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Tactical Air Control Party Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ALO JTAC Ft Irwin

Fort Irwin, CA · 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 · 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 ...

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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 Aug 31, 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.

TACTICAL AIR CONTROL PARTY (TACP) OFFICER

Rex, GA

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Officer Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Officer

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) officers 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.

What You'll Do

  • Engage enemy forces utilizing advanced technologies and weapon systems
  • Control and execute operational air and space power
  • Train in all major climatic conditions: arctic, desert, tropical, ocean and temperate
  • Operate and maintain cutting-edge technology, including communications, computers, digital networks, targeting and surveillance equipment and various special-purpose tactical vehicles
  • Target and control surface-to-surface and air-to-surface fires
  • Plan and execute fire missions to accomplish mission objectives
  • Engage enemy forces with individual weapons
  • Administer combat lifesaving assistance

Training & Education

How do we transform you into a leader and an officer in this field? From education to continued training, your Air Force path is here.

Officer Training School

8.5 weeks

Tech School Locations

Lackland AFB, TX; Fairchild AFB, WA; Ft. Benning, GA

Key Things To Consider Requirements

You must meet several requirements before joining the Air Force. These concern your background, overall health and other standards set by the Air Force, Department of Defense and federal law.

  • Bachelor's degree but no specific degree is required
  • General
  • Knowledge of maps and charts, command and control principles and procedures, survival techniques, field leadership and evasion
  • Completion of specialty training courses (JTAC)
  • Physical qualification to support parachute duty
  • Maintain physical fitness and combat-ready status
  • Completion of a current single scope background investigation (SSBI)
  • Completion of Officer Training School (OTS), Air Force Academy (AFA) or Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corp (AFROTC)
  • Must be between the ages of 18 and have not reached your 42nd birthday
  • TACP Officers must follow a specific application and assessment process conducted four times a year. DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

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