Tactical Air Control Party specialists in tall grass
ENLISTED

TACTICAL AIR CONTROL PARTY (TACP)

BRINGING FIREPOWER TO BATTLE

There are few things that can change the course of battle like a properly executed air strike. As members of Air Force Special Warfare, Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) imbeds 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. These highly trained experts go through intense physical, mental and technical training in order to withstand the demanding conditions of battle and provide their team with the firepower they need for continued success on the battlefield.

Special Warfare: Tactical Air Control Party

YOU DON’T APPLY, YOU PROVE.

SWIPE TO SEE THE TRAINING PIPELINE TO BECOME A TACP.

  1. step 01 PRE-BASIC MILITARY TRAINING (BMT) DEVELOPMENT

    Variable Timeline | 300+ locations worldwide

    This is designed to physically and mentally prepare a candidate for the challenges associated with the Special Warfare and Combat Support pipelines. During development, you will be trained and mentored by current and former SW/CS Operators who will assess your fitness level frequently and provide feedback and custom training programs to help ensure ideal preparedness prior to BMT. 

  2. 02 BASIC MILITARY TRAINING (BMT)

    7.5 weeks/Lackland AFB, 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.
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  3. 03 Special Warfare Candidate Course (SWCC)

    Seven 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 Initial Fitness Test (IFT) to see if they’ll move on to their pipeline training.

  4. 04 TACP APPRENTICE COURSE

    21 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.

  5. 05 AIRBORNE SCHOOL

    Three 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.

  6. 06 SERE TRAINING

    Three 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.

  7. 07 Initial Certification Course: Phase 1 Combat Field Skills

    16 weeks/Camp Bullis, TX

    Builds on foundational training and teaches additional skills necessary to succeed as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC).

  8. 08 Initial Certification Course: Phase 2 Strike Phase

    5 weeks/Nellis AFB, NV

    Culmination of training where students use everything they have learned in simulated and live Close Air Support (CAS) mission scenarios.

What is Air Force Special Warfare?

GET SPECIAL WARFARE READY.

SWIPE TO SEE WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BECOME A TACP, SO YOU CAN PREPARE BEFORE ENTERING THE PIPELINE.

  1. 01 Swim 25 meters underwater

  2. 02 Swim 500 meters (breaststroke, sidestroke and freestyle)

  3. 03 Run 1.5 miles

  4. 04 Pull-ups in two minutes

  5. 05 Sit-ups in two minutes

  6. 06 Push-ups in two minutes

DOWNLOAD A 21-DAY FITNESS PROGRAM TO GET YOURSELF READY.

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Qualifications summary

Minimum Education

A High School Senior (age 17 or older)*, High school diploma, a GED, or 15 college semester hours *High School Students may start their application as early as the end of their junior year.

ASVAB Requirements

49 General (G)

Qualifications

  • Successful completion of the Special Warfare Operator Enlistment IFT
  • Normal color vision and depth perception
  • Compliance with medical standards for Ground Base Controller Duty
  • Possession of a valid state driver’s license to operate government motor vehicles
  • Must maintain ability to deploy and mobilize worldwide
  • Qualification to bear firearms
  • Completion of a current National Agency Check, Local Agency Checks and Credit Check
  • Completion of 7.5 weeks of Basic Military Training
  • Must be at least 17, but has not reached age 42 on the date of enlistment

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