forward air controller

noun

Definition of forward air controller

: a military officer who directs from a forward position on the ground or in the air the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support of land forces

Recent Examples of forward air controller from the Web

Harry served in the military for 10 years, beginning in 2005, and served two tours in Afghanistan: first as a forward air controller and later as a Apache helicopter pilot.

— meghan overdeep, Southern Living, "Prince Harry Succeeds Prince Philip as Captain General of the Royal Marines," 19 Dec. 2017
Heimburger went on to fly over 660 combat missions as a forward air controller in Viet Nam from '65-68, being awarded the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, and 26 Air Medals.

— community report, Houston Chronicle, "Atascocita veteran sings with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir," 1 Nov. 2017
As in other battles over the past three years, Iraqi forces have been supported in Hawija by American military advisers, forward air controllers, special operations troops, airstrikes and artillery.

— david zucchino and rod nordland, New York Times, "Iraq Claims Victory in ISIS’ Last Urban Stronghold," 5 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'forward air controller.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.