Forward Air Controller / Air Officer
Direct close air support and coordinate airspace for ground forces.
Job Overview
7502s are qualified JTACs who direct strike aircraft in support of Marines.
FAC/Air Officers integrate air power into ground scheme of maneuver, control CAS engagements, and manage airspace deconfliction.
History & Deep Dive
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Daily Responsibilities
- Plan CAS missions
- Control strike aircraft
- Coordinate airspace
- Train ground units
- Deploy with infantry
Training Pipeline
- 1TBS + Flight School (for pilots)variable
- 2TACP/JTAC qualificationmonths
Official Qualification Requirements
This is a commissioning path. Enlisted line scores do not apply — selection is based on education, officer testing and a selection board.
- • Bachelor's degree required
- • Officer qualifying test: ASTB-E (aviation programs)
- • Commissioning paths: NROTC, OCS/PLC, U.S. Naval Academy
SECRET
Requirements are subject to change by the Department of Defense and each service. Always confirm the current standard with an official recruiter before making a decision.
Required. Officer commissioning is citizen-only: goarmy.com says "Be a U.S. citizen by the time you commission as an Officer," marines.com lists "Be a U.S. citizen" for officers, airforce.com says officers "must be a native-born or naturalized United States citizen," and 10 U.S.C. 532 requires it by law. Verified August 2026.
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Career Progression
Battalion Air Officer, MAGTF planner.
Assignments & Special Schools
- Camp Pendleton, CA
- Camp Lejeune, NC
- Cherry Point, NC
Deployment: Deploys with infantry and MEUs.
Advantages
- Elite skill set
- Direct integration with aviation
- Highly respected
Disadvantages
- Officer-only path
- Intense qualification pipeline