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Joint Fires Observers (JFOs) are becoming a more demanded qualification for 13F (Forward Observers) Soldiers. The Joint Fires Observer Course teaches forward observers to go beyond the realm of field artillery and mortars, but extend to be able to call for close air support (CAS), close combat aviation (CCA), and AC-130 fire. Controlling these fire support assets for troops on the ground is a very demanding job and requires a special skill set to call for proper assets and munitions to get requested effects with minimal collateral damage.<div><br></div><div>These JFOs are a special breed in the Artillery community and I believe that we should establish a qualification badge, just as our Airborne and Air Assault badges to recognize these specially trained soldiers.</div><div><br></div><div>What do you think?</div>
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Artillery
Joint Fires Observer
Artillery Joint Fires Observer
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 10
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I know a place where being qualified in an MOS gives you a badge. It's the Air Force!
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Ben, I agree with the intent to re-demand the most of our FOs as we draw down sustained combat operations, but I disagree that there needs to be ANOTHER badge. As a fellow Red Leg and JFO, its just part of the job. Take a JUMP-MASTER for example; there is nothing else that a JUMP MASTER wears (badge-wise) that tells the world he is a JUMP MASTER. Now in this instance of course, said JM is either senior or master parachutist, but the expectation that as a leader, you become a JM, through your stay in the airborne community. It is implied, or directed in some commands. But there is no distinct JM badge/flair. Likewise, all FOs should aspire to be JFOs, based on being a professional member of the profession of arms (I apologize for the redundancy).
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Sir, the Army already has too much bling. I don't even think we should have the Air Assault badge. I also think we have too much flair on the ASU and we don't need to add more. As for the parachutist badge, the Army won't let you jump out of a plane without one. However, I've done most of what you describe. I've had friends who've done all of those tasks, and yet they don't feel the need for a badge. The Army would do well to get away from the badge fixation. Otherwise we're going to look even more like the USAF with all manner of occupational badges because we're all so unique.
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