Flying at speeds often exceeding 800 km/h and with limited situational awareness, fighter pilots rely on air battle managers (ABMs) to guide them in accomplishing their mission. With access to extensive radar arrays, modern command and control systems, and a multitude of radios, ABMs are essential in ensuring that fighter jets are employed effectively and successfully in the defence of Canada and of Canada's interests abroad.
Considered the “third wingman,” an ABM can see a much bigger picture than the pilots in the jets, and so can provide safety and mission-related point-outs critical for mission success. ABMs also provide a link between higher levels of command and the tactical employment of the fighter jets.
What does it take to become an RCAF air battle manager?
As a subset of the aerospace control officer trade, ABMs study for about three months in Cornwall, Ontario, in their first phase of training. There, they learn the basics of controlling aircraft and, specifically, they learn how to provide tactical control to fighter aircraft in simulated air-to-air combat. The trainee ABMs also have to manage air-to-air refuelling and air defence scenarios in a NORAD context. Learning about the intricacies of command and control, and particularly where the ABM fits in the larger picture of air defence authority in Canada, is central to the course and is developed in their next phase of training.
Graduating from Cornwall, ABM trainees' next learning environment is…
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