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Tactical Air Control Party Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ALO JTAC Ft Irwin

Fort Irwin, CA ยท On-site

$74K - $79K/yr

Weapons system operators You will serve as a tactical air-ground integration subject matter expert, with a focus on Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) and Air Support Operations Center (ASOC ...

Tactical Data Link Test Engineer - Senior

FL ยท On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

... Air Control Party Close Air Support System (TACP-CASS), Move Out/Jump Off (MOJO) Kit, Battlefield Operations Support System (BOSS), and Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK). * Familiar with TDL ...

Physical Therapist

Tacoma, WA ยท On-site

$100 - $120/hr

... Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Operators. The Physical Therapist will function as an independent healthcare provider responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and preventing ...

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Tactical Air Control Party information

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$23K

$77.4K

$89K

How much do tactical air control party jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for tactical air control party in the United States is $77,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,000.00 and $86,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Tactical Air Control Party?

A Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) is a team of specially trained U.S. Air Force personnel who provide air support coordination for ground forces. Their main role is to advise ground commanders on the use of airpower and to direct combat aircraft engaged in close air support missions. TACPs operate alongside Army units on the front lines, using advanced communication equipment to coordinate air strikes and ensure mission success. They are known for their specialized training, physical toughness, and ability to operate under high-pressure combat conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by Tactical Air Control Party members in their daily work?

Tactical Air Control Party members often face the challenge of operating in high-pressure and unpredictable environments, as they are responsible for coordinating air support for ground forces. This role requires both mental resilience and adaptability, as missions can change rapidly and may involve working in austere or combat conditions. Additionally, TACPs must maintain strong communication and teamwork skills, as they regularly collaborate with pilots, ground commanders, and other military personnel to ensure mission success and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tactical Air Control Party specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) specialist, you need strong physical fitness, situational awareness, and expertise in close air support operations, usually supported by specialized military training and qualification courses. Familiarity with advanced communications equipment, GPS systems, and targeting technologies is crucial for coordinating air-ground missions. Leadership, problem-solving under pressure, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this high-stakes role. These competencies ensure mission success, safety, and seamless coordination between ground forces and aircraft in dynamic combat environments.

What is the difference between Tactical Air Control Party vs Forward Air Controller?

AspectTactical Air Control PartyForward Air Controller
CertificationsMilitary air control certifications, radar operationMilitary air control certifications, radio communication
Work EnvironmentMilitary operations, field environments, combat zonesMilitary operations, field environments, combat zones
Employer & IndustryMilitary, defense sectorMilitary, defense sector

Both Tactical Air Control Parties and Forward Air Controllers are military roles involved in directing air support during combat. They share similar certifications and work environments, often operating in combat zones to coordinate air strikes. The main difference lies in terminology and specific operational roles within military units, but their functions are closely aligned.

How hard is it to become a Tactical Air Control Party?

Becoming a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) member requires meeting strict military entrance requirements, completing basic training, and passing specialized training such as the TACP Qualification Course. Candidates must develop skills in communication, navigation, and combat tactics, and often need to obtain security clearances and certifications like the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) qualification.

Is being a Tactical Air Control Party a good job?

Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) members coordinate air support for military operations, requiring specialized training, physical fitness, and the ability to work under high-pressure conditions. The role offers a challenging environment, opportunities for advancement, and skills applicable to military and civilian careers, but it also involves significant risk and demanding schedules.
More about Tactical Air Control Party jobs

What states have the most Tactical Air Control Party jobs?

States with the most job openings for Tactical Air Control Party jobs include:

Infographic showing various Tactical Air Control Party job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,379 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Air Surface Operations Analyst (ALO/JTAC) with Security Clearance

CCS Global Tech

Fort Irwin, CA โ€ข On-site

$74K - $79K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Air Surface Operations Analyst (ALO/JTAC) Location: Fort Irwin, CA Job type: Permanent, full-time Relocation Assistance Available in accordance with company policy Pay: $74,000 - $79,000K per year Clearance: Active Secret clearance and SAP eligible Role overview Client is seeking an Air Surface Operations Analyst (JTAC / ALO / AO) to support Exercise at Fort Irwin, CA. GREEN FLAG provides realistic training for U.S. and coalition: Air Liaison Officers (ALOs) Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) Battle management personnel Weapons system operators You will serve as a tactical air-ground integration subject matter expert, with a focus on Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) and Air Support Operations Center (ASOC) operations. What you'll do In this role, you will: Provide TACP and ASOC SME support to the Green Flag Support Element at Fort Irwin as part of the 57 OG Support air-ground operations during training events, focusing on ASOC / TACP operations Participate in exercise planning and after-action reviews (AARs) Use the Air Tasking Order (ATO) and Master Air Attack Plan (MAAP) to: Track tasked missions Monitor missions available for tasking Process both immediate and pre-planned DD Form 1972 Tactical Air Strike Requests (JTASR) Operate and troubleshoot tactical radios, including loading communications security (COMSEC / crypto) Manage and update web-based systems with current ASOC rotational content Adjudicate battle damage assessment (BDA) and support mission reporting Coordinate with Airspace Command and Control to: De-conflict fixed-wing assets with Army aviation De-conflict with counter-fire missions Track active Restricted Operating Zones (ROZ) Create Close Air Support (CAS) ROZs for inclusion in the Airspace Control Order (ACO) Provide area-of-operations and assigned airspace updates to inbound fighters Receive mission results / bomb damage assessment from outbound fighters Required qualifications To be successful, you must have: Prior experience as a: USAF Air Liaison Officer (ALO), or Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), or USMC Air Officer (AO) Active Secret clearance and SAP eligibility Hands-on experience processing JTASRs (DD Form 1972) Operations analysis experience supporting Close Air Support (CAS) and joint air-ground operations Ability to multi-task and work effectively on a team in a fast-paced training environment Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Teams) Preferred qualifications 4+ years of experience as a JTAC Completion of Joint Firepower Course Proficiency with Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) Compensation The full salary range for this position is $74,000 to $79,000 per year. The starting salary will be determined based on: Your knowledge, skills, and experience Overall budget availability