gatordev said:
Shhhhhh! BEADWINDOW! Just kidding.
My thoughts on BEADWINDOW: I've never used it, except in the ready room. I've always thought that EVERYONE knows what the term "Beadwindow" means, so if we are being intercepted, it's simply a sign that whoever's listening should push "stop", "rewind", and listen to what was just said again. Obviously, if someone's yapping their trap incessantly, I might say something over the radio. However, most times you realize your own boneheaded mistake.
Now that my rant is over
, I just thought I'd throw some things that I've learned about being a FAC. Most of them are very simple.
TAD is just that, Tactical Air Direction - don't let the grunts plan to pass execution checklist items on it.
When your RTO asks if you want crypto loaded - say yes. Even if the confirmation brief said that everything will be single channel clear, after their RIO if all their crypto is working, Murphy states that they will go covered.
Explain type 3 control, again. They don't understand that it can be as restrictive as you want, I've found that if you explain the difference between type 2 (which they don't seem to have a problem with) and type 3 is that type 2 you are controlling each individual attack, and type 3 you are giving them the freedom for multiple attacks/reattacks, then they soften up a bit.
After you've been awake for 48 hours and a section of Cobras flies in front of a Mortar Position because they were following the terminal controller's instructions (which you copied incorrectly), don't kick them off the range because the FSC wants them gone. Put them in an HA and figure out what happened first.
http://www.customink.com is a great site for cheap cutsom T-shirts, and
http://www.discountmugs.com makes cheap stainless steel coffee mugs. You're not on the hill all the time.
For some reason, the grunts want to stay awake to prove they can. Fight for crew rest as much as possible.
Bring your sleeping bag. No matter what, Murphy will decide to get you stuck somewhere, and a poncho liner just doesn't cut it sometimes.
That's all I can think of right now, anyone have any others?
