What In The Heck Is Combat Control?
“FIRST THERE” The mission of a Combat Controller is to deploy by the most feasible means into forward and non-permissive environments to establish assault zones with air traffic control capabilities. Combat Controllers are responsible for the initial placement of enroute and terminal command and control. Combat Controllers also remove obstacles and unexploded ordinances with the use of demolitions. COMBAT CONTROL HISTORY The need for Combat Controllers in airlift operations was first realized during the airborne campaigns of World War II. Major parachuting assaults fell short of expectations because of lost aircraft and adverse weather conditions. This resulted in personnel being air dropped 30 miles or more from their objective areas. The shortcomings of these operations identified the need for effective guidance and control of air transported combat forces. Thus, a small parachute scout company of Army pathfinders was organized and trained. Their mission was to precede the main assau
