Special Tactics TACP / JTAC Explained - What is a Tactical Air Control Party?

[@JustFiscus]

My dad was a TACP in the 90s and was “recruited” again shortly after 9/11. I never understood what that meant as he always just told me he called in air strikes. Thank you for creating such a professional and informational video on this group as it has made me respect his service and the service of all more than I already did. He met my mom at Lackland AF base and so I have TACP to thank for my existence. Side note: he HATES the fact that the general army population now uses black berets because he says they didn’t earn them lol

[@tekshield]

You Dad was a great guy and Respected by all in the TACP Field!

[@frankmunn6168]

Had the privilege of working with these well trained men, while deployed incountry with the 75th. Many thanks to them.

[@Bravo-Too-Much]

What batt? What years?

[@johnrodriguez3870]

Frank Munn: Thank You for Your Military Service as a United States Army Ranger with America's Vaunted 75th Ranger Regiment (USASOC). John Rodriguez: Cpl., USMC , 1st Force Reconnaissance Company and 13th/ 15th MEU ( SOC). SGT, US Army, 3d BN, 75th Ranger Regiment ( USASOC). SEMPER FIDELIS AND SUA SPONTE, RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!!🇺🇸🦅🗽

[@tomhawk375]

@@johnrodriguez3870 Force Recon now too, your credential list just keeps growing.

[@simonostinelli187]

@@johnrodriguez3870 so your a ranger and a marine?

[@adriansands5527]

Update: the TACP is currently undergoing massive changes. By this time next year, it will look vastly different than when you did this video. For example, the first of a few major changes happened about two months ago when the schoolhouse went to 21 weeks, adding a fourth block of training. Additionally, you forgot to mention the 9 week Special Warfare Prep (all four AFSW career fields attend) course and the selection course that precedes the schoolhouse. Thanks for the AF mention!

[@Rob-mi4jp]

Damn so much has changed in just a few years, I’m pretty sure they do the whole pipeline at Medina now

[@c.l.6523]

Hahaha "he even called in his own medivac!" That's too funny!

[@mark347347]

No idea how he did that with a sucking chest wound though... "Say again pathfinder, CAS at grid ref over?" *wheeze wheeze splutter wheeze*

[@Clutch275]

@@mark347347 GANGSTAH!!!!

[@arthurhaskind7779]

It's only funny if you've never been in combat.

[@c.l.6523]

@@arthurhaskind7779 Hence why I'm a civilian :)

[@bushcraftkid1]

The “tacp” story at the end was actually a CCT guy Robert Gutierrez

[@halfman5337]

I was about to say that

[@filipeamaral216]

What's the difference? (really asking)

[@halfman5337]

Tacp almost always work with conventional army forces. Their main job is to call for cas and indirect fire. They usually only go to sere and airborne. Combat controllers are air traffic control specialist that can also qualify as JTACs. They all fall under AFSOC and work with army SF, SEALs and other special units. They are all airborne, MFF, and combat dive qualified. Both career paths are highly respected, but the CCTs are tipically viewed as being more qualified in general that their black beret wearing counterparts. Rob Gutierrez is one hell of a guy that I've had the honor of being instructed by. Hes very "no bullshit"

[@filipeamaral216]

Quite interesting. Thank you.

[@halfman5337]

@@filipeamaral216 Any time.

[@eskimo05w]

My cousin just graduated from TACP school. His family is very proud of him. Go Air Force!

[@denniscrider3776]

Regarding the story at the end about the JTAC Operator assigned to the ODA being wounded, and continuing to direct fire support and air operations - that's one badass SOB. Seems like that should've realistically gotten him an MOH, not just an AFC.

[@1anre]

Dennis Crider Air Force cross is the equivalent of the MOH in the AirForce

[@TheVinceb100]

yean, that's a negative lanre

[@jkk20]

Lanre Oladejo false the air force cross is the same as navy cross wich isnt the highest award for valor/bravery. MoH is the highest of any service.

[@filipeamaral216]

It's the equivalent of the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest. (Still high as fuck, just to make it clear)

[@willstorts5835]

The Air Force doesn't like giving out the MOH.

[@FunkyBunkley]

The guy you were talking about at the end of the video was combat controller Robert Gutierrez.

[@travisturner3708]

That JTAC was a CCT. It was MSgt Robert Gutierrez and I had the pleasure of meeting MSgt Gutierrez when I was at the school house. I got injured and couldn’t continue training, but have a steady plan to go back.

[@reddevilparatrooper]

Love these guys! My first experience with them was at NTC. They were assigned to my Mechanized Infantry company. I drove the APC for them. The last time was when I was in Panama Invasion of 1989-90 assigned to my Airborne Infantry company. I did go to Airborne School with these guys.

[@darthsilversith667]

I have a friend from high school/basketball team who became a Combat Controller. Wasn’t surprised at all when he told me he made it, he’s a total beast.

[@johnrodriguez7742]

Tactical Air Control Party ( TACP) Battlefield Airmen are mostly embedded with Army and Marine Corps Combat Arms Units. Less than 5% of Air Force TACPs are Special Tactics, like their Combat Controller battlefield brethren. Most are assigned to the Air Combat Command ( ACC). Hooah, USAF TACP!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💪🤘⚡💥🔥💀

[@southernknight9983]

Heard of them, but never knew what they actually did. Started playing Combat Mission and JTAC is a team listed in the command structure of American Battalion level combat units. Now I know what comes with them, when selecting them for my force. CAS! Thanks!

[@JTACRIFLE]

Thanks for sharing this. As a Canadian having friends in the TACP program I had an idea how it worked but your executive summary and details really pinned it down for me.

[@lrsd3drrd448]

Preferably I would rather work with CCT, and "we" may have been great at our job, but these guys are the true bringers of death on the battle field! And they get the best com gear. You haven't lived (survived) until you feel the ground tremble from an A10 run!

[@lawrences2541]

What's the real difference? CCTs bring in resupply?

[@justinyoung4299]

Hahahahaha

[@Katsumato0]

The story you told sounds almost exact to Robert Gutierrez, but he's a CCT, not TACP. Also, the entire AFSOC pipeline is getting reworked for 2019. Very excited to go through

[@victoriafox-bratcher6109]

My husbands retired TacP. Not being around much military, despite my uncle being a green berets and my dad retired out of airforce.( I was born after retirement and didn’t see my uncle much until he retired) this video is helpful.

[@johnrodriguez7742]

United States Air Force Special Tactics TACP, SOWT, CCT, PJ and Combat Aviation Advisors are Special and Elite,Chosen and Unique, World Class and Badass Battlefield Airmen bar none, and these Men of War are awesome sauce, solid dudes. You have My utmost Love, Honor and Respect, Brothers in Arms, from a former Force Reconnaissance Marine and Army Ranger!! Hooah, AFSOC TACP!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💪🤘💀

[@ratlips4363]

Times sure have changed since I was CCT in 1969!

[@andresbustamante6077]

Do TACPs/ JTACs use a lot of math, because I took a psychological exam and the results told me that I have superior verbal abilities, but weak in math.

[@riddleboxranger]

Andres Bustamante I would assume so, they are literally communicating with aircraft marking precise targets

[@USAFTACP]

There isn't a lot of math, but there is a lot of numbers. The most math-y thing will be deconfliction between artillery and aircraft on station.

[@CCTJTAC]

They do a lot of push ups! 😂

[@brendanlemming8270]

Andres Bustamante I’ve worked with JTAC’s and mostly it’s just numbers dealing with grids or ranges. No one is gonna pull out a calculator in the middle of a fire fight. Just have to memorize the basics like 9 lines and naval fire support, etc. also know brevity terms pretty well.

[@kazama850]

Should do one for NAVY SARC

[@agentjohnson3973]

Yes definitely and marine recon

[@evanmcleroy3386]

That story at the end is motivational!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jackcloud4728]

very true. another one is the Russian who called in an air strike on himself rather then letting isis over run him takes a different breed of man o do SOF jobs

[@dahlmer1234]

Man! I am 62 yr old former active duty u.s army and former Active duty Marine. Be out since 1985, I still stay in shape and watch your channel, Wow!

[@John-nj2eq]

JTAC stands for "Joint Terminal Attack Controller", not "Joint Tactical Air Controller". Becoming a JTAC is now a 5-level requirement for TACP airmen, so they will not deploy until JTAC qualified. Also, going to QC does not certify you as a JTAC, there is additional training afterwards to complete the certification. Although, the pipeline is evolving so that TACP will show up to their unit as Non-Combat Mission Ready JTACs, and then their unit will then complete the training.

[@Clutch275]

"Back in MY DAY" lol IM OLD!!!! we were called ETACs Enlisted Terminal Attack Controllers... This was way B4 9-11.... I was a 1C451.... 94-98

[@lmarcks3666]

So to make sure I'm clear if someone is a tacp and are deploying then they are jtac certified?

[@TheJoeyboots]

Wow what a story! Well deserved decoration. Another great informative video.

[@aceostrander1109]

i think an updated video is due since the new tacp pipeline consists of 105 training days or about 22 weeks in tech school, with airborne and sere school still being the same length and the addition of a 3-4 month FTU or formal training unit where u recieve more training and your jtac upgrade as all tacp's jtacs as soon as they become operational. as well as the special warfare indoc course which is another 8 weeks. the pipeline is much longer now since you could be at your duty station in a year or less but now it is common for many people to take about 2 years to be operational.

[@phillipboisselle293]

awesome video! Thanks for sharing your personal experiences at the end of the summary's! I'm reading "Dagger 22" by SSGT Mike Golembesky right now.

[@drunkenbarbarian8211]

Man I'm chuffed as fuck for passing out as a Royal Engineer but this guy has done so much it makes me annoyed to watch these videos, in a sort of good/bad way! Keep it up!

[@itemps]

Thank you for doing this! I asked like a week ago thinking you wouldnt!

[@erfho8y]

2:25 Look at the second dude in line, he's having the time of his life. Bet he made it with fyling colors. X'D

[@FastTacX]

Now you should do some videos on PJs and CCTs

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Scheduled

[@jamesgibbs9509]

Those PJs are some bad bad dudes

[@ethanbufford-cournoyer6488]

Will you do a video on The PJ

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Scheduled but it will be a few months.

[@gabecota4004]

Looking forward to it

[@sladetuner8661]

I have met USAF TACP who was a chief master sgt

[@xusmico187]

why the TS/SCI clearance? is it for TENCAP use, SSO/SCI comms, Strategic strike assets ?

[@dahlmer1234]

Holy F@$K WHAT A BADASS! THANK YOU, I AM SO MOTIVATED TO GET STARTED WITH MY DAY!

[@darkwarriormaster9644]

Can you do Special Operations Forces videos on the following five units? -Regimental Reconnaissance Company -Delta Force -SEAL Team Six -Force Reconnaissance -Scout Snipers

[@campagnollo]

So what is the significant difference between TACP and a 13F, FIST or Forward Observer?

[@uscstaylor]

Very nicely done, Salute!

[@gregory2330]

Do A Video On Wife /Husband Lifestyle When You’re In The Special Forces. Like Can I Have A Wife On Base And Still Be In Special Operations

[@wherecar54]

Excellent! As usual. Thanks.

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Thanks.

[@anthonyadams3138]

Hey brother, love your vids! Prior Air Force that switched to Army and now going through Army ROTC to try and become an Aviation Officer...would you mind doing a vid for the 160th SOAR?

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Already did. Check out my other videos.

[@jacobking7800]

The "TACP" in the story at the end was a CCT.

[@pyeitme508]

Great video!!!! LOVE from Hong Kong!

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Thanks Pete

[@pyeitme508]

Your welcome! Also about this detail u gave me->( Pete..... I am not planning to make a video about SOF weapons but you should check ut this document. It tells a lot of information about SOF www.socom.mil/FactBook/2018%20Fact%20Book.pdf ), I can't get in there as if it blocks me out! How come?!

[@davereid-daly2205]

Fuck, what a story! That why I love Soldiering....you really get to witness the best of what a human being can be....

[@ralphbeams6428]

So whats the difference in CCT and JCAP?

[@dinomra7771]

Can I become a 13F (Forward Observer) in the Army and go to JTAC school?

[@jwolfehc]

Is the airman that you mention at the end Robert Gutierrez?

[@sladetuner8661]

I have met a active duty USAF TACP before

[@alexdosani6236]

Can you do one on psychological operations\ PSYOPS? I joined the reserves and that what I’m doing.

[@雷尔夫胡]

The work of FAC CCT TACP overlaps to some extent ,They are all qualified to call air support！ The army forces are mainly 13F fire support experts-FO, responsible for guiding howitzers-MLRS-gunships.！ Marine Corps MOS 0861 Fire Support Coordination Group

[@spooky4223]

Thanks for this video

[@mozwanted]

Keep up the quality videos!

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Thanks.

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Thanks

[@youngblood8790]

Can you do a video on the USAF Special Recon unit

[@xusmico187]

Why TS/SCI? Secure commas for strategic force access for missions /, SCIF intel?

[@tdreloaded]

Can you make a video about Air Force EST’s I want to know more

[@ryanjob6404]

What's the difference between a TACP and CCT?

[@samwhamajam4888]

I want to be a special tactics tacp when I grow up. This was an amazing video thank you so much. I know you mainly focus on stuff for adults like preparing for certain military schools. But maybe you could talk about preparing for the military at a younger age like 13.

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Sam... send me a note on the messenger at the bottom of my website.

[@samwhamajam4888]

Okay I left a note

[@zac5220]

Video on eod?

[@coldhardtruth8518]

i did cpr on myself and brought myself back to life

[@doejohn4613]

Would you do a video on the Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsmen? Thank you have a blessed day!

[@josphellihsilak4588]

General Discharge has a great video on SARC.

[@joshhernandez-ramirez2226]

Anybody know anything about cavalry scouts? All ready went through meps and stuff just have to choose my job and contract....

[@gabecota4004]

Josh Hernandez-Ramirez I saw a good video on that from a channel called the infantry life. The career field seems to operate like infantry now a days so I would evaluate differences between the to if that’s what you’re considering.

[@LordNikku]

Can you do a video on PSYOP?

[@markspy123]

that would be awesome

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Scheduled.... should be a few weeks.

[@samwhamajam4888]

you should also look into making an ALO video.

[@bobjones3459]

Awesome video thanks for all the videps you do. I subscribed after i found your channel and watched a few of your videos. I am prepping to join the air force with the goal of becoming a pj if you could make a video on them that would be great too thanks again

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Bob... drop me a line on the messenger at the bottom of my website.

[@bobjones3459]

@@LifeisaSpecialOperation done

[@bujurocks8188]

so, are tacps basically cct's without the water qualification?

[@power95festered30]

TACPs specialize in terminal guidance. CCT specialize in ATC.

[@yapper2465]

Love the videos keep them up bro. Can you make a video about Criminal Investigation Command or Criminal Investigation Task Force on how they operate.

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Glad you like the videos but I am not planning to do a video on CID. Sorry.

[@yapper2465]

@@LifeisaSpecialOperation How about what the best way to be more prepare for the ASVAB or study tips for the ASVAB

[@flightsimulater12]

Is being a TACP like being a navy seal and then being in special tactics TACP like Seal Team 6? Like are the tiers like that?

[@CCTJTAC]

No. You can google search tiers. The way you worded your question the answer is no.

[@johnrodriguez3870]

Although Tactical Air Control Party ( TACP) Special Warfare Airmen are Joint Terminal Attack Controller ( JTAC) qualified, so too, are Recon Marines and MARSOC Raiders, Navy SEALs, Air Force Combat Controller Teams ( CCT) and, even. JSOC Operators.🇺🇸🦅🗽💣🔥💥⚔️

[@JLA_17]

Make a video on all the Tier 1 units.

[@iamjuniorduh]

I'm interested in Tacp. But is it something you sign up for? Like let's say my Afsc is air craft maintenance. Is tacp a "try out" and if you make it you're in?

[@dantemaria206]

No. You must pass basic training then jtac scool for another 3 months. If you do not meet requirements during jtac they will select a occupation for you.

[@Dreaklock]

So what's the deal with TACP vs CCT. Don't they pretty much do that same thing? What's the point of having both? I've watched both vids and they sound nearly identical.

[@AntiCitizenZero]

CCTs are not necessarily always JTAC qualifies. All TACPs are JTAC qualified before deployment. While it used to be (for a while) that most CCTs were JTACs, it is now going back to the model of CCTs do ATC and TACPs do JTAC. CCTs can do a lot of the work of a JTAC by controlling the airspace I order for aircraft to drop munitions, but will not have the precision if he were also a JTAC. A TACP can’t do a CCTs job in providing battlefield control. So in a couple ways, CCTs are more qualified and better trained. There just aren’t enough of them to attach them to every Army ground unit that needs a JTAC. Plus, it’d be a waste to have a guy who is capable of working with SEALs, SF, Rangers and other SOF attach to a unit in the 101st for JTAC duties. There’s conventional TACPs for that.

[@mbot48]

Can you please do a video on delta force or CIA field officers?

[@stevenpatenaude4486]

can you do a video on sapper school or MFF school?

[@cquashie89]

Great video! Thanks for all you do. Also........first

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

You're Welcome.

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Thanks

[@sfoeric]

So, the Air Force FAC who was just posthumously awarded the CMoH, was he part of this group?

[@benjamininscore4052]

sfoeric Negative, he was a Combat Controller (CCT). CCT can obtain JTAC certs and can be used as FACs when they deploy with ODA, SEALs, etc. However, CAS is not their primary job. CCT usually perform more of a pathfinder role and are FAA certified air traffic controllers but the vast majority obtain a JTAC cert. Think of them like spec ops air traffic controllers who, if certified, can also call in CAS. Like the video mentioned, TACP have the opportunity to become ST TACP. When a TACP is selected for ST, they go to the same squadron CCTs work out of and CAS is their primary job.

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

No. The guy in my story is still alive.

[@JackPeterson-mk5mj]

Could you guys do one of these on the PJs?

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

scheduled

[@biglikedanose9524]

Can you talk about Pj's??

[@Dave-fe7xj]

Can you do a video on the Urban Rangers?

[@theojudice5609]

Cool editing! Could you do a vid about SWCC?

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Scheduled but will be a few months

[@anthonyvigil7567]

Jarred Taylor from drinking bros was a tacp

[@AirsoftJunkie]

He's literally in this video at 1:00.

[@collinkennedy7444]

Is that Jarred Taylor, from BRCC, on the roof?

[@tmwk__]

I really wish I could be 18-years old again.

[@ulysses1320]

TMWK whys that?

[@alekferna6760]

And CCT??

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Scheduled

[@soxxonfoxx]

Say “TACP” one more time

[@jonahsmith2708]

Tacp

[@dionakgamer7769]

I Want to be in TACP!!

[@jamesmerone]

Is TACP math heavy? Math was always tough for me in school.

[@eduardopadilla923]

CCT next

[@vidalvelezcotte]

Do I have to be already in the Air Force to get in?

[@brandon8944]

Johny Sins no bro I just enlisted and it’s all based on a mixture of your asvab and physical at meps. After you go though meps, if your eligible you then talk to the special operations recruiter

[@vidalvelezcotte]

thanks man

[@CMLC95]

Could you do one on 37 Foxtrot or PsyOps?

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Scheduled. Should be out in a few weeks.

[@lawrences2541]

Would a Tacp and CCT ever go on the same mission?

[@CCTJTAC]

Very very rarely. There was both on the QRF for Takur Ghar but they were not assigned to the same team, just happened to both be there.

[@Clutch275]

TACP 4 Life!!!! Eagle 36!!!!!

[@seektruth7]

Lincoln Simmons Eagle 106 man 🤙🏼

[@reece6235]

How was it bro?

[@underratedcritic1983]

0:57 Aren't those US Army uniforms?

[@mattazrag222]

Can you do EOD?

[@thealcatrazguy6707]

Friendly AC-130 above

[@dwainsellers6453]

My son is a jtac and is currently in Afghanistan

[@mattmarsh215]

Joint terminal attack controller**

[@catlee8064]

Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) just had to correct you there sorry.

[@aidansanchez5554]

Seems a lot like the Marine Corps ANGLICO units

[@danielmcguire7974]

USAF Special Operations TACP/JTAC. Bad Ass Airmen

[@CAARaeed]

So that's what Garand Thumb does