Instant Fighter Pilots
submitted by: Alva Leon Matheson
The Air Commandos had gained some experience in Farmgate in SVN since 1962. The Air Commandos had used their non-pilot CCTs to direct airstrikes very effectively. The CCTs were used as both ground and airborne FACs, mostly in support of SF located throughout Vietnam. Later they were used in Laos as Butterfly FACs.
As discussions progressed, the Army agreed with the AF concept with one exception. When in support of US Army forces, the Army insisted that the FAC must be an experienced fighter pilot. The AF agreed. In support of Army units the FAC would be a fighter pilot and designated an “A Type” FAC. In support of units of SVN and other countries the FAC could be any other pilot trained in FAC operations. They were called “B Type” FACs.
As the conflict grew and more units were involved in the action a problem developed. With USAF fighter units now deploying to SVN, the AF had a dwindling supply of fighter pilots to be used as FACs. On the other hand, it had thousands of bomber, transport, and other pilots. There was no problem supplying the “B Type” FACs, but something had to be done to meet the requirement for “A Type” FACs.
The Air Force came up with an ingenious method to “solve” the problem. B-52, C-124, C-130, T-29, and other pilots would be made into fighter pilots although many had trained in the T-6, T-28, and B-25, and had never been in a single engine jet.
Those selected to become fighter pilots were sent to Williams AFB, Arizona, and later Cannon AFB, New Mexico, for a few weeks. There they were checked out in the T-33, shot a few guns, and dropped a few bombs. After training they were assigned the tactical fighter pilot AFSC and sent to Hurlburt Field in Florida, for FAC training. They were designated “A Type” FACs upon graduation. Problem solved – Presto! I wonder if the Army ever figured it out!