The Air Force is the only service with dedicated Airmen such as TACPs performing joint terminal attack control, or precision air, ground and sea strike, as their primary duty.

TACPs must train constantly to ensure precision and excellence on the battlefield. From TACP technical school to JTAC qualification, it can take up to three years; on average, it takes 12-24 months to become JTAC-qualified due to thorough and constant evaluation within the TACP units.

Every 17 months, TACPs must be recertified in JTAC through an evaluation process, directed by a joint regulation.

TACPs must maintain currencies in training, just like a pilot would. They must perform JTAC duties with live fly aircraft and simulators. For example, TACPs must maintain currencies in night-live laser training every six months, in addition to quarterly JTAC training.

See our Join Page for applications

Basic Military Training (BMT), 8 weeks, Lackland Air Force Base, TX- The first step to becoming an Airman happens in BMT where trainees learn military structure, the core values of the U.S. Air Force, and to prepare both mentally and physically for life as an Airman.

Special Warfare Preparatory Course (SW PREP), 8 weeks, Lackland AFB, TX- If they have what it takes to join Air Force Special Warfare, it will be revealed here. Candidates will undergo intense strength and conditioning 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, 1 week, Lackland AFB, TX- 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, 12 weeks, Lackland AFB, TX- Special Warfare Airmen are some of the most highly trained warriors in the military. For TACPs, 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, 3 weeks, Fort Benning, GA- TACPs serve on the front line, 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, 3 weeks, Fairchild AFB, WA- 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 that will likely one day save their lives.