Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Officer

A Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Officer directs lethal and nonlethal joint firepower anywhere, anytime the battle calls for it. They are also the primary Air Force advisors to U.S. Army, joint, multinational and special operations ground force commanders for the integration of air, space and cyber power. TACP Officers plan, request, coordinate and control close air support as Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) and lead the TACP weapon system. By ensuring these highly skilled operators are physically, mentally and technically prepared, ground forces can rest assured that precision firepower will be delivered when they need it most.

Relevant Interests and Skills

  • Special Operations

Career Tasks

  1. Lead, supervise and organize Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Airmen.
  2. Conduct air-ground infiltration, surface movement and exfiltration.
  3. Coordinate and target lethal and nonlethal munitions.
  4. Advise and educate ground commanders on all aspects of air, space and cyber power.
  5. Plan, request, coordinate and integrate air support.
  6. Control close air support, artillery, naval gunfire and ISR in direct ground combat.

Service Commitment A Duty and an Honor

After completing all Air Force ROTC and academic degree requirements, cadets accept a commission as second lieutenants in the Air Force or Space Force, appointed by the President of the United States. The length of your initial service commitment depends on your career. Most officers have a four-year, active-duty service commitment. Pilots have a 10-year, active-duty service commitment, and both Combat System Officers and Air Battle Managers have a six-year service commitment upon completion of their respective training. Nursing graduates accept a commission in the Air Force Nurse Corps and serve four years on active duty after completing their licensing examination.

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