4SQN

A new era for JTAC training

The RAAF’s newest unit, No 4 Squadron, was reformed at RAAF Base Williamtown on July 3, bringing together the former Forward Air Control Development Unit (FACDU) and the RAAF’s Special Tactics Project team which training RAAF FACs for deployment to Afghanistan in 2007/08, into a single cohesive and sustainable unit.

The stand up ceremony was attended by Chief of Air Force AIRMSHL Mark Binskin and new squadron CO and former Air Defence Guard (ADG), WGCDR David Paddison. “Air Force has deployed Forward Air Controllers (FAC) in operations dating back to Vietnam, but the re-establishment of 4SQN and the enhancement of the specialist capability represents the next evolution in integrated air and land operations,” AIRMSHL Binskin said. “The re-formed 4SQN delivers highly skilled and deployable Air Force personnel who will have an essential role in the 21st Century battlespace.”