PARARESCUE
ENLISTED

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 Warfare, 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.

YOU DON’T APPLY, YOU PROVE.

SWIPE TO SEE THE TRAINING PIPELINE TO BECOME A TACP.

  • 01

    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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  • 02

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

  • 03

    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.

  • 04

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

GET SPECIAL WARFARE READY.

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

  • 01

    Run 1.5 miles

  • 02

    Pull-ups in one minute

  • 03

    Sit-ups in two minutes

  • 04

    Push-ups in two minutes

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

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Qualifications summary

Minimum Education

High school diploma, GED with 15 college credits or GED

ASVAB Requirements

General

Qualifications

  • Successful completion of the TACP Initial Fitness 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

VIEWS FROM REAL SPECIAL WARFARE

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