FAC (A) stands for which of the following?

• A. Forward Air Combat (Airborne)
• B. Forward Air Control (Airborne)
• C. Field Carrier Landing Practice
• D. Combat Search and Rescue

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is who directs air power from an aircraft to support a ground operation. FAC stands for Forward Air Controller, and the “(Airborne)” tag shows that this controller operates from an aircraft rather than on the ground. The controller’s job is to act as the eyes and voice for coordinating close air support, guiding strike aircraft to targets, timing their attack, and keeping friendly forces safe by managing deconfliction.

Choosing Forward Air Combat (Airborne) emphasizes that the controller is actively directing combat air operations from an airborne platform, which is exactly what an airborne FAC does: coordinating and controlling air assets in the heat of battle from the air. In practice, an airborne FAC vectors jets or helicopters to targets, marks target locations if needed, and communicates with both ground elements and attacking aircraft to ensure the mission executes effectively and safely.

The other options describe different things (carrier landing practice, a rescue mission, or a different phrasing of the control role) and don’t capture the role of directing air-to-ground combat operations from an airborne position.