Page 114 - RSDG Year of 2022 CREST

122 EAGLE AND CARBINE
RAC Joint Terminal
Attack Controller
Capt Lewis Hebblewhite
I sadly feel that regimentally we have not enjoyed much historical precedence of sending individuals, be them officers or soldiers, to be Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs). One could be forgiven for thinking that it is a rare endeavour, however the RAC currently makes up around 15% of all JTACs across the field army. The intent of writing this article is to hopefully dispel any myths about this career field, and encourage those interested to put themselves forward in future.
What is a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), and what do they do? A TACP consists of five JTACs (inclusive of the TACP OC and 2IC) and two Signallers. Its main role is the delivery of air effects, whilst ensuring the safety of aircraft and ground forces. From a Battlegroup perspective this normally sees the TACP working as part of the Joint Fires Cell in Battlegroup Main/Tac, while the three remaining JTACs are assigned to sub-units to provide Close Air Support (CAS) as part of a Fire Support Team. A more simplistic summary is that we tell planes and helicopters to destroy stuff on the ground, with typically dramatic effects.
So onto my experience thus far. In April 2021 I had a phone call from our Commanding Officer, where he mentioned he had “an opportunity that might whet my appetite” and asked if I would be interested in being a JTAC. Without considering the location or any other factors, I immediately said yes and after getting through the interesting two-stage selection process, I started my JTAC course in September 2021. The JTAC course is eight weeks long. Most weeks introduce a new concept that has a teach, practice, test phase, but every week can see you being returned to unit and I
Capt Hebblewhite on Ex TEMPO THUNDER
can confirm the pressure is real. Fortunately, I was successful on the course, however regrettably 15% of the course were sadly not successful, including a fellow RAC officer. I would stress that the course, though difficult, is ultimately achievable and I would not want anyone to be dissuaded by it. As I was going to be a TACP OC, I then immediately attended the two week TACP course to learn how to use air assets in a Battlegroup and Brigade context.
Having passed the course in December 2021, I then arrived for my posting as an OC TACP (callsign TEMPO 51) with 97 Battery (Lawson’s Company), a Jackal mounted Battery in 4th Regiment Royal Artillery (4RA). We like to joke with our classic ‘cavalry lies’ that “my best friend is a gunner” however I have honestly found 4RA to be very welcoming and have made ‘this cuckoo’ feel a valued part of regimental activity. That said, most of my time over the last 12 months has been spent on either courses, competency progression, or on exercise. I have therefore spent very little time in barracks, which suits me perfectly.
After completing the JTAC course you must complete the Post Course Consolidation Syllabus (PCCS) before you can control aircraft on your own. I was fortunate that having just arrived at 4RA, I immediately
Capt Hebblewhite and Sgt Fletcher on Ex TEMPO THUNDER
Capt Hebblewhite and his team on Ex TEMPO THUNDER