Joint Fires Observer Badge?

2014-01-17T11:15:43-05:00

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>

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 17 at 2014 11:24 AM

2014-01-17T11:24:13-05:00

I OJT'd as a 13F, I think it was a different MOS back in the day, this was in the mid-80s when I was stationed on Ft Sill, at the time whenever any unit went to the field with the boom-boom battalions they utilized everyone as a FO for back-up, and even though I was a 95B at the time, it was an interesting thing to see and learn, I think that it would be a good certification recognition, but not really worthy of a badge as we have too many now as it is.

Let me elaborate, if we give a badge for each individual field for expertise, then it would apply to all, because I am proficient in drug interdiction and investigation would I be able to have a special badge for drug identification or investigative skills, I don't think so, it is part of my job, just like it is for a 13F, part of the job.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2014 12:31 PM

2014-01-17T12:31:22-05:00

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.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 4:36 PM

2014-01-21T16:36:41-05:00

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).

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 5:54 PM

2014-01-21T17:54:46-05:00

I know a place where being qualified in an MOS gives you a badge.  It's the Air Force!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 8:54 PM

2014-01-21T20:54:41-05:00

Sir I wear a skill badge for being a 92R and while I'm proud of my rigger wings I think its stupid that certain jobs in the military get badges. Makes me feel like I got a medal for ninth place at a middle school tack meet

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 11:19 AM

2015-02-17T11:19:49-05:00

It is like speaking several languages.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made May 2 at 2016 7:03 PM

2016-05-02T19:03:10-04:00

IMHO there is too much junk on army uniforms as it is, lets not clutter it up any further.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2016 5:24 AM

2016-10-20T05:24:35-04:00

Absolutely not. I say that as a JFO qualified former Battalion and Company FSO (both in combat) and a former Fire Support Instructor and CCC SGL. BLUF: JFO was created to reinforce what most 13Fs could execute pre -2004 and the diminishing of core 13F competencies due to the loss of DIVARTYs and the propensity to utilize JFOs as COIST/Intel cell guys. I hope we're getting back to the point where any 13F skill level 2O can call for and adjust Artillery and CCA and can provide guidance to a JFO for FW aircraft. End rant and realize this is a 3 year old discussion but it is a point of friction with me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2017 2:48 PM

2017-01-18T14:48:01-05:00

We should wear a patch on our left shoulder like jtacs and tacps do.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2017 11:40 AM

2017-11-09T11:40:29-05:00

It’s a fake ass “qual” that doesn’t actualku certify you to do anything. Simply gives people the warm and fuzzy that you have sufficient familiarity with those jmetl tasks. A badge would be ignorant.