As far as I can see the 1ACC job (FC) in the 'Stan is almost identical to the Basrah Approach Job (ATC) in Iraq.
The difference being the ATC guys also carry out the normal ATC task for BAS as well and don't have quite the background training in the tactical support to ops etc but trust me they learn that side of life pretty quickly out there and the guys on the ground appreciate that!
FCs also seem to have an almost inexhaustable list of Acronymns and TLAs which explain what they are doing, ATCs don't have the lingo but are doing it anyway - this side of life for ATC has evovled during Op TELIC rather than been forseen from the outset and hence the pre deployment training has been tweaked to cover more of the traditional FC / 1 ACC roles.
I have wondered for some time if the drive to combine the branches has stemmed from this comparison. I personally think it is a good idea and can only help the operational customer and the future of both the jobs.
SID
