Within Task Force Raven, JTACs ensure that the MSOT can effectively integrate supporting fires into mission execution. They are typically filled by experienced Radio Operators (ROs) or Element Leaders who have completed additional training.

Responsibilities

Serve as the team’s authority for coordinating CAS and indirect fires.
Maintain communications with aircraft, artillery, and higher headquarters.
Ensure safe and effective delivery of air-to-ground and indirect fires.
Prepare and deliver 9-Line CAS and artillery fire mission requests.
Advise leadership on the use of supporting fires and risks of collateral damage.
Train ROs and CSOs in basic fire mission procedures for redundancy.

Training Required

Successful completion of ITC
Previous billet experience as Radio Operator (RO) or Element Leader preferred
Completion of the JTAC Training Course
Familiarity with:
- 9-Line CAS format
- Call-for-fire procedures
- Airspace deconfliction
- ACRE2 radio management under pressure

Skills & Capabilities

Proficiency in air/ground communications using ACRE2 radios.
Ability to prepare and deliver CAS briefs (9-Line).
Knowledge of call-for-fire formats and artillery request procedures.
Understanding of danger-close criteria and collateral damage considerations.
Ability to rapidly integrate supporting fires into the MSOT’s maneuver plan.
Competence in working with both fixed-wing and rotary CAS assets.

Equipment

The JTAC carries standard CSO equipment and is additionally equipped with:

PRC-117 long-range manpack radio.
PRC-152 handheld radio for short-range and backup comms.
Laser designator/marker (if scenario requires).
Map tools, notepad, and JTAC reference materials (checklists, formats).
Mission-specific signaling equipment (IR strobes, smoke, panels).

Training Course

Module 1 – JTAC Fundamentals

Roles and responsibilities of a JTAC
Overview of CAS integration in MSOT operations
Airspace management basics

Module 2 – Communications & Formats

ACRE2 radio setup for multi-net operations
9-Line CAS format
Call-for-fire (CFF) and artillery request formats

Module 3 – CAS Execution

Fixed-wing CAS procedures
Rotary-wing CAS procedures
Danger-close considerations and approval procedures

Module 4 – Practical Exercises

Delivering a complete 9-Line CAS request under time pressure
Coordinating fires while maneuvering with an element
Running a simulated CAS mission with live aircraft support

Graduation Criteria

Accurately delivers a 9-Line CAS request
Demonstrates effective communications with supporting aircraft
Coordinates supporting fires safely during a training scenario

Advancement

JTACs may advance to:

Senior Fires Advisor roles within the MSOT
Unit-level fires instructor billets
Combined Arms integration specialists

Summary

The JTAC gives the MSOT access to one of the most powerful tools on the battlefield: supporting fires. By coordinating aircraft and artillery, the JTAC ensures that Task Force Raven can bring overwhelming combat power to bear in any mission.