JTAC capability within an SF ODA

[DA SWO]

The JFO is a great program and skill set to have if used correctly. We had some of the initial graduates of this course in OIF. They were, let's say a little over zealous and over stepped their bounds. Our ALO who was a LTC, quickly shut that down.

CDG is correct. The Army wants dudes they can keep under thumb, to say. I have seen SRA and SSGT's tell CPT's and MAJ's they are ate up (in a tactful way) and need to leave the CAS to the experts.

Same can be said for CCT,SOWT too.
One reason the AF maintains administrative control is so we can say no.
As a 2Lt I told the Cdr of the 82nd Sig Bn (LTC) to pound sand, and he had to leave our AO.
Would not have happened if I was administratively owned by the Army.

 

[Red-Dot]

Same can be said for CCT,SOWT too.
One reason the AF maintains administrative control is so we can say no.
As a 2Lt I told the Cdr of the 82nd Sig Bn (LTC) to pound sand, and he had to leave our AO.
Would not have happened if I was administratively owned by the Army.

Yep....I love the memorandum of agreement. Aligned....not owned.

 

[DA SWO]

Yep....I love the memorandum of agreement. Aligned....not owned.

We went one better with a Joint Reg.

 

[pm410]

Yep....I love the memorandum of agreement. Aligned....not owned.

So say a JTAC is overseas attached to an infantry unit at batt or brigade level, they technically are still independent of that command?

 

[CDG]

So say a JTAC is overseas attached to an infantry unit at batt or brigade level, they technically are still independent of that command?

Yes. We work with the Army, not for them. We aren't cowboys running around doing whatever we want, and it's the ground commander's battlespace, but we have a lot of latitude to make our own decisions. A good JTAC knows when and how to tell a commander no. Whether that's a platoon leader or a DIV commander, and most dudes have dealt with both and most everything in between. We get our beans, bullets, and bandages from the Army, but wear our own gear (much to the chagrin of many a Sergeant Major), and we are under admin control of the USAF . Guys have gotten themselves transferred to new FOBs or COPs when Army units they were working with wanted to use them as an extra hand at KP and guard duty, but not let them control air.

 

[DA SWO]

Yes. We work with the Army, not for them. We aren't cowboys running around doing whatever we want, and it's the ground commander's battlespace, but we have a lot of latitude to make our own decisions. A good JTAC knows when and how to tell a commander no. Whether that's a platoon leader or a DIV commander, and most dudes have dealt with both and most everything in between. We get our beans, bullets, and bandages from the Army, but wear our own gear (much to the chagrin of many a Sergeant Major), and we our under admin control of the USAF still. Guys have gotten themselves transferred to new FOBs or COPs when Army units they were working with wanted to use them as an extra hand at KP and guard duty, but not let them control air.

Same goes for the Weather guys and gals.
They are with the Army for Operational Support, and can be pulled by their AF Command (I have done that with a Cav unit) if the command feels it's necessary.

 

[Red-Dot]

Yes. We work with the Army, not for them. We aren't cowboys running around doing whatever we want, and it's the ground commander's battlespace, but we have a lot of latitude to make our own decisions. A good JTAC knows when and how to tell a commander no. Whether that's a platoon leader or a DIV commander, and most dudes have dealt with both and most everything in between. We get our beans, bullets, and bandages from the Army, but wear our own gear (much to the chagrin of many a Sergeant Major), and we are under admin control of the USAF . Guys have gotten themselves transferred to new FOBs or COPs when Army units they were working with wanted to use them as an extra hand at KP and guard duty, but not let them control air.

The battalion SGM especially loved my Mossy Oak camo GIT'R Done hat and the five different types of camo on my rack. He never complained because we had our shit wired tight.

 

[pm410]

CDG, so I was recently told that our command is planning on having all of our JFOs within our fires section sent to become TACPs. Have you ever heard of this before?

 

[Diamondback 2/2]

The battalion SGM especially loved my Mossy Oak camo GIT'R Done hat and the five different types of camo on my rack. He never complained because we had our shit wired tight.

Ah you are one of those guys...

Do you know why SRNCO's push all that regulation BS? Discipline, in line units, you have to have it and you would be surprised how quickly a unit can fall apart when its not enforced. It starts with the little things like wearing the proper uniform and meeting the grooming standard. Lax up and let your guys run a muck with uniform and grooming standards, and stand there scratching your head when you find out a squad as been going out killing locals for fun, or raping girls, or all kinds of stupid shit (extreme example).

Disciplined units need to be, more so than being an outcast cool guy. Being wired tight and performing a job well, isn't a get out of jail card for wearing unauthorized head gear. Some Joe is looking up to you, man that air force cat is cool, look at him, he kills more guys with a radio than our platoon could, and he wears what he wants, when he wants. Man I want to be like that guy. Next thing you will see is him sporting a ball cap in the field, trying to look like you. As someone who is being looked up to, what example do you want to set with him? Your rank may be funny looking, and your service branch may be different, but you're still a leader, still an American service member and still an influence on the soldiers you work with.

I get it with SOF guys, they are mature, disciplined and need to be different. My advice would be when running around with an ODA look and act the part, when running around with Infantry, look and act the part. But above all, represent yourself and your branch in the best manner possible, from regulations to job performance. Doing so will not only win the admiration of your peers, and PVT snuffy, but also those SRNCO's. And that's something to really be proud of, vs your cool "get her done" ball cap.

As for putting leaders in their place when they are wrong. I absolutely agree, you're the expert in that subject, that's why your job exists. And applaud you for being able to do so in a professional manner.

My $.02

 

[CDG]

CDG, so I was recently told that our command is planning on having all of our JFOs within our fires section sent to become TACPs. Have you ever heard of this before?

I don't know what your command is trying to say, but there's no such thing.

 

[pm410]

I don't know what your command is trying to say, but there's no such thing.

That was the word today. I haven't the slightest idea how, I'm sure I'll hear more tomorrow on the subject. It didn't sound right to me either.