Qualifications

What ACTC Is

The Air Combat Training Continuum (ACTC) is the qualification and progression system used within VCVW-3 to track pilot proficiency, leadership capability, and combat readiness.

ACTC Levels Breakdown

• L0 – Newly Winged Naval Aviator or NFO

• L1 – FRS Complete

• L2 – Tactical Wingman

• L3 – Section Lead

• L4 – Division Lead

• L5 – SFTI Designation

INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS

Within VCVW-3, instructor qualifications are integrated into the Air Combat Training Continuum (ACTC) and reflect a pilot’s ability to assist in the training and development of other aviators. These designations are based on demonstrated proficiency, experience, and leadership, and are applied in support of squadron training under the direction of command leadership.

Instructor authority is not automatic in practice, and all instructional duties are assigned at the discretion of the Commanding Officer (CO) and Training Officer (TO).

INSTRUCTOR PROGRESSION

Instructor designations are tied directly to ACTC level and indicate the levels of training a pilot may support.

ACTC L3 – Section Lead

Pilots who achieve ACTC Level 3 are designated as Level 2 Instructors (L2I).

• Authorized to assist in training L2 (Combat Wingman) pilots

• Focused on foundational tactics, procedures, and basic mission execution

• Instruction typically limited to select syllabus events

ACTC L4 – Division Lead

Pilots who achieve ACTC Level 4 are designated as Level 3 Instructors (L3I) and retain L2I.

• Authorized to assist in training L2 and L3 pilots

• Supports development of Section Leads

• May instruct more advanced mission sets under supervision

LEVEL 4 INSTRUCTOR (L4I)

The L4I designation is not automatically awarded through ACTC progression and represents advanced tactical proficiency and instructional authority within VCVW-3.

The only path to achieving L4I is through successful completion of the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) program, commonly referred to as TOPGUN.

ACTC L5 – Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor

Pilots who achieve ACTC Level 5 are designated as senior instructors within VCVW-3 and are assigned to Training Officer (TO) or Assistant Training Officer (ATO) billets.

• Personnel serving in these billets are required to complete the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) course (TOPGUN) and are responsible for squadron-level tactical development and instruction.

• Authorized to instruct and evaluate across all levels, including advanced air-to-air and tactical events

• Responsible for standardization, evaluation, and advanced tactical instruction within the squadron

• Serve as primary mentors, instructors, and evaluators within the air wing

VCVW-3 CAG QUALIFICATIONS

TOPGUN GRADUATE

Description

Represents successful completion of the VCVW-3 Weapons School program. This is the highest tactical qualification within the air wing.

Notes

• Unlocks eligibility for L4I

• Indicates expert-level tactical knowledge

• Selective and not guaranteed

MISSION COMMANDER

Description

Designates a pilot qualified to lead and coordinate complex multi-flight and multi-role missions.

Responsibilities

• Overall mission execution

• Coordination of all flights (strike, escort, etc.)

• Timeline and comms management

Requirements

• ACTC L4/L5

• Strike Lead qualified

• Demonstrated leadership

STRIKE LEAD

Description

Qualified to lead strike missions and direct attack execution within a mission package.

Responsibilities

• Lead strike elements

• Coordinate weapons employment

• Execute attack timeline

Requirements

• ACTC L4 minimum

• Proven tactical execution

INSTRUCTOR PILOT (IP)

Description

Authorized to instruct and mentor pilots within squadron training.

Notes

• Must hold instructor designation (L2I/L3I/etc.)

• Instruction assigned by CAG/CO/TO

• Supports training pipeline

LANDING SIGNAL OFFICER (LSO)

Description

Qualified to observe, grade, and assist carrier landings.

Responsibilities

• Monitor approaches

• Provide corrections

• Grade landings

Requirements

• Strong carrier proficiency

• Designated by command

FORWARD AIR CONTROLLER (AIRBORNE) (FAC-A)

Description

Qualified to control close air support (CAS) missions and coordinate air-to-ground attacks in support of ground forces.

Responsibilities

• Target coordination

• Airspace deconfliction

• Communication with supported units

Requirements

• Strong comms and situational awareness

• Understanding of CAS procedures