A Tactical Air Control Party, commonly abbreviated TACP, is usually a team of two or more United States Air Force Tactical Air Controllers. They sometimes include an Air Liaison Officer, which is assigned to a U.S. Army combat maneuver unit. TACPs advise ground commanders on the best use of air power. They also establish and maintain command and control communications, control air traffic and naval gunfire and provide precision terminal attack guidance of U.S. and coalition close air support .
TACP members are assigned to all conventional Army combat units and to various other units such as Special Forces, Navy SEALs and the Army Rangers.
In addition, TACP members can be assigned to AFSOC Special Tactics Squadrons.
The training is tough, the demands and responsibilities can seem overwhelming. You’ll be challenged physically, mentally and emotionally to do things you never thought you could do. After successfully mastering the required skills, you earn the right to wear the coveted black TACP beret. You’ll experience the pride of knowing you’re part of an elite force protecting America and its allies in the global war on terrorism.
Their Motto, “ADVISE, ASSIST, CONTROL”
TACP Requirements
- Be male (current DoD policies)
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Score at least 49 in the general category of the ASVAB
- Have normal hearing
- Have normal color vision and depth perception
- Have no speech impediment
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Qualify for a Secret security clearance
TACP Physical Requirements
The physical requirements for a TACP and a Battlefield Airman are different.
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.
TACP Training
- TACP Initial Skills Course — 14 weeks, Hurlburt Field, Florida
- Combat Survival Course — 3 weeks, Fairchild AFB, Washington
- Basic Parachutist Course* — 3 weeks, Fort Benning, Georgia
- Special Tactics Advanced Skills Course — 11-12 weeks, Hurlburt Field, Florida
(*For qualified volunteers: dependent on mission requirements and
course availability)
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