TACP History
The United States Tactical Air Control Party is a career field of polar extremes. Our Airmen are asked to utilize extreme strength and intense brainpower in accomplishing their mission. TACP’s control the most powerful weapons ever created, and use them against people who seek to cause us harm. At the same time they control humanitarian drops providing relief to people who are in need. TACP’s are known for bringing destruction on the battlefield and also at the same time saving countless lives of friendly forces and local populous.
Inception and Korea
Korea was the first test of the new Air-Ground Operations doctrine; Forward Air Controls (FACs) called in Close Air Support on enemy targets. While they were not officially called TACP the basis of the career field was born.
Vietnam
Grenada – Operation Urgent Fury
TACP’s supported the Army Rangers in their raid on Point Salinas and other targets throughout the country. Grenada was the first combat jump for the TACP’s and their ability to call in close air support in support of ground units saved countless American lives.
Panama – Operation Just Cause
Again TACP’s were called on to support the Army Rangers and the 193rd Infantry Brigade in their mission to depose Panamanian President Manuel Noriega.
Iraq (1) – Operation Desert Storm
TACP’s from all around the world were called upon to deploy to Kuwait and Iraq to support the U.S and Coalition forces in their mission to defeat the Armies of Iraq after their invasion of Kuwait. TACP’s supports units ranging from the 24th infantry division, 82nd Airborne, 3rd Armored and Special Forces.
Somalia – Operation Provide Comfort
TACP’s were deployed to support the task force sent to try to provide stability to that war torn African nation. TACP’s were involved in the bloody firefight depicted in the movie “Black Hawk Down.”
Bosnia – Operation Joint Endeavor
In 1995 TACP’s we deployed to Bosnia as part of the NATO peacekeeping mission to stop ethnic cleansing in the area. For the first time since World War II U.S and Russian forces fought for a common goal. TACP’s called in air support to protect various peacekeeping operations.
Today, thousands of people are alive in Bosnia because of the service our members provided.
Afghanistan – Operation Enduring Freedom
As a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 on New York City, Washington, and Pennsylvania TACP’s from around the world were called into action. Special Operations teams were immediately deployed to Afghanistan and alongside them were Air Force TACP’s. there to bring the fight to the enemy. To this day our Airmen are still in Afghanistan guiding strikes against enemy positions with extreme precision.
Iraq (2) – Operation Iraqi Freedom
In March of 2003 American forces began conducting operations in Iraq. Again TACP’s found themselves tasked with a variety of missions working alongside a variety of units from all over the world. TACP’s called in targets on regime forces and insurgent strong holds.