What does a TACP do?

A Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Officer directs lethal and nonlethal joint firepower anywhere, anytime the battle calls for it. They are also the primary Air Force advisors to U.S. Army, joint, multinational and special operations ground force commanders for the integration of air, space and cyber power.

Is a TACP Special Forces?

TACPs are Special Warfare airmen who operate in multiple contexts. Most commonly, TACPs serve as the principal Air Force liaison element to the United States Army (USA), where they align with combat maneuver echelons from Corps to Battalion level.

How long is TACP training?

From boot camp to first deployment, a TACP may undertake up to three years of training. From TACP technical school to Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) qualification, it can take up to three years; on average, it takes 12-24 months to become JTAC-qualified.

What is Army TACP?

BRINGING FIREPOWER TO BATTLE As members of Air Force Special Warfare, Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) specialists imbed with Army and Marine units on the frontline with the incredible responsibility of calling in an air strike on the right target at just the right time.

How hard is TACP training?

From basic training until completion of TACP Special Tactics training takes about a year and is very physically and tactically challenging. Many prepare for this course as if they were preparing for Ranger school with many miles of running and rucking under their belt prior to attending.

Are all TACP JTAC?

A TACP is a Tactical Air Control Party. It is comprised of a JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller) and supporting personnel, typically a ROMAD; though with the high demand for JTACs in the field with conventional units, many patrols are actually supported by ROMADs. A JTAC is has completed JTACCQC.

How long are Air Force TACP deployments?

365 days
TACP units with deployment lengths of 365 days or greater may execute internal 6-month rotations, unit manning permitting.

Do TACPs work with Marines?

Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) members specialize in synchronizing air assets into the ground battlespace and work closely with the Army, Navy, Marines and Coalition partners to manage large areas of operations.

What is the TACP attrition rate?

The attrition rate of Air Force TACPs has been as high as 70% in recent years. TACPs must undergo intense physical, mental, and technical training to prepare for the conditions of battle so that they can provide their team the firepower necessary to ensure battlefield success.

Do TACPs have to swim?

Those who are looking to go into EOD or TACP do not have to do the 500m swim. Those going into SOWT only have to do a 200m swim and their max time for that is 10 minutes. Those going into SERE need to have a time under 14 minutes.

How much do TACP make?

TACP Salary

Annual Salary Monthly Pay
Top Earners $96,500 $8,041
75th Percentile $61,000 $5,083
Average $51,826 $4,318
25th Percentile $29,500 $2,458

Is TACP an infantry?

Wherever American military forces are found, TACP airmen are sure to be nearby. Nicknamed the “Air Force infantry” because they spend most of their career assigned to Army units, tactical controllers can most often be found embedded with special operations forces.

Is TACP considered special forces?

Is TACP isn’t necessarily special forces but can be in support with a special operations unit IE special forces, rangers, etc. they are definitely a specialized unit though but not technically in the special operations community.

What are the requirements for TACP?

HOW TO BECOME A TACP Be a High School graduate or have a GED Have normal color vision and depth perception Best eye vision of 20/70 or better, correctable to 20/20 A minimum score of 60 on the PJ selection model based on the Tailored Adaptive Personality Assessment System Be physically fit enough to handle aircrew, parachute, and marine-diving duties

What is tactical air control?

The Tactical Air Control System (TACS) was the means by which the senior Air Force commander in Southeast Asia was able to plan, direct and control tactical air operations and coordinate air operations with other services.