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Joint Terminal Attack Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

R&K Enterprise Solutions

ALO JTAC Ft Irwin

Fort Irwin, CA · On-site

$74K - $79K/yr

Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) * Battle management personnel * Weapons system operators You will serve as a tactical air-ground integration subject matter expert, with a focus on Tactical ...

Astrion

$145K - $155K/yr

Test and Demonstration include engineering support for interoperability testing weapon configurations with Threshold and Objective launch platforms/controllers and ground Joint Terminal Attack ...

Top Aces, Inc.

Aircraft technician

Mesa, AZ · On-site

... joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training. We pride ourselves on our unblemished safety record, having flown an industry leading 130,000+ hours of operational training without accident in ...

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Joint Terminal Attack Controller information

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$48.5K

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How much do joint terminal attack controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for joint terminal attack controller in the United States is $76,655.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $101,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a joint terminal attack controller do?

A joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) directs military aircraft during combat operations. Your duties in a theater of operation include communicating with planes, drones, and helicopters and giving directions to help them provide support for military units on the ground. In this career, you also have training responsibilities. A JTAC operator often participates in training scenarios. In these cases, you usually work with a JTAC instructor, who helps you learn procedures and evaluate tactics. As a teacher, you provide simulator instruction and evaluate performance during simulations or war games. You then help JTAC personnel correct mistakes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a joint terminal attack controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), you need comprehensive knowledge of close air support procedures, advanced communications, and tactical coordination, usually requiring specialized military training and JTAC certification. Proficiency with radio systems, targeting software, and digital mapping tools is essential for mission success. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and clear communication are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring precise, safe, and effective coordination of air and ground forces during high-stakes operations.

What is the difference between Joint Terminal Attack Controller vs Forward Air Controller?

AspectJoint Terminal Attack ControllerForward Air Controller
CertificationsMilitary tactical certifications, specialized JTAC trainingMilitary or civilian air traffic control certifications, tactical training
Work EnvironmentMilitary combat zones, joint operationsMilitary operations, sometimes civilian airspace coordination
Employer & IndustryMilitary branches, defense industryMilitary units, defense contractors

Both roles involve coordinating air support in military operations, with overlapping training and environments. The main difference is that a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) is specifically trained for close air support and direct engagement with aircraft, often in combat zones, whereas a Forward Air Controller (FAC) may have broader responsibilities including air traffic control and battlefield coordination. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify their unique roles in military operations.

What is a joint terminal attack controller?

Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) are specially trained military personnel responsible for directing the actions of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations from a forward position. They serve as the critical link between the ground forces and aviation assets, ensuring that airstrikes are accurately and safely delivered on enemy targets while minimizing the risk to friendly troops. JTACs undergo rigorous training to coordinate air support, understand complex battlefield environments, and communicate effectively with pilots. Their role is vital for successful integrated operations in modern combat scenarios.

What are the typical challenges joint terminal attack controllers face when coordinating air support in dynamic combat environments?

JTACs often operate in high-pressure situations where they must quickly and accurately relay targeting information between ground forces and aircraft. A common challenge is managing complex communications across multiple channels while maintaining situational awareness to avoid friendly fire or collateral damage. JTACs must also adapt rapidly to changing battlefield conditions and coordinate with various teams, including pilots, artillery, and infantry units. Strong decision-making skills and attention to detail are crucial for success in this demanding role.
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Joint Terminal Attack Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Joint Terminal Attack Controller job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,655 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Joint Terminal Attack Controller Instructor (JTAC-I)

SAIC

Fallon, NV • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description

Job Description
Description
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Army Navy Business Group currently has a career opportunity for a Joint Terminal Attack Controller Instructor (JTAC-I) training analyst to provide JTAC classroom and range training, operation of a JTAC simulator, and student evaluation support to Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) in Fallon, NV.
The ideal candidate will have combat experience, strong interpersonal skills to work with Naval Special Warfare (NSW) students and staff, and expertise in assessing and updating JTAC curricula. Proficiency with Modeling and Simulation (M&S) systems and the ability to address complex combat challenges in the field, assess dynamic situations, and guide students effectively is essential. Extensive experience in combat planning, execution, and junior personnel training is also required. In addition, he/she will have excellent public speaking, presentation, and time management skills, as well as at least eight years of applicable experience in:
  • Managing/ prioritizing large, complex projects involving numerous stakeholders.
  • Leading working groups and cross-functional teams.
  • Leveraging best practices and handling multiple tasks and interruptions with minimal impact on productivity/deliverables.
  • Engaging Senior Staff at the Flag Officer/Director/Manager level.
  • Conducting fleet training analysis/assessment to identify gaps, training needs and solutions.

Specific Functional Area duties include:
  • Provide support as JTAC-I, per the JFS ESC AP MOA 2004-01, JTAC (Ground) (JTAC
    MOA). Provide classroom lecture, practical, simulator, and field instruction to JTAC students and JTACs in refresher syllabus in JCAS and call-for-fire TTPs to include instructing and monitoring the execution of live controls.
  • Conduct evaluation of student performance throughout and make recommendations to the NAWDC JCAS division on the eligibility of each JTAC student for initial qualification as a JTAC per the JTAC MOA. Conduct practice and graded currency controls for qualified JTACs as directed by the JCAS division.
  • Develop and maintain the currency of the JTAC Course syllabus ensuring it satisfies the
    requirements of the JTAC MOA and aligns with JP 3-09, JP 3-09.3, JFIRE and other sources of doctrine and TTPs adopted by Joint Fire Support (JFS) Executive Steering Committee (ESC).
  • Assist with the NAWDC JTAC Course and maintain Joint Staff accreditation as a JTAC
    school.
  • Assist the Government JCAS staff in the safe execution of close air support (CAS) and Joint Fire Support training to include conducting safety drills with the appropriate Navy and local emergency medical services providers to ensure the efficacy of safety and operational risk management (ORM) plans of action.
  • Assist JCAS staff with JTAC, fires, and communications support for air wing training during designated Air Wing Fallon events and other NAWDC and JCAS-supported events.
  • Support the JCAS division in their role as US Navy representative to the JFS ESC to include developing TTPs and reviewing documented JCAS and Joint Fires policy, and doctrine as needed
  • Assist in the maintenance, operation and upgrading of JCAS equipment.
  • Safely perform instructional and supervisory roles in live, close-air support in the field and on operating ranges.
  • Assist with operating, maintaining, and/or managing:
    • C2 and communications (e.g. tactical comms radios; line of sight [LOS], SATCOM, and HF communications)
    • Navigation (e.g., Defense Advanced GPS Receiver [DAGR])
    • Targeting equipment (e.g., Precision Strike Suite-Special Operations Forces [PSS-SOF], Video Down Link [VDL], and laser range finders and target designators)
    • Simulation suites (e.g., Joint Fire Support Executive Steering Committee (JFS-ESC) approved simulators such as CAVE)
    • Digital situational awareness tools such as ATAK
    • Digitally-aided CAS systems such as VMF and Link 16

Qualifications
REQUIRED BACKGROUND / EDUCATION / SKILLS:
  • U.S. citizen with Bachelor's degree and an active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
  • Joint Terminal Attack Controller Instructor Qualification (per JTAC MOA).
  • Operational experience with Joint Air Operations, all military service branches, USSOCOM, and Coalition JTACs.
  • A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience managing and prioritizing large projects, conducting fleet training analysis to identify gaps and devise actionable solutions, and interfacing and briefing senior military staff.
  • Proven expertise instructing JCAS and JTAC doctrine, principles, and execution during joint military and aviation operations.
  • At least three (3) years of experience as a JCAS operator/technician, including upgrading JCAS equipment.
  • High-level experience lecturing on and implementing JCAS, JTAC principles, doctrine, and JCAS courseware as part of joint operations and training with military ground and aviation units

DESIRED BACKGROUND / EDUCATION / SKILLS:
  • Demonstrable ability to integrate emerging combat capabilities into training.
  • Proficiency with M&S systems for simulated training scenarios, particularly with Virtual Reality Scene Generator (VRSG) and Modern Air Combat Environment (MACE).
  • In-depth knowledge of current NSW/SEAL weapons systems and communications equipment.
  • Superior communication and teaching skills, with a background in public speaking, classroom instruction, and training development.
  • Proven experience with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., creating engaging instructional material using PowerPoint).
  • Master Training Specialist Designation or similar advanced instructional certification.

Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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