USAF SOF TACP Questions Answered!

On this super dope episode of the Ones Ready podcast, we bring JC Roomba, SOF TACP extraordinaire and part-time legend into the team room! All those burning questions about Tactical Air Control Party get answered. Ever wonder what the difference between CCT and TACP is? Are all TACP's JTACs? How about what TACP's do at home station when they aren't deployed? What about the difference between SOF TACP and conventional? What is it like living and working with the Army as an Air Force Special Operator? What about jump school? Or military freefall school? We cover all that and more this week, so buckle right the h*ck up and get ready to join us in the Team Room!
00:01:32 Who is Roomba?
00:06:21 Chain of Command
00:11:43 Not a Fast Swimmer
00:14:59 Rucking
00:18:14 Conventional TACP
00:32:54 Normal Day for a TACP
00:36:58 SOF TACP
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The views and opinions expressed by the OnesReady team are those of the team and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the DoD. Any content provided by our Podcast guests, bloggers, sponsors, or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign the DoD, any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

[@k9leadstheway531]

This TACP guy is one of the humble people I've met. He not only gives back to his community but invests his free time into other base agencies as well. Awesome human being

[@OnesReady]

Agreed, he's a great dude!

[@brian_AG]

🤢

[@nathanshaw77]

My personal moto: "don't swim fast.. I'll just drown tired". Or "is there a float test I can take?" Yall can borrow lines if you want.

[@OnesReady]

Haha!🍑

[@charliemike13]

Nathan Shaw motto (not to be that guy, but some anti military asshole will stroll through and talk about how stupid the military is regardless of wether or not he/she could obviously get the gist of what you are talking about!) always gotta be on our game!

[@maytronix7201]

Thats funny

[@echo2378]

Awesome guys! Retired SSgt, TACP and wounded warrior love to see y’all educating young guys who wanna join up!

[@OnesReady]

Thank you so much for your service.

[@silenciummortum2193]

Thank you all for your service.

[@tyman2323]

This pod cast is a blessing listening to it rn hoping they’ll talk about TACP officers and the path to it soon.

[@chrisawesome3091]

Did they talk about that? I just started listening

[@ian2372]

Ruck is just lingo for shin splints 😂 Cheers a former tacp.

[@bo2gd680]

so what was the ruck minimum when you went through??

[@101caliber]

Marine veteran here. I have a lot of respect for Air Force TACPs and other USAF SOF. Honestly, if I wasn't medically retired and colorblind (failed the ishihara test), I would have loved to try to become a TACP myself.

[@OnesReady]

Thank you for serving and your support!🍑

[@mynameisnotbob6369]

@@OnesReady wrong emoji lol

[@jbizness6854]

This is coming from a 42 yr old who never served but has always highly respected and appreciated our great Armed Forces. I wish I had known about AF special operators when I was younger. After recently watching several documentaries and videos such as these, these training pipelines are off the chains. You guys have to be some of the toughest dudes on the planet, both mentally and physically. I know our country is safer because of good folks like you protecting it. TACPs and CCTs, keep bringing the pain from above, and PJs keep saving lives!

[@Tanner.T]

I hope to see Roomba again on this before I enlisted as a TACP here soon.

[@LKS92Y]

I’m currently in the Army, about to start the process to switch over for TACP! Really glad I found this channel

[@gideontodd]

You can do that?

[@robertolson8620]

Peaches, It's great to see you finally got someone to speak for us TACP. Great to see Roomba representing!!!

[@Mari-East]

After doing my research , SOF TACP is exactly what I want to do 🤘🏾🤘🏾 thanks for this video it was perfectly times Sgt. Peaches thanks lol

[@JamesWilliams-sx8dh]

Glad I found this. My son is graduating BMT mid March and will start prep afterwards for TACP. Thanks for posting

[@OnesReady]

You're welcome and best of luck!🍑

[@tiyonbaret6914]

Absolutely the same reason why I want TACP!!!! Can't swim for shit!!, but it won't stop me!!!

[@luciancastle]

Great episode! A SERE specialist on here would be awesome.

[@silenciummortum2193]

I would LOVE to see a video about Ravens. I know they come from Security Forces but it would be awesome to learn more about their pipeline and what a F.A.S.T. mission looks like from beginning to end.

[@mooselineoutdoors]

If you want a special mission shred from security forces I’d recommend checking out DAGRE’s they’re the special operations shred of security forces

[@silenciummortum2193]

@@mooselineoutdoors Thanks brother will check it out if these recruiters ever get back to me!

[@USAFTACP]

Went to the school house with Timothy Officer...RIP

[@chadtabary]

48:44 made me proud of every SrA in the force, man! It’s a critical rank, and stories about pulling it together like that (and balancing age with maturity) bring a small tear to my eyes! Killing it!

[@myklallen7184]

I remember when you had to be a TSgt to be a JTAC. I also remember, me being a 304x4 thrown into a ROMAD position without all that pipeline, training, selection bs with a MRC 107, 108 Communications pallet. This was in 1976. I retired from the USAF in 1998... Much Love for the GRC206 pallet. I had to learn everything on the back end, being already seasoned. OJT!!!!!

[@timtweet8149]

Great podcast! As a retired AF Communicator, I've worked with both CCT, TACP and PJs. You have my utmost respect for what you do. I've worked as a ROMAD back in the day. Rumba I'm at the "Great Place". Nice to hear a shout out from someone who has been at Ft Hood. I retired here in 96. Thank you y'all.

[@OnesReady]

Absolutely, thanks for your service. -A

[@austinevans6176]

Awesome video! I loved hearing about TACP and knowing their mission set as opposed to CCT. Really helped clear things up for me that I’m for sure gonna be a CCT! More videos about CCT please! Keep up the vids

[@OnesReady]

Glad it was helpful!

[@benyoung552]

My little brother was CCT.... It was my dream, but he made the cut n I didn't... LoL...

[@edwincontreras2022]

Team Latino, let’s go !

[@KingCire]

My boy Roomba is always a professional. Great show guys. Thanks for discussing the TACP career field. The exposure is definitely needed and appreciated.

[@OnesReady]

Much appreciated!

[@arisl8016]

Hey! I was deployed with “peaches” in 2015 with the 421 FS....Sawadee!

[@mightymoto1415]

Man I'm a prior Marine crew chief and this is really starting to call me back...

[@billyblanton8042]

Always enjoyed my JTACs, and TACPs learned a lot from them over my years as a JFO in the Army. Especially Mosul 2017. Pink Mist, bro

[@Natureboypkr2]

Awesome! I wish this was around for me, to use as an informative video, when I needed to explain what I did when is was TACP.

[@andyjohn1495]

Heritage Rooms! If you guys were around in the mid 80’s and 90’s that shit was SOP! I was at Kadena at 18SPS/SFS, my flight converted one of our team members dorm room into a full fledged bar called Club Kad. When we got bored beach, sea wall and club partying in Okinawa we scam a TDY or take leave and head to the Philippines. Every where in PACAF was a none stop party! Love the program Brothers!

[@jimmyirwin3907]

Went into Air Force 1970 never herd of PJ’S they were recruiting PJ’S and l raised my had so after class made contact with PJ’S . They read my information found out l was from Alaska and that l was certified in survival in Alaska and they seemed interested in me . They then asked me can you swim that was end of my PJ career could not swim or very little l grew up in back country of Alaska . Back to regular AF training.

[@hernanmarin3904]

I'm Puertorican too and a summer RANGER....class 9-94 retired fromthe Army now, I definitely recommend you going during the summer and not the winter! good luck...."RANGERS LEAD the Way"

[@liamsparling]

I saw you were at Hill AFB. Just talked to MSgt spears hopefully next month I can meet you on base if you drop in to the class I’m hoping to be an SR or TACP. Y’all are really helping out a lot with these videos thanks so much!

[@ichor732]

Hello Ones Ready! This video was very helpful to me as the airforce website doesn't go into much detail. I am very curious about Tacp officers and how they operate differently than the specialists and who they command etc.

[@chrisawesome3091]

Was this info about TACP officers or enlisted?

[@rubenp.4567]

Holy fuck seeing some of the old Cadre talk like that is crazy. Awesome podcast.

[@kellymarulo9274]

Work with this dude at the 11th ASOS. Good dude

[@Naiuhz]

USSF TACP when? - Requesting orbital bombardment, danger close: 1000 KM. - Send it.

[@JLFerguson]

Peaches!!! What’s up man! I stumbled on this video to show my son what you guys do and BOOM, there you are! 👍🏼

[@CaseyinTexas]

I was an old school ROMAD (former 304X4/274X0). I can't count the times all the army heard was radio operator or driver and refused to take us seriously. back when I was an airman in the late mid 70's on an exercise supporting the 1st Cav, there was a visiting AF General at Div HQ who had no idea what we did wondered aloud why no AF was helping out on KP. well one led to another and the division ALO was "ORDERED" to provide an airman for KP. Because I was the lowest ranking Airman at time, I got the duty. Any old hats from the 23rd TASS may know exactly who I am. I also understand instituted a detailed memorandum between HQ Air Force and HQ Army on the specific duties of a TACP, spelling out what we did and didn't do.

[@nelth7812]

Is it possible to apply to be a TACP after already having a job in the Airforce?

[@OnesReady]

Yes it is. As the SW career fields are undermanned, they are given a priority. If that is the route you want to go, try to link up with a Special Operations Recruiter (SOR) and they can get you sorted.🍑

[@ristore3219]

Dude this is the info I’ve been looking for!

[@mulletmanjeeper]

Great stuff! Keep it up! I wanna hear a TACP officer!!! What their role is and if their pipeline is any different.

[@OnesReady]

Will do. We are definitely lining up officer podcasts from all the career fields.

[@jimmyirwin3907]

You guys are the Best Of the Best.🇺🇸✝️🇺🇸✝️🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@dinomra7771]

Is Roomba a member of the discord channel? And awesome podcast btw!

[@pyploligyatd-_-]

thank god i thought i would have to learn how to swim really good to be a tacp

[@tetsushin]

Bro! I'm Puertorican and CCT! I can swim now!

[@raymondm.5006]

Would a pilot be able to tell the difference between a CCT and a TACP over the radio? Just wondering 🧐lol

[@OnesReady]

They can tell based off of our callsigns we use on the radio.🍑

[@raymondm.5006]

Thanks

[@projekt679]

They are given a complete run down of they’re assets and what they can provide to him. Plus for how long and who has priority.

[@daniellocklear3929]

Love it. Been waiting on this one.

[@vinceweber5101]

Watching this episode again!

[@denissavgir2881]

Awesome that Ranger School is waiting for him to hang out.. err, become Ranger qualified. :D

[@fishingwithjt1666]

I’m seriously considering becoming a TACP. I’m honestly afraid I’m not physically fit enough but I’m trying to get there

[@dryiceentertainment7049]

Same. How's it going for you now

[@Illifyy]

Just found this and very happy I did, thanks.

[@steele6285]

How does one go from Conventional TACP to SOF TACP? I am deciding between Ranger or TACP when I enlist this fall. This career field seems really interesting just because of the opportunity to put warheads on foreheads.

[@tylergullage9130]

Long shot, but JC if your still at duke and down for it I’d love to get in touch and maybe pick your brain on some TACP stuff, working on my retrain package coming up in July and I’m stationed at Eglin. Either way appreciate you guys putting out the good info 👍

[@Flooozeee]

Prior service Army trying to get back into the military here. I know that 39 is the cutoff but would 31-32 be on the older side to go Conventional TACP / AF SOF?

[@OnesReady]

You'd be on the older side, but still very much doable. I felt amazing during that age and could have gone through the pipeline.🍑

[@The_Fumbles]

This was an awesome video coming from someone who want to become a tacp after I graduate college!

[@johnrodriguez3870]

Why does US Air Force Tactical Air Control Party ( USAF TACP) support US Marines? Does the Marine Corps not have Air- Naval Gunfire Liaison Company ( ANGLICO)? Marines have Joint Terminal Attack Controller ( JTAC) Specialists in Force Reconnaissance and MARSOC Raider Regiment?🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🦅🗽⚔️💪

[@soundersiren07]

Not enough bodies I‘d imagine

[@Texasreiguy]

Quick question? Not sure I’ll get a reply but worth a shot... how are the numbers in the TACP community? I heard they’re down, and in dire need! Is that true? And if so why? It’s such an awesome career opportunity!!!

[@elgatosiesta]

Very cool conversation.

[@Shudikan90]

Awesome vid!

[@OnesReady]

Thank you!!!

[@edwincontreras2022]

Can you guys talk about special tactics officer? I was wondering if there is a civilian to STO program. I already have my bachelors and would like to go officer but seems like all the dope jobs available are enlisted. A quick google search says no but the articles are a little dated so I’m hoping that has changed

[@OnesReady]

Hey Edwin, there is a civilian to STO program. You'll have to do Phase I and Phase II first to get selected prior to the pipeline. If you need details, shoot me a message at [e-mail] or [e-mail] and we can get you linked up.🍑

[@sHaDowWarMasTer1]

Can An Airguard Tac-P try out ?

[@OnesReady]

Sure can. 🍑

[@RORO-xu4gr]

Actually idk about the air force lol speaking on the army side but the AG( assistant gunner) is the more experienced out of the two, he emplaces the gunner and walks the gunner on target while also being the mule for his rounds a night optic lol

[@rcasipit1]

What is the difference between a SOF TACP and a Batt 13F SOTACC/JTAC?

[@OnesReady]

One is in the Air Force. NEXT QUESTION!!! Kidding. I’d have to do more research to say for sure. Gimme a bit. 🦉

[@rcasipit1]

@@OnesReady Also what makes AF SR different from other SOF Teams that does SR already? E.g. Marine RECON, 75th RRC, ODA SR Teams, and SEALs?

[@OnesReady]

@@rcasipit1 An episode on that very topic is in the works!

[@jayp4772]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l16VoINqfrmDaZY not exactly sof but its tacp vs 13F

[@Texasmayne89]

Hey, great video! Maybe you can do a different version of this video with a Guard TACP?! I'm 22 yrs old and Security Forces in the Guard and been in almost 4 yrs now. I'm thinking about making the switch to TACP. Not many Guard TACP guys I've ran into, but maybe you know some. Thanks and take care.

[@snowwookie4261]

Highly recommend just going Active duty. Youll have a much better time in my opinion

[@afcgeo882]

There are a TON of Guard TACP guys. Most states have ANG TACP detachments to support their Army Guard infantry.

[@Tazandd]

Thats crazy, I'm 3D1x2 looking to cross train over TACP.

[@beefjerkythug5083]

He looks like a Puerto Rican Brian Silva

[@denissavgir2881]

SIBLA KARA PARA KARA TON! MARALON SIGMANTON!!

[@johnnywishbone932]

This guy knows his Call of Duty language.😉. Just kidding awesome podcast.

[@xusmico187]

Why TS/SCI clearance? TENCAP access, SCI\SSO comms, strategic asset fire support?

[@gsurtos6588]

does someone have to enlist first before applying for cct/tacp? if so, how long do they have to be enlist for before they can begin applying for it? OR can a person start off as civilian into applying for cct/tacp?

[@OnesReady]

We don't recommend going into a different job in the USAF and then switching to AFSW. This is because a lot of life can happen in those few years waiting to crosstrain. Also there are limited slots for crosstrainees and you never know if your supervisor will allow you the needed time to train to get ready for the pipeline.

[@michaelh370]

@@OnesReady I was fortunate to be in a more 'physical' job with Security Forces when i went TACP, plus my supervisor was cool af to allow me extra gym time. Thanks ssgt murray... the father I didn't have.

[@15ritolaj]

It would be appreciated if you guys put the name of the guest in your titles i had a tough time finding this one!

[@nathanhilzendeger5153]

Thanks for the all the info this was very insightful. I had a question I’m hoping you guys will be able to answer this, so tacp’s can now get airborne qualified? The reason I ask is I was having trouble deciding to go for tacp and CCT, and originally I was drawn more to CCT because of jump school but thought tacp would be a better fit because I don’t swim often. I’d appreciate any input back thanks!!

[@afcgeo882]

Even Red Horse can be Airborne, but TACPs always had that option since they could easily be attached to Army’s Airborne units.

[@coraliscopuselaborat]

Can a TACP officer assess for SOF TACP? How would a TACP officer get to the 17 STS, for example

[@OnesReady]

You would need to complete the pipeline first, and then apply for that separate selection and assessment process.

[@ianfrizelle1109]

shipping in Feb, i think i want to do this but im an okay swimmer could i just go CCT?

[@theplaguedoctor4242]

It depends on what you want to do, cause CCTs are more about land planes and TACPs are about putting warheads on foreheads.👉👉👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGe8gp2giceKabM

[@AgentActive]

So what are the odds of being deployed these days ?

[@OnesReady]

100%? - A

[@Passixnplayer]

Is there a assessment and selection phase of training

[@thomascase3174]

Awesome

[@LtRyanPYT]

How do you get to the Hurby unit? Is it application based off time in service and other things? Or is it just another case of receiving orders?

[@hillsman9199]

Are you able to transfer over to being an officer as a TACP if you complete the pipeline as enlisted?

[@OnesReady]

Yes, you can go enlisted TACP to TACPO. 🤘🏼🍑

[@huntersutton1485]

Silly question! So I've watched a ton of the videos on Ones Ready and done hours of research so I know a bit about SOF for the AF. I'm going CCT or TACP but I know we will be often on the road training and being deployed. Should I just give my dog to my family or in a few years could I bring her onto base with me? Obviously not over seas so it's a dumb questions but I figured I'd ask

[@OnesReady]

During the pipeline you won't be able to have your doggo with you. Once you get to your permanent duty station after completion of the pipeline, you'll be able to have your doggo. Now if your pup is the type that needs to be very active and receive a lot of attention, it could be challenging, but it is doable. Many of us watch teammates dogs while they're away.🍑

[@cardoz0rz]

Thank you for this.

[@vinceweber5101]

Are there deployment requirements with TACP?

[@nicolasthecaged4940]

Vincent Weber yes. TACPs must always maintain the ability to deploy overseas. If that’s what you’re asking.

[@scarvello]

I didn’t have enough information to make my choice and I turned tacp down I highly regret it but I’m looking to cross train

[@SergioGarcia-xr9sn]

Do tacp deploy with regular infantry ? Or special forces from all branches ?

[@OnesReady]

Primarily, TACP deploy with conventional forces.

[@NM-fy9jc]

Can women join tacp or any special unit in air force ?

[@saucyscrambler8710]

I was wanting to become a PJ because I love the aspect of saving my brothers in need but I also want to be in gaged in combat. Would PJs be the correct SOF for me or do you have another branch/ team I should look into?

[@ik5852]

buddy ur not seeing any combat right now

[@OnesReady]

So we can’t tell you ‘what’s right for you’, we can only give you as much information as possible and you have to make that choice. - A

[@saucyscrambler8710]

@@OnesReady from you’re experience would you say PJs engage in fire fights?

[@username_3715]

If you want to see combat and treat trauma your highest chance is ranger medic.

[@ik5852]

@@username_3715 wrong. PJ is the top medics even though Ranger medics are top fucking tier. PJs spend A LOT of training its literally in their pipeline and their job to save people. If youre a PJ, youll be helping out stateside and in any weather emergencies i.e. Tsunamis in Phillpines, Flooding in Florida, stuff like that. But in wartime, Youll be going in with QRF, youll be called in if theres TIC and theres injured, youll still go into combat but your job IS to save people. Read their motto. Its a long pipeline. Great if you want to but u gotta be committed

[@marcoromero783]

What would be some differences if any with JTAC’s from other services? I’ve seen that the army SF guys have their own. And I’m assuming rangers do too. Would you guys still be utilized? Why are they producing their own JTAC’s? I think I saw they have their own school as well. Thanks a lot for your time and service. I only ask because if my immigration stuff goes through it’s easier to go the army sof route with a green card than the Air Force. Though I would prefer the Air Force.

[@Texasmayne89]

from my understanding JTAC is a certification that other branch members can obtain as well.

[@RealBREAKtheArtist]

Since indoc is now replaced with A&S don’t TACP now have to be adept in the water?

[@SlayteADS]

Which mainframe do you guys recommend? M1 or F1?

[@henryhallowell332]

Are there any benefits from completing 4 years of college and attending air force rotc before trying to be a TACP?

[@AlexVanOstran]

Have. CRO and STO?

[@jackorebaugh6733]

Is the process of applying for SOF TACP selection through the specific STS you want to work at, for example the 17th, or do you contact a centralized source to apply for the selection?

[@kaidengraham9729]

High school student here looking to be tacp... do most join tacp out of high school or do it later after having been already enlisted?

[@tomasmartin2315]

I cant swim, looking into being TACP, or EOD, do they now train with swimming?

[@Alexander-cq9tv]

He wasn’t kidding though.

[@trevorwalden6097]

Is "weapons school" the ST Training Squadron?

[@thespaniard977]

the only thing that I don't like about the cct job is that they have to learn to mess with I.E.Ds just the only thing i dont like lol

[@kippyst.v.4725]

Does not having 20/20 vision make it not possible to get in these pipelines?

[@rajhonepp]

I’m 23 I’ll be 24 in May is it too late to become a Tacp? I’ve thought long and hard about it and want to join.

[@OnesReady]

Not all all!

[@BornPowerAllah7]

Go for it I’m 22 and going to enlist after my 23rd birthday

[@killajedi907]

So what you’re saying is... I have to be good at math on the fly in my head...

[@OnesReady]

Eh, it's more like being great at map reading and forecasting where friendlies will be.🍑

[@knight6]

The military will train you to do the math to do your TACP job.

[@Willdh1987]

For the PAST are proper sit-ups done with fingers interlaced behind the head or with arms crossed over the chest (curl-up)? I’m trying to confirm.

[@OnesReady]

Interlocked behind your head.🤙🏼

[@Willdh1987]

Ones Ready I appreciate it bro

[@christianv8676]

Hey Peaches, Man Ive seen you or heard about you throughout many USAF SOF reddits, and Ive seen that you help those seeking to be recruited, So ive had problems getting correspondance with my local spec ops recruiter and to add to this problem my base means of communications is strictly email, Ive been training in the meanwhile of this gray zone but I still think that its important for me to talk with the guy, Any help?

[@thomascase3174]

www.afswdev.com/

[@OnesReady]

Hey Christian V, shoot me an email with some details at [e-mail]...we'll get you fixed up! 🍑