Author Description

"This study is the second of a two-part history of Air Force FAC operations in Southeast Asia. The author discusses the evolution of the FAC Force, its training, and typical aircraft flown in combat, primarily the O-1, O-2A, and OV-10. He also describes the use of other aircraft in FAC roles, such as helicopters, AC-47 gunships, A-26K attack aircraft, AC-130's, C-123's the AC-119G, and the F-4 jet. The study also reviews steps taken by the Air Force to improve and refine tactics and techniques, including visual reconnaissance, marking targets, bomb damage assessment, etc. Among the combat roles forward air controllers preformed were flying armed FAC aircraft, supporting long-range ground reconnaissance teams and the Special Forces, and the maintaining a round-the-clock "rocket watch" in the Saigon area to deter Communist mortar and rocket attacks on allied bases." -- Abstract