Joshua Cullins

Leads a team supporting the 49th FTU in planning and executing JTAC/CAS integration for AETC syllabus training. Oversees JTAC range operations and ensures alignment with current training requirements. Instructs MQ‑9 aircrews on JTAC capabilities, CAS planning and execution, aircraft integration, and joint fires procedures.

Contributes to the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of 49th FTU syllabi and training scenarios in accordance with AETC guidance. Provides JTAC subject‑matter expertise in C2ISR, Battlefield Air Operations (BAO) program equipment/software, and special operations TTPs.

Creates and refines training materials to support student mission planning, execution, and assessment. Designs and reviews scenarios across all phases of training, including CSAR, ISR, and CAS operations. Tests and evaluates future scenarios and supports MQ‑9 instruction in simulator environments.

Conducts mission debriefs with students and instructors to identify performance gaps and update JTAC/CAS training materials. Reviews and enhances air‑to‑ground integration instruction, ensuring all training products remain accurate, relevant, and effective throughout the training pipeline.

• Delivers advanced JTAC integration training across ISR and CAS mission profiles, ensuring seamless coordination between air and ground elements. Conducts comprehensive pre‑mission briefs and post‑mission debriefs with pilots and aircrews, reinforcing standardized CAS procedures and improving tactical execution. Integrates Air‑Ground mission operations during live‑fly sorties and simulation events, providing expert advising and assistance to UAS/UAV crews to optimize sensor employment, target acquisition, and fires synchronization.
  
  Develops and manages daily mission scenarios supporting Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR), Close Air Support (CAS), and Combined Operations (CO) training pipelines—from initial instruction through final evaluation reporting. Ensures all mission products, training objectives, and assessments align with joint doctrine, operational requirements, and unit readiness goals.

• JTAC integration training for ISR & CAS training scenarios; pre-briefing and debriefing pilots on CAS procedures; integrating Air-Ground mission execution during sortie flights & SIM (simulation) training, advising & assisting UAS assets. Develops daily missions in support of ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), CAS (Close Air Support), and CO (Combined Operations), from the Introduction phase through the Evaluation Report.
• Specialties: JTAC, UAV/UAS training, ISR, CSAR (Combat Search and Rescue) defense, electronic warfare (EW), strategic planning, public speaking.

• Managed the daily schedules of 30+ JTACs and 20 support personnel. Coordination with European allies and Sister Service counterparts to maintain squadron JTACs currencies. Sole source in the unit for medical standard requirements, ancillary training and military upgrade schools. Responsible for international travel arrangements and NATO clearances for any temporary duty assignments to countries outside of Germany.

• Commander's special staff member responsible for integrating joint air assets into the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team to include ground and airborne scheme of maneuvers. Served as Chief of Training, for entire squadron; managed the program solo with 26 personnel & 4 sections. Keeping JTACs trained on primary duties to include currency with static line Para-Ops and JTAC currencies. Zero discrepancies over a 3-year period in both positions. Primary advisor to the Chief-JTAC Instructor position & Chief-SEE, holding the role as Perm-SEE for 2 years. In 2010 deployed to OEF with the 173rd ABCT for 1 year serving as Company JTAC, BALO and Focused Targeting Force (FTF) Lead JTAC.

• Trained and evaluated hundreds of U.S. Army Joint Forward Observers and U.S./NATO JTACs in Close Air Support (CAS) tactics, techniques, and procedures, emphasizing real‑world employment, doctrinal accuracy, and joint fires integration. Assessed individual proficiency in man‑pack radios, tactical communications equipment, staff coordination, and execution of CAS, Close Combat Attack (CCA), and artillery support missions. Designed and implemented advanced Urban CAS training scenarios that significantly enhanced the realism and effectiveness of USAF Green Flag East exercises. Deployed for one year to OIF (2007) with 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, serving initially as Brigade JTAC before transitioning to simultaneous support of two battalions for the remainder of the deployment.