What is TACP Air Force?
The Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) is a specialized unit within the United States Air Force (USAF) that provides close air support to ground troops. TACPs are trained to work closely with ground units, using their expertise in air support and ground operations to effectively integrate air power into ground combat operations.
Role and Responsibilities
TACPs play a critical role in modern warfare, serving as the "eyes and ears" of the ground commander. Their primary responsibility is to provide close air support to ground troops, which includes:
- Coordinating air strikes to destroy enemy targets
- Identifying and reporting enemy positions
- Providing targeting data to aircrews
- Conducting reconnaissance and surveillance
- Providing real-time battle damage assessment
Types of TACPs
There are several types of TACPs in the USAF, including:
- Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs): JTACs are trained to control air strikes in close proximity to friendly forces. They use specialized equipment, such as the AN/TPS-80 Ground Surveillance Radar, to detect and identify enemy targets.
- Tactical Air Control Parties (TACPs): TACPs are trained to provide air support to ground troops in a variety of environments. They use their expertise in air support and ground operations to effectively integrate air power into ground combat operations.
- Air Support Operations Squadrons (ASOSs): ASOSs are specialized units that provide air support to ground troops. They use their expertise in air support and ground operations to effectively integrate air power into ground combat operations.
Training and Qualifications
TACPs undergo rigorous training to prepare them for their role in modern warfare. Some of the key training and qualifications include:
- Combat Arms Training and Maintenance (CATM): TACPs must complete the CATM course, which covers topics such as marksmanship, first aid, and combat tactics.
- Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Training: TACPs must complete the JTAC training course, which covers topics such as air support, targeting, and battle damage assessment.
- Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Training: TACPs must complete the SERE training course, which covers topics such as survival skills, evasion tactics, and resistance to interrogation.
Equipment and Vehicles
TACPs use a variety of equipment and vehicles to perform their duties. Some of the key equipment and vehicles include:
- AN/TPS-80 Ground Surveillance Radar: The AN/TPS-80 is a portable radar system used to detect and identify enemy targets.
- Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Kit: The JTAC kit is a portable system used to coordinate air strikes. It includes a laptop, GPS device, and communication equipment.
- Humvee: The Humvee is a versatile vehicle used by TACPs to transport personnel and equipment.
- UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter: The UH-60 Black Hawk is a multi-mission helicopter used by TACPs to transport personnel and equipment.
Benefits of TACP Air Force
The TACP Air Force provides numerous benefits to ground troops, including:
- Enhanced Situational Awareness: TACPs provide real-time intelligence and targeting data to ground troops, allowing them to make informed decisions about air support.
- Increased Flexibility: TACPs can quickly adapt to changing situations, providing air support to ground troops in a variety of environments.
- Improved Coordination: TACPs work closely with aircrews and ground units to ensure effective coordination of air support.
- Reduced Risk: TACPs reduce the risk of friendly fire by providing accurate targeting data and conducting reconnaissance and surveillance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the TACP Air Force is a specialized unit within the USAF that provides close air support to ground troops. TACPs are trained to work closely with ground units, using their expertise in air support and ground operations to effectively integrate air power into ground combat operations. They use a variety of equipment and vehicles to perform their duties, and provide numerous benefits to ground troops, including enhanced situational awareness, increased flexibility, improved coordination, and reduced risk.
