Tactical Air Control Party Specialist: No job for the weary

Photo By Master Sgt. Amber Williams | U.S. Air Force Tactical Party Air Control Airmen from the 165th Air Support Operations Squadron and the 284th ASOS conduct room-clearing procedures during Magnolia Strike, at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Nov. 18, 2019. Magnolia Strike is an exercise that gives battlefield Airmen an oppprtunity to train in specialized combat skills such as, tactical combat casualty combat care, fast-roping, close quarters combat and breaching operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Amber Williams)  

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, UNITED STATES

01.15.2020

Story by 1st Lt. Kari Giles 

Georgia National Guard

“I joined this career field for the challenge and the initial enlistment bonus,” said Staff Sergeant Robert Haffly, a Tactical Air Control Party Specialist with 165th Air Support Operations Squadron. “But what I really love about my job is working with guys who are all forward leaning and get things done, training with guys who are like family.”
The Tactical Air Control Party Specialist also known as TACP, are highly trained individuals that are often imbedded on the front lines with the United States Army. These members meet strenuous entry requirements, becoming qualified as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller. Many have attended a variety of US Army schools including air assault, static line and free fall parachutists, pathfinder, and both jungle and arctic warfare courses.
“We bring Joint Fire’s capability to the Land Forces Component Commander, specifically the integration of Close Air Support in the form of air strikes from fighter Jets,” said Master Sergeant Anthony Nickell, a Tactical Air Control Party Specialist with 165th Air Support Operations Squadron. “We are the connective tissue that brings the Army and Air Forces Warfighting capabilities together.”
As a TACP, you use advanced technology and systems to direct air strikes. You control and execute tactical air power, and when required, you'll be in austere combat environments independent of an air base or its perimeter defenses.
This is a challenging career field that truly has a major impact on the battlefield. “This career field also gives me the ability to complete and participate in a wide range of training events around the world and utilize skills that are not only useful for work, but fun to do” said Haffly.
For more information on how you can work in the challenging field of TACP, contact one of our recruiting staff at http://GoAng.com/

• Date Taken: 01.15.2020
• Date Posted: 02.21.2020 16:09
• Story ID: 359274
• Location: ATLANTA, GEORGIA, US