Rustics

The "Rustics" were Forward Air Controllers (FACs).

Cambodia Book Reviews: Call Sign Rustic by Richard Wood 2008

"Rustics," said Commodus, smiling, even grinning, "who can fight as I am told your tenants can fight are always to my mind.

Andivius Hedulio Adventures of a Roman Nobleman in the Days of the Empire Edward Lucas White 1900

It should be noted that the Rustics were not generally involved with the extensive B-52 bombing of Cambodia.

Cambodia Book Reviews: Call Sign Rustic by Richard Wood 2008

Since the transmissions between the Rustics and the Cambodians on the ground were not encrypted, the Communists soon learned the call signs and procedures for calling in air strikes.

Cambodia Book Reviews: Call Sign Rustic by Richard Wood 2008

Known to the Rustics as "Sam," he constantly expressed his gratitude and his concern for the safety of the flyers.

Cambodia Book Reviews: Call Sign Rustic by Richard Wood 2008

The close relationship between the Rustics and Lon Nol's beleagured defenders sometimes led the Rustics to bend the rules.

Cambodia Book Reviews: Call Sign Rustic by Richard Wood 2008

Still, the US military command did understand the ramifications of careless bombing, and the Rustics were bound by specific "Rules of Engagement" (ROE) that defined what could and could not be attacked.

Cambodia Book Reviews: Call Sign Rustic by Richard Wood 2008

It should be pointed out, however, that the book doesn't pretend to provide a high-level view of the war in Cambodia; it's a history of the Rustics, nothing more, nothing less.

Cambodia Book Reviews: Call Sign Rustic by Richard Wood 2008

A radio exchange recorded by one of the Rustics captures this emotion:

Cambodia Book Reviews: Call Sign Rustic by Richard Wood 2008

After seeing a well-armed guerrilla unit chasing government soldiers armed with only aging carbines, one of the Rustics, Major Robert Thomas, decided to circumvent the bureaucracy to provide some impromptu aid.

Cambodia Book Reviews: Call Sign Rustic by Richard Wood 2008