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Tactical Air Support Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Air Support Operations Operator, 5979 - Tactical Air Operations/Air Defense Systems Technician experience. โ€ข Experience with Marine Corps, Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S ...

Tactical Data Link Test Engineer - Senior

FL ยท On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

Our Tactical Data Links (TDL) Test Flight (TGBC) is searching for a Tactical Data Link Test Engineer for the TMAS 2 96 CTG Task Order , supporting the 46 TS / TGBC - the United States Air Force ...

USMC Prior Service MOS: 7236 - Tactical Air Defense Controller, 7242 - Air Support Operations Operator, 5979 - Tactical Air Operations/Air Defense Systems Technician experience. * Experience with ...

USMC Prior Service MOS: 7236 - Tactical Air Defense Controller, 7242 - Air Support Operations Operator, 5979 - Tactical Air Operations/Air Defense Systems Technician experience. * Experience with ...

Air Defense Control SME

Stafford, VA ยท On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

Experience operating within a Tactical Air Operations Center (TAOC) to direct aircraft and air-defense assets, integrate intelligence for targeting, prosecute deep air support missions, and identify ...

Air Defense Control SME

Stafford, VA ยท On-site

$86 - $198/hr

Experience operating within a Tactical Air Operations Center (TAOC) to direct aircraft and air-defense assets, integrate intelligence for targeting, prosecute deep air support missions, and identify ...

Air Defense Control SME

Stafford, TX ยท On-site

$86.80 - $198/hr

Experience operating within a Tactical Air Operations Center (TAOC) to direct aircraft and air-defense assets, integrate intelligence for targeting, prosecute deep air support missions, and identify ...

Showing results 41-60

Tactical Air Support information

See salary details

$26K

$70.7K

$100K

How much do tactical air support jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for tactical air support in the United States is $70,697.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is tactical air support?

Tactical Air Support refers to the use of military aircraft to provide direct assistance to ground troops during combat operations. This includes delivering close air support, reconnaissance, and logistical aid to enhance the effectiveness and safety of ground forces. Personnel in Tactical Air Support roles coordinate with pilots, ground commanders, and other military units to ensure timely and accurate air strikes or support missions. These positions are critical for modern military operations, helping to achieve strategic objectives and minimize risks to friendly forces.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in tactical air support roles, and why are they important?

Success in Tactical Air Support requires a strong background in aviation, military strategy, and operational planning, often supported by a degree in aviation, engineering, or military science and relevant pilot or technical certifications. Familiarity with mission planning software, communications systems, and advanced aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicles is typically necessary. Exceptional decision-making, teamwork, and situational awareness help individuals excel in dynamic and high-pressure environments. These skills ensure the effective coordination and execution of air support missions, directly impacting operational success and safety.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in tactical air support roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Tactical Air Support often face challenges such as rapidly changing mission requirements, maintaining clear communication with ground and air units, and operating in high-pressure environments. To address these, it's important to develop strong situational awareness, build effective teamwork skills, and stay current with training on both equipment and tactical procedures. Proactive communication and regular debriefings with team members help ensure mission success and continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Tactical Air Support vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectTactical Air SupportAir Traffic Controller
Required CertificationsMilitary pilot certifications, tactical trainingFAA certification, radar and communication licenses
Work EnvironmentMilitary operations, combat zones, airbasesAirports, control towers, radar facilities
Employer & IndustryMilitary, defense contractorsCommercial and regional airports
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While Tactical Air Support involves military aviation and tactical missions, Air Traffic Controllers manage civilian air traffic at airports. Both roles require specialized certifications and work in aviation environments, but their responsibilities and employer types differ significantly.

More about Tactical Air Support jobs

What states have the most Tactical Air Support jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Tactical Air Support job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,697 per year, or $34 per hour.

Exercise Development Support - Air C2 SME with Security Clearance

BreakForth Solutions

Twentynine Palms, CA โ€ข On-site

Temporary

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

BreakForth Solutions is seeking Exercise Development Support - Air C2 SME to join our team of dynamic professionals. Please apply today!โ€ฏโ€ฏโ€ฏ The MAGTF Training Command (MAGTFTC) mission is to Manage the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Program (MAGTFTP) and conduct service level Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) combined arms training to enhance the combat readiness of the operating forces and support the Marine Corpsโ€™ responsibilities to national security. Per CMC mandate, MAGTFTC has established a Force-on-Force component to the Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) called the MAGTF Warfighting Exercise (MWX), which includes requirements for design and development of scenario(s), and observation, assessment, and mentorship of training unit staffs. The Air C2 SME will provide training support to Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Training Division (MTD) Operations Section and exercise control (EXCON). The incumbent must be an expert in combined arms training and unit readiness planning at the battalion/squadron and regiment/group levels. The Air C2 SME shall provide response cell and higher headquarters role-playing of aviation assets, organizations, and command and control in a realistic simulated environment to the training audience throughout the MWX. Duties will include simulating all aspects of the employment of Tactical Air (TACAIR), Joint Air Interdiction (AI), Joint Close Air Support (JCAS), Airlift, and Aerial Support. The Air C2 SME will provide knowledge on the current employment of Joint Tactical Air Controller (JTAC) capabilities; Theater Rules of Engagement (ROE) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) related to the various theaters of operations simulated in the MWX. The incumbent will work as a member of a four-man team, all with similar qualifications, and will support 24-hour operations through 8โ€“12-hour shifts as required during the execution of the six-day MWX. The Air C2 SME will be familiar with the operational use of Theater Battle Management Core Systems (TBMCS) with a focus on submitting, processing, and tracking of air requests; integration of airspace use; and system interoperability with Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) and Strikelink. The incumbent will provide subject matter expertise on the conduct of an Air Tasking Order (ATO) Development Cell as it operates within the construct of the MAGTF. The candidate will understand the ATO and Airspace Control Order (ACO) generation, distribution, and execution within the Marine Air Command and Control System (MACCS) and associated joint air C2 agencies. Essential Functions Participate in the Air Tasking Order (ATO) and Airspace Control Order (ACO) planning process in order to integrate TACAIR into the ground scheme of maneuver.
Provide coaching, teaching, and mentoring to the training audience using intellectual knowledge and subject matter expertise in the military aviation community to develop and execute realistic integration and training for Command and Control personnel.
Fly aviation missions in simulation, realistically replicating missions per the ATO, ACO and SPINS, supporting established exercise processes and Joint standards creating realistic and relevant aviation integration for the training audience.
Employ knowledge on the current Theater ROE and TTP related to the various theaters of operations, and the employment of JTAC capabilities simulate all aspects of the employment of TACAIR, AI, JCAS, Airlift, and Aerial Support missions.
Provide assistance and expertise to the exercise design team in the creation of vignettes for exercise integration to increase realism of the utilization of aviation assets throughout the exercise.
Provide technical advice to the Exercise Control Team, Adversary Force Team, Modeling and Simulations Team, Intelligence Team, and Communication Division.
Prepare reports, briefs, and documents to support event scenario development and higher and adjacent headquarters functions with regards to aviation integration functions.
Participate in and conduct reviews and structured walk-throughs of events, operation orders and plans, and information gathering requirements.
Create and edit documents, analyze problem areas, and suggest feasible solutions.
Observe and provide training, product/process review, and after-action feedback to aviation personnel operating at the Secret security level during supported exercises and events.
Contributes to exercise orders, CONOPs, FRAGOs, and operations process cycles across all warfighting functions and social media Education/Skills/Experience Requirements: Active Secret with Top Secret eligibility
For qualified military TACAIR aviators, or Direct Air Support Center (DASC) trained and qualified personnel, a bachelorโ€™s degree is preferred, along with eight (8) years of operational experience with one (1) operational deployment. For qualified military JTACS, a bachelorโ€™s degree is preferred. However, for JTACs, eight (8) years of operational experience with one (1) operational deployment may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Military-rated aviators are required to have completed one of the United States military service (USA, USAF, USMC, USN) pilot or navigator flight training programs. Possession of a pilot or navigator Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) or Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) is preferred. JTACs are required to have completed one of the United States military service (USA, USAF, USMC, USN) joint terminal attack controller training programs. Possession of a JTAC Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) or Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) is preferred.
A combination of education and experience that displays the requisite skillset is considered.
Must have extensive knowledge of military aviation command and control processes, organizations, and systems.
Must have extensive knowledge of Close Air Support TTPs, USMC manned and unmanned airframes, US and Joint manned and unmanned airframes, and adversary airframes and threat tactics.
Possess skill and effectiveness in oral and written communications for preparing and coordinating a variety of written communications, actions, OPLANS, and briefings.
Possess a good working knowledge of computer software applications, such as word processing, database retrieval, slide preparations, and spreadsheet design.
Must demonstrate a good attitude and ability to work as a member of a team.
Possess self-motivation and a high level of discretion to work effectively under a minimum level of supervision.
Must be able to multi-task efficiently, work in a fast-paced environment on multiple projects and have a strong attention for detail. Desired Knowledge/Skills/Physical Abilityโ€ฏ Mount/dismount vehicles in a field environment.
Bivouac in field environment.
Climb/descend rocky mountainous terrain.
Perform job in hot desert environment.
Ascend/descend multiple of flights of stairs in urban training environment.
Lift and carry up to 75 lbs over short distance (such as a loaded backpack).
Work environment including but not limited to:
Occasional field/tactical environments.
The majority of work will be in a garrison work environment.
Occasional extended working hours will be required. Travel OCONUS and Domestic travel may be required for training and program coordination BreakForth Solutions Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other basis covered by applicable law.