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Line 14: − + − '''"Death on Call"''' − Only a select few wear the Black Beret that symbolizes the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP). The Air Force specialists are assigned to Army combat maneuver units around the world. On a battlefield, they form a tactical air control party team that plans, requests and directs air strikes against enemy targets in close proximity to friendly forces. A TACP is generally a two-airman team, working in an Army ground unit and directing close air support firepower toward enemy targets on the ground. + − Tactical Air Control Parties provide numerous critical functions on the modern battlefield including: (1) Advising ground forces on aircraft employment and capabilities; (2) Coordinating and controlling aerospace operations and (3) Participating in battle planning. + − Tactical Air Command and Control Specialists are part of a team called a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP). The mission is to advise US Army combat commanders on the use of Air Force air power. One example of air power is a fighter aircraft attacking targets close to friendly troops. This is Close Air Support and is a very important part of the TACP mission. It is the TACP's job to control the fighters and to make sure they attack the correct target. This unique mission requires operating on the battlefield. TACPs communicate with other tactical air and ground units by use of state-of-the-art radios, while mirroring the maneuver capabilities of our Army counterparts. Whether it's parachuting out of an airplane from 1000 feet with the 82nd Airborne Division, engaging in a tank assault with the 1st Armored Division, or operating deep behind enemy lines with the 75th Ranger Regiment, the TACP mission is the same…PUTTING BOMBS ON TARGET! + − TACPs live, train, and deploy with the US Army units. When deployed, the TACPs live under austere field conditions, and are responsible for the coordination, de-confliction, and execution of all USAF attack aircraft. Qualified individuals, serving as Terminal Attack Controllers (ETACs), provide final attack control to the pilots while the fighters are inbound to the target. The ETAC is responsible for ensuring that the pilot identifies and attacks the correct target while minimizing the risk to friendly ground forces. During peacetime, training is the major focus. This training can take the form of common skills testing (mission readiness), various weapons qualifications, chemical warfare and combat first aid training. At various times throughout the year, Army field training exercises (FTX) are conducted to evaluate combat readiness. The lengths of these exercises vary from a few days to a month. + − The US Air Force Air Ground Operations School remains the only US service school devoted to instruction in coordinated joint air ground operations. Army faculty members are provided on a permanent basis by the US Army Combined Arms Center, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In addition, US Marine and a US Navy officers are permanently attached. Graduating students take with them a unique background and experience for enhancing professional knowledge and furthering continued interservice cooperation among their contemporaries. + − Enlisted Terminal Attack Controller (ETAC -- pronounced E-TACK ) is a Tactical air party member who assists in mission planning and provides final control of close air support aircraft in support of ground forces. Utilizing their knowledge of munitions and their first-hand view of the battle, the ETAC requests the right combination of firepower to eliminate the ground target without causing casualties to nearby friendly ground forces. Once the enemy target has been positively identified, it is marked using smoke or other marking methods. When all the conditions have been met for the incoming aircraft to deliver its ordnance, the ETAC gives the "cleared hot" signal to the pilot, and suddenly, it's a bad day for the enemy. + − During combat operations, an Air Liaison Officer (ALO), Forward Air Controller (FAC) or Enlisted Terminal Attack Controller (ETAC) is normally available for control of close air support missions. These individuals are the only authorized Air Force personnel permitted to routinely control CAS missions in support of US Army units or other ground maneuver units, allied or joint, when attached. During emergency combat operations however, when these individuals are not available, a designated individual may direct attacking aircraft for close air support. + − Air Liaison Officers (ALOs) and enlisted Ground Terminal Attack Controllers (GTACs) have a unique mission. They wear Air Force uniforms but work closely with the Army. Their combat mission is to live and work on the ground with the army, request and control Air Force Close Air Support (CAS) and integrate it with the army scheme of maneuver on the battlefield. + − TACP Modernization Program+ − To perform its mission, the TACP is equipped with vehicle-mounted communications pallets, manpack radios, and digital communications devices to interface with the ground forces it supports, aircraft conducting the air operations, aerospace command and control (C2) agencies, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) agencies. The TACP-Modernization effort will provide a technology refresh by adding/replacing manpack radios, a laser range finder, computers and software, and vehicular radios. + − The Defense Information Infrastructure System Program Office’s TACP modernization program has four main products: a dismounted multi-band radio, a laser range finder, a computer and information software suite and a vehicle mounted radio package. The dismounted radio, called a manpack, is a multi-band, multimode radio that covers the gamut of wave forms. Frequencies covered include VHF, UHF and UHF SATCOM radio. The unit is also compatible with the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System, a system which the Army uses. The total cost for the radio upgrade is more than $10 million. During 2000, a total of 221 Harris PRC-117F Manpack Radios were purchased and delivered to TACP units. In April 2001, Harris Corporation of Rochester, NY, was awarded a contract for an additional 561 radios. The first 230 radios were delivered to TACP units within three months. + − Another integral part of enhancing the TACP’s capabilities is the new Mark VII Eyesafe Laser Range Finder. The laser range finder, which looks like a regular pair of binoculars, provides accurate distance measuring and location information on whatever target is in the operators field of view. Previously, the TACPs can only estimate the range to a target. With the laser range finder, they will look through the range finder at a target, which will emit a laser beam onto the target. The beam immediately bounces back and provides the exact coordinates of the target, which are relayed up to the pilot. The contract with Litton Laser Systems of Apopka, Fla., provides for 184 units to be built at a cost of $9 million. The first unit was delivered in March, 2002. + − New software and computers are also part of the modernization plan. Previously the TACPs were using paper maps. Putting their data on a computer generated map that constantly updates itself takes their maps and documentation and put it all into a computerized format. TACPs will know their location, the enemy’s location and they will also track incoming aircraft. + − The computer and software will receive data from the laser range finder, and together with data on the computer and information transmitted via radio, will display a battlefield map along with accurate coordinates for enemy targets. It’s sort of like air traffic control software, which sees the aircraft and tracks it on the map. The software requirements are being met by modifying an existing software product, Rosetta, manufactured by ANZUS Inc. of San Diego, CA, to meet the special needs of TACPs. Rosetta is currently being used by the Air Force, Navy and Army in other applications. + − TACP members throughout the world supported U.S. Army units such as the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, the 24th Infantry Division, and the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment with their close air support (CAS) requirements. Enlisted Terminal Attack Controllers (ETACs) were also tasked to support multinational coalition forces including the French Foreign Legion, Saudi, Egyptian, Pakistani, Syrian, and Kuwaiti ground forces. + − Tallahasse Technologies of Tallahasse, Fla., with their Tacter-31, is the vendor for five prototype handheld computers used during testing. It’s a ruggedized type of computer that can go in the mud and underwater up to a meter deep. Cost for the 437 computers along with the software package is roughly $20 million. The entire dismounted system package, which includes the computer, radio and laser range finder, will fit into a single rucksack. + − History+ − The history of Close Air Support began somewhere over the muddy trenches that stretched from Flanders' Fields to the Pyrenees Mountains during World War I. It was there that the courage, daring, skill and innovation of the first CAS pilots forever earned the respect of the troops on the ground. These lessons were mostly forgotten by World War II, however. The emphasis was on high altitude bombing by heavy bombers to support ground troops. Close air support was considered the least desirable of missions and was performed when nothing else better could be found or when the situation was critical on the ground. + − CAS was quite effective through Korea and Vietnam but it took those two wars to change the way the Air Force looked at the CAS role. The original use of the term ROMAD was in Vietnam Conflict, when fighter pilots were dispersed to Army manuever units to direct close air support (CAS). These Battalion Air Liason Officer (BALO) pilots needed enlisted troops to operate, maintain, and transport the massive radio systems used to communicate with aircraft. These enlisted folks were known as ROMADS for Radio Operator, Maintainer, And Driver. The enlisted airman was limited in their role because the Battalion Air Liason Officer was the only person authorized to control airstrikes. + − With the development of the A-10, close air support was finally taken seriously. The A-10 provided the army with awesome tank killing power and they wanted Air Force fighter pilots on the ground, working directly with them, to control it. Through the sixties and seventies, small Air Force detachments sprung up at each army division, providing a local group of Air Force Air Liaison Officers(ALOs). Eventually, the enlisted terminal attack controller career field was created and the new units called Tactical Air Control Parties (TACPs) had enlisted continuity to offset the continuous rotation of fighter pilot ALOs. Only in the Air National Guard does the ALO career field co-exist with the enlisted ROMAD [Recon Observe Mark And Destroy] career field. + − In the mid 1980's the Air Force saw a problem in maintaining pilots in the cockpit and the Army units. The result was the Enlisted Terminal Attack Controller (ETAC). The ETAC is a highly trained and proficient ROMAD who takes the controlling aspect away from the officer. ETACs are assigned to Tactical Air Control Parties (TACPs) in all types of manuever units from Airborne, Air Assault, Armor, Mech, Ranger, and Special Forces. + − US Army Ranger TACP members spearheaded the parachute invasion of Panama. In-country TACPs, supporting the 193rd Infantry were among the initial ground assault force. 82nd Airborne Division TACP members later parachuted into the invasion and were quickly followed by the 7th Infantry Division TACP air-land forces. Airstrikes were controlled by ETACs utilizing the AC-130 "Spectre" gunship, A-7, OA-37, and helicopter gunships. + − TACP members from the U.S. Army Rangers spearheaded the invasion of Grenada. They were followed by members of the 82nd Airborne Division TACP. Enlisted TACP members controlled the bulk of the Close Air Support missions, which helped pave the way for the ETAC program. + − TACP members have also been deployed in support of operation Restore Hope (Somalia), Operation Uphold Democracy (Haiti), and back to Kuwait. + − '''Tactical Air Control Parties (TACPs)'''+ − + − The MAJCOMs for the TACP parent units are ACC, PACAF and USAFE. Under each MAJCOM are Air Support Operations Squadrons (ASOS). Each ASOS is broken down into two parts: operations and support. Our support troops include Radio Maintenance, Supply and Information Management. Our operations section is broken down into two parts: Air Liaison Officers (ALOs) and Tactical Air Command and Control Specialists (TACCS). Most commonly referred to as ROMAD (for Radio Operator, Maintainer and Driver - an old acronym; Recon, Observe, Mark and Destroy - the new acronym; or, more jokingly and definitely non-P.C., Rude, Obnoxious, Mean-Assed Drunk), TACCS are highly trained enlisted specialists. TACPs usually consist of two or three people, usually one ALO and one or two TACCS capable of going anywhere (leg, mech, light or airborne) to accomplish CAS.+ − The TACPs mission is: interface with army ground forces, liaison with both command staff and forward controllers, advise of Air Force Tactical Air assets, coordinate any those assets and then control that CAS asset to bear on enemy targets. This is broken down into the phrase, "Advise, Assist and Control."+ + + − As for the individuals, ALOs are generally either ex- or banked fighter jocks and, to an increasingly lesser extent, WIZZOs or navigators. All are officers at least a 1st lieutenant or higher grade. ALOs are generally the controllers of any CAS mission. TACCS are broken down into two groups: standard TACCS and highly trained specialists known as Enlisted Terminal Attack Controllers (ETACs). When certified, ETACs are capable of performing the same operations as ALOs. As their ability to retain fighter jocks is reduced, the mission of the ETACs will grow with the eventual transition of all TACCS into becoming ETACs after a couple of years of field training.+ − ALOs and TACCS can be found at almost every major U.S. Army base around the world. Unlike other "specialized" Air Force brethren (excluding Combat Weather), they live on Army posts, go to the field with them, train with them, eat the food, ruck with them, live with them are often mistaken for the Air Force's Army. Members can be found assigned to Armor/Mech units, Scout units, CAV units, Mountain troops, light and heavy brigades, divisions and battalions. Members are found at the Special Forces and Rangers, many SF qualified and full Ranger members (completed the Ranger and SF training). Many members are at Airborne divisions, most with wings (a few with gold stars). They can go anywhere, in any weather, in any environment with any friendly ground force to accomplish CAS.+ − At the present, there are four Air National Guard ASOS to provide support for 15 Army National Guard Enhanced Brigades (light, scout/cav, heavy/mech) throughout the U.S. and its territories.+ − There are two TACP mottos: "Death on Call," and "The strong shall stand, the weak will fall by the wayside."+ − '''1C4X1 - TACTICAL AIR COMMAND AND CONTROL'''+ − Specialty Summary. Performs and manages tactical air control party (TACP) operations. Provides Air Force assistance and expertise in planning and controlling combat air resources. Operates and supervises communications nets to support army ground maneuver units. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 250. + − Duties and Responsibilities:+ − − Supervises and conducts mission planning and coordination of combat air resources. Recommends use of combat air resources to support mission requirements, tactics, air support assets, and ordnance capabilities and limitations. Extracts target information from maps. Plans and controls combat air support missions. Coordinates field artillery support. − Supervises and performs inter-service liaison activities to ensure effective integration of combat air resources on the battlefield. Provides Air Force expertise essential to joint combat operations. Assists with and coordinates air support requests. Plans, prepares, and conducts mission briefings. Assists with and develops fire support coordination plans. + − Manages and operates global positioning systems, and voice and digital TACP combat communications weapons systems. Establishes and operates point-to-point communications nets. Processes and requests combat air resources to support Army ground maneuver units. Directs and employs field expedient antenna techniques. + − Supervises and performs TACP field duties. Deploys to battlefield forward areas and supports Army maneuver units. Uses military maps to navigate to and operate within combat zones. Maintains proficiency with TACP weapons, field equipment, and signaling devices. Selects and supervises preparation of bivouac sites. Directs and applies camouflage and concealment techniques. Manages and conducts operator servicing of TACP vehicles, radios, and field and support equipment. + − Specialty Qualifications: + − Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: Air Force theater air control system and Army air ground system; tactical air support weapons systems; covert and overt signaling and marking; combat intelligence collecting and reporting; individual and crew-served weapons; site selection and defense; Army military symbology, weapons, and equipment; artillery call-for-fire and adjustment procedures; Army combat maneuver unit missions, organization, and tasking; characteristics of mobile and portable communications systems, global positioning systems, and associated equipment; field expedient antennas; vehicle and foot movement techniques; Army and Air Force supply and mobility procedures; Army command and unit staff functions and tasking; interservice and host-tenant support agreements and procedures; TACP vehicle and support equipment operations, management, and operator servicing procedures; tactical air request, coordination, and control procedures; universal transverse mercator map and compass navigation; and geographical reference coordinate system. + − Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school with courses in mathematics is desirable. + − Training. For award of AFSC 1C431, completion of a basic tactical air command and control course is mandatory. + − Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:+ − − 1C451. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1C431. Also, experience in TACP operations. − − 1C471. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1C451. Also, experience in supervising tactical air command and control operations, personnel, and equipment. − − 1C491. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1C471. Also, experience in managing tactical air command and control activities. − − Other. The following is mandatory as indicated: − − For entry into this specialty, normal color vision and depth perception as defined in AFI 48-1232, Medical Examination and Standards. − − For entry, award, and retention of AFSCs 1C411/31/51/71, qualification to operate government vehicles according to AFI 24-3013, Vehicle Operations. − − For entry, award, and retention of AFSCs 1C411/31/51/71/91/00, ability to speak English distinctly. − − For award and retention of AFSCs 1C431/51/71/91/00, eligibility for a Secret security clearance4, according to AFI 31-5015, Personnel Security Program Management. − − Note: Orientation briefings are conducted in the 2nd week of Basic Training, during cycles established by the TACP Selection Team. These selection cycles are based on follow-on technical training class dates. Additionally, a physical fitness evaluation will be administered to qualified volunteers**. The standards for this evaluation are: − − * 50 push-ups in 2 minutes − − * 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes − − * 2-mile run in 14:30 or less. − − **Volunteers during basic training can be enlistees in Mechanical, General, Administrative, or Electronic aptitude areas. Additionally, members with most guaranteed jobs may also try out. However, there are also a number of guaranteed jobs that are not authorized to try out, depending upon whether or not those jobs are critically manned. − − Deployment Rate for this AFSC6 − − Strength Req7: K − − Physical Profile8: 111121 − − Citizenship: Yes − − Note: Job not open to women − − Required Appitude Score9 : G-48 (Changed to G-49, effective 1 Jul 04). − − Technical Training: − − Course #: E3ABP1C431 000 − − Location:10Hu − − Length (Days): 73
Enlisted terminal attack controllers
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'''Tactical Air Control Party (TACP)''' <br>
'''Enlisted terminal attack controllers'''
In an era of smart bombs and stealth aircraft, the effectiveness of modern air operations often depends on a relative handful of Air Force specialists who spend most of their time on the ground. These airmen, mostly enlisted members, are USAF's commandos.
They often commute to work by parachute or other unusual means. Their job is to direct air operations, spot targets, suppress enemy forces, and help rescue downed aircrews. These operations fall to two groups of elite troops: combat controllers and enlisted terminal attack controllers.
While they share a general specialty, the two groups train and work separately.
Combat controllers are ground combat forces assigned to special tactics squadrons of Air Force Special Operations Command. They are schooled in unconventional warfare and operate in forward areas, where they control everything from assault landings to air strikes.
Enlisted terminal attack controllers, who fall under Air Combat Command, spend most of their time working with Army units. They, too, train in extreme tactics and operate with forward ground forces. Their primary job is to call in and then direct close air support aircraft.
This group of airmen—also known individually as CCTs—has overseen air operations in conflicts from the Korean War to the most recent action in Iraq.
In addition to training in ground combat, each CCT is a certified air traffic controller. The work includes setting up navigational aid equipment to guide aircraft to landings on makeshift runways. CCTs deploy into combat areas by air, land, or sea and set up bare bones airfield capabilities. The CCTs are trained in demolition work to clear obstructions and hazards from potential runways and landing zones. They manage parachute assault zones and aircraft landings and low-altitude airdrops for resupply—without air control towers or extensive communications systems. Once they have an "airfield" established, the CCTs control air operations, provide command and control, gather intelligence, and make weather observations.
However, the primary thing CCTs do is air-to-ground interface. The manner in which a CCT provides air-to-ground interface varies with each mission. Sometimes it's providing air traffic control and sometimes it's doing tactical control or close air support, and sometimes it's placing navigation aids or actually controlling aerodromes.
They are trained to take over an airfield and run it just as if it were at Hurlburt Field. That means directing airplanes during landing and instructing pilots where to taxi and where to off-load personnel or equipment. Basically everything you would do at a normal airfield.
Because their aircraft land in combat zones, CCTs also must provide the long-range coordination to get them out of the airfield and on to their next mission. Training is varied and usually beyond USAF's mainstream courses. There are two major elements: Air Education and Training Command handles the first and AFSOC the second.
AETC first provides a two-week combat orientation course at Lackland AFB, Texas. Students undergo flight physicals, receive initial shooting instruction, and learn about the history of the combat control specialty.
What's next on the agenda varies depending on Air Force and Army schedules. The prospective enlisted CCTs go through a four-month air traffic control school at Keesler AFB, Missisippi; Army airborne school at Fort Benning, Georgia, which can last several weeks; and a 2.5-week survival school at Fairchild AFB, Washington. Following those three, the airmen must complete a three-month combat control school at Pope AFB, North Carolina.
The entire process takes about a year and prospective CCTs leave the AETC pipeline with a three-level apprentice skill level from combat control school. They are ready then for the AFSOC portion of their training—another year during which they learn advanced skills at Hurlburt. By the time they finish with this they are five-level qualified controllers.
Officer combat controllers follow much the same process. One exception is that officers spend slightly less time on air traffic control, but they receive training in airfield management.
AFSOC's 720th Special Tactics Group, headquartered at Hurlburt, is home to combat controllers. Within the group, there are seven special tactics squadrons: six active duty and one Air National Guard. Of the six active units, one is located at Kadena AB, Japan, and one at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom.
Depending on the mission, Air Force CCTs operate with Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and Special Forces. The mission also dictates whether the 720th STG's other special tactics airmen—combat weathermen and pararescuemen—deploy with the combat controllers. There are instances when all three will be on the same mission.
The weathermen can deliver time-sensitive forecasting and that can affect a commander's decision on how to prosecute a coming mission or an ongoing mission. The weather channel provides an overview of the weather situation, but in a combat situation you don't know what's happening at that mountain pass. That is why you need to send somebody out there to collect the data.
Combat controllers display a number of talents, not the least of which is their ability to recognize and sort out air traffic in the combat area—that includes rockets or artillery. The CCT must be able to "deconflict" air traffic in the area to prevent problems from developing. That is really their core skill. All the other specialty skills, such as free-fall parachuting and scuba diving just comes with the territory.
USAF's enlisted terminal attack controllers (ETACs) work directly with Army combat forces to manage their close air support.
The Air Force awards the ETAC specialty (which has no officer counterpart) only after an airman has served a long apprenticeship and taken a variety of courses, many of them with the Army. Becoming an ETAC is an extended process. The first step is to gain basic credentials as a tactical air command and control specialist.
First, there's a 75-day technical school at Hurlburt. There an airman receives training on ground maneuvers, handling weapons, and radio equipment—the basics that you need to use just to wander around with the Army.
After this initial training, the airman may take a number of specialized courses with the Army or other services. While the Air Force does not require such courses, they help the airmen to support the Army customer. Airmen working with the airborne forces, for example, have to be jump-qualified.
However, the majority of training for airmen hoping to become enlisted terminal attack controllers comes from work in the field, serving as an assistant to an ETAC and as a member of a tactical air control party (TACP). After an airman has been working in the career field for approximately two years he is sent to the Joint Firepower Course at Nellis AFB, Nevada. That course provides training in advanced close air support tactics. On returning to his unit, the airman gets a "check ride" with an experienced ETAC or air liaison officer. If he passes he is qualified to handle CAS air strikes without the direct supervision of an officer.
Once certified, an ETAC may spend most of his USAF career living and working with an Army unit. Frequently, a single ETAC is the sole Air Force representative with a small Army Special Forces or Ranger unit. At battalion level, an ETAC likely will be working with a younger tactical air command and control specialist trying to gain the experience needed to move up the TACP chain.
Calling in close air support strikes is the primary mission, but an ETAC also winds up simply sorting out air traffic in a combat area. An ETAC probably can control about 100 square miles of airspace by racking and stacking aircraft, watching fuel loads, and the whole bit. At the same time, the ETAC must keep in close contact with Army counterparts to let the "duck shooters"—the air defense troops—know that American aircraft are going to be in the area.
The term Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) refers to the two or three MAN operations team responsible for interfacing with, coordinating for and conducting for Army ground forces (U.S. or multi-national) Close Air Support (CAS). However, there are broader and much more narrow aspects to this field.
However, operating from a vehicle is a luxury rarely afforded USAF's enlisted terminal attack controllers. The ETAC works with what he can carry on his back. That includes several different heavy radio systems.
Air Combat Command has three air support operations groups:
* 1st ASOG assigned to 12th Air Force and headquartered at Fort Lewis, Washington
* 3rd ASOG assigned to 8th Air Force and headquartered at Fort Hood, Texas
* 18th ASOC assigned to 9th Air Force and headquarterd at Pope AFB, North Carolina, adjacent to Fort Bragg.
Each group has subordinate squadrons or flights stationed at various Army posts around the country.
'''Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP)'''
"The strong will stand, the weak will fall by the wayside." For Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) airmen, these words are more than just a motto; they also serve as a battle cry.
Wherever American military forces are found, TACP airmen are sure to be nearby. Nicknamed the "Air Force infantry" because they spend most of their career assigned to Army units, tactical controllers can most often be found embedded with special operations forces.
Their primary role is to direct combat strike aircraft against enemy targets. They also coordinate artillery fire with air strikes. To accomplish their mission, tactical controllers serve on the front line, often in advance of any other military units.
In Afghanistan, they control the battlefield by coordinating strikes of the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. Whether involved in a low-intensity conflict or full-scale conventional warfare, TACP airmen guide the full fury of American military might.
Known by Army special operations soldiers as enlisted terminal attack controllers, TACP airmen provide close-air-support aircraft guidance control to increase the capability of ground combat forces. They also are experts in artillery and in naval combat and attack helicopter capabilities; they use all combat assets to rain destruction on the enemy.
Some people think they are air traffic controllers, but that's inaccurate. Their mission is terminal control. That means bombs on target, and a very bad day for the enemy.
These airmen must be thoroughly proficient in ground combat techniques, and their training goes well beyond that of the Army infantry. Tactical control airmen serve as advisers to ground component commanders in planning and employing combat assets, and are the link between joint and combined forces.
In Afghanistan, TACP airmen coordinate ground and air assaults on terrorist positions, provide convoy security for coalition forces and even assist with presidential security for the fledgling Afghan government.
The fight for peace and freedom takes the tactical controllers into some of the roughest terrain and most inhospitable conditions in the world. Whether they are braving the freezing temperatures and thin air in the mountains of Afghanistan, or in the desolate, searing deserts of Iraq, wherever Special Forces are needed, TACP goes. Often they are the first in and last out.
TACP airmen can be recognized by their black berets. Although the burgundy berets of Air Force pararescuemen and the crimson berets of Air Force combat controllers are easily recognized, the black beret is seldom seen worn by Air Force members.
In the field, tactical controllers wear a battle uniform that is unremarkable, without name or Air Force labels, rank insignia or unit markings. Instead, their uniforms are adorned with small patches that make them visible to American pilots using special night-vision equipment, and are clearly marked on the sleeves and boots with each airman's blood type.
Tactical controllers are Ranger and airborne qualified, and are proficient in static line and high-altitude, low-open parachute tactics, as well as in air assault and scuba operations.
Their training begins with basic radio maintenance and operation, then continues with land navigation and combat air support basics, followed by survival school, where they learn resistance, escape and evasion tactics.