Originally Posted by
Sputnik
Well, kind of. I don't really know the Marine mindset so I can't talk to it. Though I find it weird you don't let enlisted do it. And found it even weirder that we used to send our enlisted JTACs to support Marines in ops when you didn't have enough of our own--why don't you allow enlisted JTACs?
But still, the AF puts ASOS's and ASOC's down embedded with the Army to do exactly what you described. If the Army doesn't do it, I suppose the intent is that the embedded AF unit will. Clearly, the Army doesn't always agree with how the AF employs airpower though, so maybe you're on to something.
The Marine mindset is simple: Best to have most experience knowledge in the battlefield. One who has been on both sides of the coin is the best. Can come up with even more opportunities for solutions/options. Certainly the enlisted are competent, but give enough scenarios, the Marine Aviator has more knowledge of the delivery mindset in the air and ground and can think of more solutions. Remember USAF used to use pilots in the role too in past era's.
Summary: Understand the nuances of both being in the cockpit AND sitting in harms way on the ground. Reason why Marine Officers go to the Basic school. Everyone is a groundpounder.