How hard is it to become a tacp?

TACP Airmen start their journey under the Special Warfare umbrella and fall under Air Combat Command. After a couple years of experience TACP are qualified to assess for Air Force Special Tactics. Training begins with basic radio maintenance and operation, then continues with land navigation and combat air support basics, followed by survival school, where they learn survival, escape, resistance, and evasion tactics (SERE).

To become an Air Force TACP, you must first pass the Special Tactics Tactical Air Control Party Physical Fitness Test (ST TACP PFT) as governed by the Air Force Special Operations Command. The entry Air Force PAST Test to qualify for TACP.

Physical and stamina test requirements for TACP:

• CALISTHENICS MINIMUMS:

  • 8 pull-ups under 2 minutes

  • 60 sit-ups in 2 minutes

  • 48 push-ups in 2 minutes

• RUN MINIMUM:

  • 3 miles, non-stop, completed within 24 minutes

• RUCK MARCH:

  • 12-mile road march with 50-pound (dry) rucksack and weapon in under 3 hours

• COMBAT WATER SURVIVAL TEST

Training courses required for TACP:

• SPECIAL WARFARE PREPARATORY COURSE (SW PREP): Candidates undergo intense strength training by running, rucking, and swimming extensively. They'll also learn about the rich history of Special Warfare, Esprit De Corps and ultimately take the Physical Ability and Stamina Test (PAST) to see if they 'll move on to tech training.

• TACP PREPARATORY COURSE: The pipeline to become an Air Force TACP is long and challenging. To prepare Airmen for the rigors of it, candidates will receive an extra week of training that includes a variety of intense, sustained calisthenics, as well as middle- and long-distance running.

• TACP APPRENTICE COURSE: Special Warfare Airmen are some of the most highly trained warriors in the military. For TACP's, that training begins here with instruction and assessment on the art and science of radio communications, small unit tactics and the basics of close-air support.

• AIRBORNE SCHOOL: TACPs serve on the frontline but getting there sometimes requires dropping in from above. During airborne training, they learn basic parachuting and prepare for static line jump operations.

• SERE TRAINING: Special Warfare Airmen conduct missions in some of the most extreme and hostile places on the planet. This is where they receive survival, evasion, resistance, and escape training.