A primary
Forward Air Control function is ensuring the safety of friendly troops during
close air support. Enemy targets in the
Front line ("Forward Edge of the Battle Area" in US terminology) are often close to friendly forces and therefore friendly forces are at risk of
friendly fire through proximity during air attack. The danger is twofold: the bombing pilot cannot identify the target clearly, and is not aware of the locations of friendly forces. Camouflage, a constantly changing situation and the
fog of war all increase the risk. Present day doctrine holds that Forward Air Controllers (FACs) are not needed for
air interdiction, although there has been such use of FACs in the past.