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Tactical Air Control Party Apprentice (TACP) (Males only)
The Tactical Air Control Party Apprentice (TACP) is a very physically, mentally and technically demanding job, and it's one of the few true front-line combat jobs in the Air Force. TACPs are rich in combat experience and military tradition. All members of this elite career field wear the black beret emblazoned with the TACP flash and crest. They are highly sought after throughout the world for the overwhelming combat power and lethality they bring to bear on the battlefield. TACPs enjoy the best of what both the Air Force and Army have to offer. If you'd like to be in a job that is both challenging and rewarding, this is the best job in the Air Force! In this career field, initially you may assist a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) to ensure specific ordnance or bombs are delivered on target. The apprentice level is the gateway to becoming a JTAC who is a specially trained and certified TACP responsible for briefing attack pilots as they enter the target area, ensuring they are aware of the target and friendly positions and other pertinent information. You'll learn the systems and procedures necessary to provide the U.S. Army and allied forces with tactical air support from ground attack and other Air and Space assets including the A-10 Thunderbolt II, B-1B Lancer and Unmanned Aircraft Systems. You'll operate and maintain cutting edge technology to include communications, computers, digital networks, targeting and surveillance equipment and various special purpose tactical vehicles (e.g. Stryker Combat Vehicles, High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle [HMMWV], and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles) under field conditions. You'll develop valuable combat related skills such as map reading, compass usage, enemy target location, survival, escape and evasion techniques, small unit tactics, camouflage techniques, hostile environment operations, and master a variety of weapons. TACPs advise the Army ground commander on the capabilities and limitations of Air, Space and Cyber assets. TACPs are responsible for planning, coordinating and controlling close-air support missions in the battle area. TACPs are assigned to Air Force units aligned and stationed primarily with conventional ground combat maneuver units including: Armored, Cavalry, Infantry, Airborne and Air Assault. Experienced and specially qualified TACPs may be selected to work with Special Operations Forces: Special Forces, Ranger, and others. The type of Army unit to which you're assigned drives operating methods and modes of transportation. For example, TACPs assigned to a unit with an airborne mission will be jump and airborne qualified and routinely parachute into exercises with their Army units. A typical TACP mission will require you to observe the battle area, identify hostile targets and pinpoint their locations using various types of equipment such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), laser rangefinders, and laser target designators. Clearance to attack targets or "Cleared Hot" is only given by the JTAC when it is certain that friendly troops will be safe from weapons effects and the correct target is identified. In addition, TACPs play a critical role in Army Tactical Operations Centers performing command and control of Air, Space and Cyber missions supporting the ground forces. Members attend the U.S. Air Force Combat Survival School immediately following technical school. Other schools you may be able to attend, depending on mission needs and availability, include Airborne, Air Assault, Pathfinder, Ranger, HALO (Military Free Fall), and Sniper. TACPs also receive training from multi-service representatives on a wide variety of weapons. As a TACP you are presented with a special challenge; every time you execute your mission, it has strategic implications. You can enter the Air Force with a guarantee to become a TACP or you can apply for TACP while in basic military training. Prior to being accepted you must successfully complete the TACP Physical Ability Stamina Test. All candidates must meet the following minimum standards:
RUN: 1 and 1/2 miles, 6 laps around a 440-yard track in under 11 minutes and 41 seconds.
PUSH-UPS: Must complete at least 39 repetitions given a one-minute time limit.
CRUNCHES: Must complete at least 45 repetitions given a one-minute time limit.
PULL-UPS: Must complete at least 2 repetitions but strive for 6.
The TACP's officer career counterpart is the Air Liaison Officer (ALO).
All Air Force career fields are based on qualifications and job availability.
PAY CHART
Download the Warrior Fact Sheet PDF for more information.
- CCAF Degrees:
- Information Systems Technology
- Tech Schools:
- Fairchild AFB, WA; Hurlburt Field, FL
All Air Force career fields are based on qualifications and job availability.
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