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TACPs train for combat

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarrod R. Chavana
  • AFCENT Public Affairs
BAGHDAD, Iraq --  The 82nd Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron tactical air control party Airmen practiced tactical shooting March 26, to hone their skills while in the area of operation.

An Air Force TACP team acts as the battlefield liaison between ground forces and aircraft weapon systems. Their generally a two-man team working in an Army ground unit and directing close air support firepower, toward enemy targets on the ground.

"I want people to know that there are Air force personnel on the ground, fighting the enemy with every combat unit in the Army, such as special forces, rangers, and conventional combat units," said Master Sgt. Robert Zackery, 82nd EASOS TACP/JTAC. "The reason you don't know about us is because we aren't on Air Force bases."

TACP units don't solely work with the Army but also work with the Marines and Navy. Air Force TACPs are the only group that has branched out to live, work and fight with the different sister services.

"TACP is where the rubber hits the road," said Sergeant Zackery, who is deployed from Army Garrison Heidelberg, Germany. "It's when all the Air and Space power and ground tactical planning comes together. That's where you will find a TACP on the ground looking at a target, while shooting at the enemy, talking to an aircraft above us and putting munitions on the target."

Conventional TACPs work in two man teams, one called the joint terminal attack controller and the other a ROMAD, which stands for reconnaissance, observe, mark and destroy. A special operation forces TACP is a one man position, he is called a JTAC.

A typical tactical air control party mission will require them to observe the battle area, identify hostile targets and pinpoint their locations using various types of equipment such as a laser rangefinder, laser target designators or even a map and compass.

Clearance to attack targets can only be given by the JTAC when it is certain that friendly troops will be safe from the weapons effects.

"I'm a ROMAD; I assist the JTAC while he is controlling the air," said Airman 1st Class Jerome Williams, 82nd EASOS TACP, deployed from Army Garrison Vilseck, Germany. "I'm double checking his target grids, elevation, and making sure everything is on track."

During the tactical shoot, the Airmen worked on fundamentals of shooting as well as shooting in various unsupported positions and maneuvering while shooting. At the end, they combined their training into what they called "stress shooting."

During stress shooting they had to wear full tactical gear, which includes interceptor body armor, tactical combat load and a helmet, perform 20 boot-slappers, run ten yards past cones, turn left, run more than 30 yards, complete 20 military style push ups, get up and run nearly 50 yards, perform 10 burpies, then run to their weapon and accurately engage the target.

"When people get tired they get sluggish and begin to make mistakes, they start to forget the little things and you can't do that," said Senior Airman Joseph Duquette, 82nd EASOS TACP, deployed from Army Garrison Vilseck, Germany. "You have to take all your mental strength and physical strength and put it together."

Maintaining proficiency is important because it allows them to remain mentally and physically strong.

"We still need to maintain our proficiency because we never what to become complacent," said Sergeant Zackery. "By performing tactical training we remain prepared for any combat operations."