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Joint Terminal Attack Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Barbaricum

JTAC Instructor- AFSOC Support

Hurlburt Field, FL · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Barbaricum is seeking an experienced Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Instructor to join our dedicated team in direct support of the United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC ...

HX5 LLC

Data Links & Comm Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$109K - $154K/yr

Support interoperability testing of weapon configurations with various launch platforms/controllers and ground Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. * Develop, document, and present a Joint CONEMP that ...

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Joint Terminal Attack Controller information

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$76.7K

$110K

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

As of Jun 12, 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 are Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs)?

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 (JTACs) 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,655 per year, or $36.9 per hour.
Simulation Operator/Role-player/ CFFT/VBS3 SIM TECH

Simulation Operator/Role-player/ CFFT/VBS3 SIM TECH

Native American Technology

Fort Sill, OK

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description

The Simulation Operator role for the CFFT III and VBS3 systems involve setting up, running, and managing simulations to provide realistic military training in a controlled, virtual environment. The operator of these systems is responsible for supporting individual and collective training, conducting capability demonstrations, and assisting with new software version testing.


The Simulation Operator is responsible for a full spectrum of comprehensive training support, which includes but is not limited to Hands-on exercises: Practical training where students use equipment or systems; and Practical exercises: Field or scenario-based training to apply learned skills. The Simulation Operator will support training for students attending the schools in person ("resident"). The Simulation Operator will act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), incorporating the following into training: Simulations: Virtual scenarios that mimic real-world conditions; Models: Simplified representations of systems or environments; and Mission command systems: Technology used for commanding and controlling forces. The Simulation Operator will Provide program development support and assist instructors to revise training materials to fix issues found during simulation exercises. These materials include: Programs of Instruction (POIs): The formal curricula for courses; Lesson Plans: Detailed guides for instructors; and Training Support Packages (TSPs): Complete sets of resources needed for a training event.


This position is contingent upon award of contract to NATECH


Duties and Responsibilities: 

Before a training exercise: 

  • Scenario Development: Using the mission editor and other tools to create realistic training scenarios that meet specific training objectives. 
  • System Configuration: Placing entities like vehicles, weapons, and characters into the virtual battlespace and configuring the system's environmental options, such as time, date, weather, and sea states. 
  • Network Setup: Ensuring that the networked system is correctly configured for multiplayer, distributed exercises, allowing trainees to connect from remote locations if necessary. 

During a training exercise: 

  • Mission Execution: Launching the scenario and managing it in real-time, observing the trainees' actions from any viewpoint, and controlling Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven characters as needed. 
  • Role-Playing: Assuming the role of various entities within the simulation to increase realism and challenge for the trainees (Close Air Support, Army Attack Aviation, Naval Surface Fires (NSF), Battalion and Company Commanders, Platoon and Squad leaders, Fire Support Officer and NCO, Fire Direction Center for artillery and mortar fires, Intel Assets, Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), Forward Air Controller (FAC)).
  • Interoperability: Operating the system in a "combined/interoperable" mode, where VBS3 training exercises are integrated with other simulation tools to meet more complex training objectives. 
  • Live Adjustments: Modifying the scenario in real-time based on trainee performance to apply pressure or adapt the training. 

After a training exercise: 

  • Provide and Collect Critique Sheets: Provide instructors the critique sheets and collect the completed critique sheets from the instructors after the training event has concluded. 
  • Data Capture of system usage in both Training Support-Materiel Army-wide Tracking System (TS-MATS) and the FCOE SharePoint 

Other duties: 

  • System Maintenance and Testing: Performing routine system checks, ensuring all software and hardware are functioning correctly, and testing new software versions. 
  • Support and Instruction: Support capability demonstrations and provide instructions to soldiers on how to effectively use the simulation systems. 

Requirements

  • High school diploma and a minimum of seven years (7) military or simulation center experience in Fire Support operations and planning. 
  • Minimum one (1) year experience supporting training exercise operating the CFFT III 
  • Minimum one (1) year operating/maintaining Immersive CFFT III systems (AFSM, UTM, and CASM). 
  • Minimum one year (1) experience developing and executing functional vignettes for and supporting training exercise and operating the VBS3. 

Apply