Following on from Fire 'n' Forget and Ghostrider, I too am a bit bemused about the FC being objected to by the Defence ... perhaps he/she was a Surveillance specialist? Otherwise I would think any FC weaponeer (ie controller) worth their salt would be useful to Spot and, indeed, the rest of the Board.
I do hope that this is not a reflection of the traditional rivalry between our branches. Spot and his family can be sure that our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
FCs are now being instructed to assess the SALT in the area we are operating and offer only a FIS below the nearest level 1000'+ above the SALT. In other words, any captain electing to fly at a level below the SALT will automatically be in receipt of, at best, a FIS. Even so, we are also being told to instruct the crews that terrain clearance is their responsibility throughout, and we have to get an acknowledgement.
My very best wishes to you and yours Spot.