Regarding handoff to a FAC(A), do the responsibilities of stack, brief, mark, and control remain the same?

• A. Yes, they remain the same.
• B. No, they do not remain the same.
• C. They are partially the same.
• D. They are determined by the requesting unit.

Answer: (B)

Handing off to a FAC(A) shifts terminal attack control to the airborne controller, so who executes and coordinates the attack changes. The stack, brief, mark, and control are no longer managed the same way as when a ground JTAC retains control; the FAC(A) redefines the target sequence to fit airborne timing and constraints, briefs the mission for the aircraft from their perspective, and uses their own means to mark or designate targets (often with onboard sensors or weapons markers). The final authorization to release weapons and direct the attack rests with the FAC(A), not the ground unit, though you’ll still share information to keep the plan coherent. In short, the responsibilities are recalibrated to align with the FAC(A)’s authority and capabilities, so they do not remain the same.