| How did The
Forward Air Control officer tell the aircraft where to drop the
ordinance? During the Vietnam War, when an officer or forward air controller (FAC) needed to call in an airstrike on a precise position, they would use a system of coordinates to communicate the target location to the aircraft delivering the strike. Here’s how they typically did it: 1. **Determine the Coordinates** The officer or FAC would first identify the target's precise location on a map. They would use grid coordinates, which were usually derived from military maps like the **1:50,000 scale Tactical Pilotage Charts (TPC)** or **Joint Operations Graphics (JOG)**. These maps were based on the Military Grid Reference System (MGRS), which divided the map into a grid of squares, each identified by a unique set of numbers and letters. 2. **Format of the Coordinates** The coordinates were read in a standard military format. For example, in the MGRS system, a coordinate might look like **“BR 1234 5678”**: - **First letters (e.g., BR)**: Grid Zone Designation to specify the general area on the map. - **First set of numbers (e.g., 1234)**: Easting, which indicates the distance eastward within the grid zone. - **Second set of numbers (e.g., 5678)**: Northing, which indicates the distance northward within the grid zone. The numbers could be further refined with additional digits for greater precision. For example, a 10-digit grid reference would pinpoint a location to within one meter. 3. **Using Phonetic Alphabet** To avoid any misunderstandings over radio communications, which could have static or be affected by noise, the officer would use the **NATO phonetic alphabet** for letters and speak numbers slowly and distinctly. For example: - "Bravo Romeo, one-two-three-four, five-six-seven-eight." 4. **Provide Additional Target Information** Along with the grid coordinates, the officer would also provide essential details like: - **Description of the target** (e.g., “enemy bunker” or “convoy of trucks”). - **Size and shape of the target area**. - **Distance and direction from a known reference point**. - **Marking method** (if possible), such as using a smoke round or flare to visually mark the target. - **Altitude and ordinance details** needed for the strike (e.g., “500 pounds high explosive bombs”). - **Friendly positions and no-strike zones** to avoid friendly fire incidents. 5. **Confirmation and Authentication** The officer would then await a confirmation from the aircraft or coordinating air control station to ensure the coordinates and details were correctly understood. This was crucial to prevent mistakes in targeting. 6. **Final Clearance** Once the pilot or attack aircraft confirmed they had the coordinates, the FAC or officer would provide **final clearance** to proceed with the airstrike by stating “Cleared hot” or another similar command, depending on the tactical situation. 7. **Adjust and Correct** If necessary, after the initial strike, the FAC or officer could provide corrections to adjust subsequent strikes by relaying additional coordinates or directional adjustments ("left 100 meters," "increase by 200 meters," etc.). This precise communication was crucial to avoid mistakes, minimize collateral damage, and ensure the effectiveness of the airstrike. |