ST TACTICAL AIR CONTROL PARTY

Special Tactics TACP Airmen deploy with Special Operations Forces to integrate air combat power and surface fires into the ground scheme of maneuver, enabling dynamic synergetic, and lethal firepower on today’s battlefield. TACP Airmen start their journey under the Special Warfare umbrella and fall under Air Combat Command. After a couple years of experience TACP's are qualified to assess for Air Force Special Tactics. To enlist as an Air Force TACP visit Airforce.com/SpecialWarfare. To learn more about assession to Special Tactics click the application at the bottom of this page.

Their motto, “100 percent and then some” reaffirms their commitment to deploy into restricted environments by air, land or sea and provide precision air power on the front lines wherever they are needed.

CAPABILITES

TACP ’s embed with ground forces to perform all air-to-ground integration, surface-to-surface fire integration (artillery), rotary wing and fixed wing air combat support, naval gunfire, medical evacuations and electronic warfare such as jamming and intelligence. Special Tactics TACP Airmen perform all this, coupled with the high intensity of special operation missions.

TACP Airmen calling in a strike during training

INITIAL FITNESS TEST (IFT)

CALISTHENICS MINIMUMS:

  • 8 pull-ups under 2 minutes
  • 60 sit-ups in 2 minutes
  • 48 push-ups in 2 minutes

RUN MINIMUM:

  • 3 miles, non-stop completed within 24 minute

RUCK MARCH:

  • 12-mile road march with 50-pound (dry) rucksack and weapon in under 3 hours

COMBAT WATER SURVIVAL TEST

TRAINING

Members of the Special Tactics TACP career field are selected from existing resources within the Air Force conventional tactical air control parties. Training includes:

SPECIAL WARFARE PREPARATORY COURSE (SW PREP)

Candidates undergo intense strength training by running, rucking, and swimming extensively. They 'll also learn about the rich history of Special Warfare, Esprit De Corps and ultimately take the Physical Ability and Stamina Test (PAST) to see if they 'll move on to tech training.

TACP PREPARATORY COURSE

The pipeline to become an Air Force TACP is long and challenging. To prepare Airmen for the rigors of it, candidates will receive an extra week of training that includes a variety of intense, sustained calisthenics, as well as middle- and long-distance running.

TACP APPRENTICE COURSE

Special Warfare Airmen are some of the most highly trained warriors in the military. For TACP 's, that training begins here with instruction and assessment on the art and science of radio communications, small unit tactics and the basics of close-air support.

AIRBORNE SCHOOL

TACPs serve on the frontline but getting there sometimes requires dropping in from above. During airborne training, they learn basic parachuting and prepare for static line jump operations.

SERE TRAINING

Special Warfare Airmen conduct missions in some of the most extreme and hostile places on the planet. This is where they receive survival, evasion, resistance, and escape training.

SPECIAL TACTICS TRAINING

TACPs who have been in the careerfield for a couple years are able to take their skills to the next level and apply for Special Tactics. Once accepted they will continue their comprehensive training alongside their teammates within their Special Tactics unit learning advanced weapons, tactics and more.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Military Free-fall Parachutist Course
Static Line Jump Master School
Special Tactics Advanced Skills Course
Military Free-fall Jump Master

U.S. Army Air Assault School
U.S. Army Sniper School
U.S. Army Ranger School
Combat Diver Qualification Course
U.S. Army Pathfinder School

ARE JTAC 'S IN AIR FORCE SPECIAL TACTICS?

That term is frequently misused to describe an individual. The term JTAC, or joint terminal attack control, is a qualification or certification that any career field can obtain by attending the school. Members in the combat control and tactical air control party career fields predominantly hold the JTAC qualification.

Tactical Air Control Party Airman

"100 PERCENT... AND THEN SOME "

The Air Force is the only service with dedicated Airmen such as TACP 's performing joint terminal attack control, or precision air strike, as their primary duty.
It can take up to three years to get JTAC qualifications; on average, it takes 12-24 months to become qualified.
Every 17 months, TACP 's must be re-certified in JTAC through an evaluation process, directed by a joint regulation.
TACP ’s must maintain currencies in training, just like a pilot would. They must perform JTAC duties with live fly aircraft and simulators.

READY TO APPLY?