Air Force Tactical Air Control Parties (or TACP) live, train and deploy with U.S. Army units to advise ground commanders on air and space power and to direct air strikes. Nearly half of all Battlefield Airmen are TACPs, and they can be found at the front lines, on patrols and in convoys, sharing the same hardships and risks as soldiers. Members of TACP usually include a tactical air command and control specialist -- known as a ROMAD for the old job title of Radio Operator Maintainer and Driver -- and a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC).
Highly-trained Joint Terminal Attack Controllers direct close air support attacks. It takes about two years of additional forward air control and ground operations training for a TACP specialist to become a JTAC. They must know in detail U.S. and Coalition aircraft and weapons systems capabilities to employ them with the greatest advantage. They must also ensure that potential targets are valid to prevent unnecessary casualties and fratricide. While mostly found among conventional units, JTACs can also be found within U.S. Army Special Forces and Army Rangers.
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