[Military Story] JTAC Guiding Missiles Behind Enemy Lines

Exploration of Gangwon-do Wonju Air Base Joint Operations School
Active Duty Officers Obtain JTAC Qualification After 7 Weeks of Training

In March 2002, during the Afghanistan War, the U.S. military made a painful mistake. An AC-130 gunship, while conducting 'Operation Anaconda,' mistakenly identified a convoy of allied vehicles as enemy forces and launched an airstrike. This incident resulted in the deaths of more than 50 U.S. soldiers.

The simulator measures 4 meters in width and length, where various training exercises are conducted. (Photo by Air Force)

JTAC operators are recognized for their skills by participating in exercises such as Pitch Black in Australia, Green Flag in the United States, and Desert Flag in the United Arab Emirates. (Photo by the Air Force)

Our Air Force also has internationally certified JTAC personnel, starting with 5 in 2016 and currently maintaining around 50 to 60 members. (Photo by Air Force)

As a result of this incident, the U.S. military established the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) position. JTACs are elite Air Force personnel responsible for guiding airstrikes to ensure precise targeting behind enemy lines. Our Air Force's internationally certified JTACs started with five members in 2016 and currently number around 50 to 60. In wartime, they can even control U.S. air firepower. They participate in exercises such as Pitch Black in Australia, Green Flag in the United States, and Desert Flag in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), showcasing our military's capabilities. To observe the JTAC training process, we visited the Joint Operations School at Wonju Air Base in Gangwon Province.

International Certification Obtained After 7 Weeks of Training and Over 1 Year of Service

Entering the simulator room on the first floor of the main building, classes were in full swing. Soldiers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps were focused on obtaining domestic JTAC certification. The training period lasts seven weeks. After completing this course and serving for more than a year in their units, they become eligible to acquire international JTAC certification.

JTAC personnel repeatedly train in a simulator virtual reality environment to perform Close Air Support (CAS). The simulator measures 4 meters by 4 meters. At the front of the simulator is a large semicircular screen where the training takes place. The screen offers a field of view of 80 degrees vertically and 270 degrees horizontally. Once inside, it truly feels like being on the battlefield. In front of the screen are a Laser Range Finder (LRF) and a Ground Laser Target Designator (GLTD). Looking forward through the LRF, the current position, altitude, and coordinates of the target are displayed numerically. The GLTD allows the user to finely adjust the handle to select a target and then press a button to fire a laser. This laser guides missiles launched from fighter jets to accurately strike the target. It reminded one of scenes from the movie Transformers 2, where elite U.S. soldiers fire laser designations at a scorpion robot.

Virtual Reality Recreates 10 Domestic Forward Areas

The virtual reality environment replicates 10 forward areas in South Korea, including Inje, Hwacheon, Cheorwon, Munsan, and Pocheon in Gangwon Province, as well as five North Korean locations: Pyongyang, Kaesong, Wonsan, Unsan, and Yongbyon. Setting the simulator to Hwacheon and activating it, the Hongcheon Interchange (IC) on the Gyeongchun Expressway, which was used to visit the base, was visible. JTAC trainees conducted all communications in English. During the first half of this year’s South Korea-U.S. joint exercises, the U.S. deployed advanced stealth fighters like the F-35B and strategic bombers such as the B-1B Lancer. These aircraft, along with our F-15K fighters, practiced precision strikes on key North Korean facilities. Since JTAC personnel play a critical role in directing core air power of the South Korea-U.S. alliance to strike enemy positions during wartime, proficiency in English is essential.

Training Assumes Various Conditions Including Day and Night, Fog, and Precipitation

A JTAC trainee used the GLTD to assess the situation near the target and provided coordinates along with information. Based on the target data, the attacking fighter and missile were determined. Within 30 seconds, an F-35 fighter appeared on the screen. It launched a Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) from 30 km away and then performed a turning flight backward. The GLTD accurately designated the target. The instructor then requested an additional attack, asking for an air-dropped bomb from an F-15K fighter. Within one minute of the request, the F-15K appeared, roaring loudly as it crossed the screen’s sky. It then unleashed an attack on the target tank. The screen shook, realistically simulating the vibrations felt at close range when a bomb explodes. The simulator can create various scenarios, adjusting weather conditions such as day and night, fog, wind speed, wind direction, and precipitation.

Captain Park Jin-hyung, an instructor, said, "JTAC personnel must make quick decisions in any environment to ensure the success of ground operations and minimize friendly casualties."