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Tactical Air Control Party Specialist (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 Operations, 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. 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.
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BRINGING AIR AND SPACE POWER
TO COMBAT00:00
YOU DON’T APPLY, YOU PROVE.
SWIPE TO SEE THE TRAINING PIPELINE TO BECOME A TACP.
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BASIC MILITARY TRAINING (BMT)
Eight 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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SPECIAL WARFARE PREPARATORY COURSE (SW PREP)
Eight 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.
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TACP PREPARATORY COURSE
One 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Exceeding Every Standard00:00 GET SPEC OPS READY.
SWIPE TO SEE WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BECOME A TACP, SO YOU CAN PREPARE BEFORE ENTERING THE PIPELINE.
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Run 1.5 miles
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Pull-ups in one minute
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Sit-ups in two minutes
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Push-ups in two minutes
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Download a 21-day fitness program to get yourself ready.
DownloadANYPLACE, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
THE HIGH GROUND WILL BE OURS
MSgt Thomas Case
The terrain was mountainous and the enemy held the high ground, but that day the Army Rangers who were there had a secret weapon.
Read MoreQualifications summary
Minimum EducationHigh school diploma, GED with 15 college credits or GEDASVAB RequirementsGeneralQualifications- Successful completion of the TACP Physical Ability and Stamina Test
- Minimum score of 30 on the TACP selection model completed in Tailored Adaptive Personality Assessment System
- 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 8.5 weeks of Basic Military Training
- Must be between the ages of 17 and 39
360° Halo Jump00:00views from real Spec Ops
An Air Force Combat Controller (CCT) is an FAA-certified air traffic controller who provides combat support on missions by establishing air control. In this case, that means directing an A-10 Warthog to where the enemy has taken up position.
The training to become an Air Force Special Operator is some of the hardest, most intense training in the world. Only a few have what it takes to make it all the way through, but those who do are prepared for anything.
After being pinned down in the Afghan mountains and engaging the enemy for several hours, this Air Force Special Operator takes matters into his own hands to end the firefight once and for all.
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In Air Force Special Ops, when we say, “Any place. Any time. Anywhere,” there’s a good chance you’ll be getting muddy from time to time—especially when you’re behind the wheel of an MRZR.
They say to make it through Air Force Special Ops training you have to endure the suck. These Airmen training to become CCTs are doing just that to prove they belong among the most elite warriors on the planet.
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Training along the Miami coastline, these Air Force Pararescue specialists prepare for a water evacuation scenario. Wherever there’s another service member in need, Air Force Special Ops will be ready to go in and get them out.
“These things we do, that others may live” is not just a motto, they are the words that Air Force Pararescue specialists carry with them when called to put their lives on the line to bring home another service member.
Every Air Force Special Operator has a unique skill set that they bring to the fight. But the one thing they all have in common is knowing how to fight. This Airman checks his M4 before heading to the range to get some practice in.
The training to make it into Air Force Special Ops is just the beginning. These elite warriors continue to push themselves both mentally and physical every day, so they’ll be ready when they’re called into action.
In addition to being expert divers, snowmobile and motocross riders, rock climbers, and survivalists, Air Force Special Operators are also expert parachutists who are prepared to offer help from above when needed.
Air Force Special Operators often serve alongside other special forces teams to bring their expertise to the fight. This Pararescue specialist rehearses hoist-rescue operations on an MV-22 Osprey while imbedded with a Marine unit in Africa.
Air Force Special Operators conduct missions around the world, often in hostile environments. Because of this, they must be expert divers who go through intense water training so they’ll be prepared for any situation.