I'm considering joining the Air Force to go into the TACP field. The Air Force Specialty Code=1C4X1. I am wondering if it is a "guaranteed job" so as if I were to sign up for it and go into TACP training after basic training or if this field isn't "guaranteed" or if the Air Force even works like this. I also want to know if one can have glasses and be in this field. And I would like to know if anyone out there has an idea for a fitness program to help prepare me for this field. As of now I'm in Boy Scout Troop 283/11 of Waterbury, CT so I have a while before I can join up. Thank you in advance...
The Air Force donst really do garunteed jobs. You put down a list of what you want to do and an apptitude area and they will put you in where ever they can fit you. Now I went right after the job drop on the first of the month and got a garunteed job and it happened to be the one i wanted but really there were only five or so garunteed jobs on the list so it was slim picking if i had wanted something else. In Air Force job selection you need to be flexible. I had about half a dozen jobs i would have taken. So I would say it may be tough to get the job you want in a timly manner
Your right in regards to normal jobs, but this is a bit different. Jobs like PJ, CCT and TACP can be obtained prior to going to basic if the person can pass the PAST test.
I just don't konw about the availabity of TACP at this time. If the OP has not checked out Pararescue or Combat Controller , I would suggest you do if you like TACP.
PS. For the OP from Waterbury, your AF Recruiter is located in the plaza across the street from the Shop Rite ! I used to recruit in Bristol
TACP does have a gauranteed option right now, CCT as yukon brought up would be another option to look at. They are somewhat similar.
I'll be going in for CCT this september. From what I've been able to gather/understand is that TACP works primarily with army groups, while CCT (combat controllers) work with special ops and pararescuers. Both are just as demanding/difficult and can be very rewarding.
check out specialtactics.com for CCT/Pararescue and romad.com for TACP
That is always the thing people don't know about the Air Force. We do guarantee jobs. When it comes to PJ, CCT, SERE, or TACP, you will need to qualify for the job. If you are qualified at MEPS and your ASVAB score is good, then you will go through a special PT test (PAST). If you pass that test, you will be put on a list of those qualified for the job.
That job will be added to your other jobs you list at MEPS. You will then get one of the jobs on your list. TACP is one of the hard to fill jobs, so your chance of getting that job is higher than most.
THE AIR FORCE DOES GUARANTEE JOBS...... Stop listening to people who don't know.
Well I am just saying when I went to meps I got a guaranteed job (avionics systems), but a couple of the people i came with left meps without signing anything because they didnt want to be put on in an aptitude area or get put on a waiting list. You are able to get a job that you want, that you put on your list I know, I am just saying you may not know what exact job you get when you leave meps. You may have to wait a while for the job drop and hope the ones near the top of your list are open.
If you got a job at MEPS, congratulations. But as far as getting a job you want....this is easy. If you don't want the job, don't put it on the list. Chose jobs you would be willing to do and you will be happy regardless....NO?
No Ross, thats not what you said. As for the jobs, thanks for explaining it to me. Seeing that I have been an AF recruiter for the past 8 years, I was unaware of that.
But as for PJ, CCT and TACP, if you take the PAST test and qualify, you can get that job guaranteed.
I'd like to give you some info to help you out in deciding whether TACP is a career you would like to pursue. I'm a TACP at the 111 ASOS in Washington State, so this is all from someone that has been through the whole process and continually puts new troops through the school house.
First a couple words about the career field. It is true that TACP is similar to CCT in the capacity of controlling Close Air Support. The primary difference is that TACPs are not trained to establish or provide control for airfields and landing strips. Only CCT are qualified to do this. However, this means that the formal training for a TACP is significantly shorter than it is for CCT (3-level training only takes about 4 months).
TACP are unquestionably the most heavily deployed AFSC in the Air Force and are identfied as the most stressed enlisted AFSC, according to the most recent Air Force Key Talking Points Publication (June 2008). However, these challenges equate to many incentives that are not offered to most other AFSC. Your recruiter will have more specific information on this.
According to the TACP Rep at Lackland AFB, currently 60% of TACP slots are guaranteed and that number looks to grow to 75%. To get into the program, you must complete a PAST test which includes a 200m swim, 1.5 mile run under 11:30, 6 pull-ups, minimum 50 situps in 2 minutes, and minimum 42 push-ups in 2 minutes. Once in the program, there is no guarantee of making it through the school house. When I went through, the attrition rate was over 50%. So be prepared for extremely difficult training that will push you to your limits both mentally and physically.
As for your question about glasses: you are allowed to have glasses in this career field, but you must have good depth perecption and not be color blind. I went through training and some of my career with glasses. I discovered that they suck when you're deployed and opted for laser surgery after my first deployment.
I haven't been able to find a fitness program to prepare for the school house, but if you can pass the PAST test comfortably, then you should be ok. There are plenty of programs on the web to prep for Ranger or SEAL school and any of those will work well for the TACP program, as well. One area that new recruits often neglect is rucking. Any time you can spend rucking prior to training will help immensely. Don't go overboard, but be comfortable carrying 40-50 pounds for 4-6 miles at a time.
If you want more info, check out roamd.com. It has lots of good info on what to expect in training and once you're in the career field, plus resources that you'll use throughout your career like the ROMAD locator. Also, the TACP Rep at Lackland AFB always has the most up-to-date info. The number is (210) 671-3882.
TACP is an exceptional career field that offers unparalleled challenges and gratification. Most of us could never see ourselves doing any other job in the military. Good luck in your training.
although its ROMAD.COM (he mistyped) theres a section called ask the school house. Use it.
Also there is a PJ 8 week train up, its available on google, use that.
You can get TACP guaranteed a lot easier in guard, but still you have to prove yourself before they'll send you, in active you will have to meet with them during basic, be IN SHAPE...
be able to do 70 push ups, 70 sit ups, and run 3 miles around 20 mins and you will be fine if not be prepared to wash out...
Okay I'm pretty sure this is what I want to do in the AF. I'm sure the min screening requirements won't be a problem and confident in myself that I can do the training. Although there is one area I'm not the greatest which is swimming I was reading that there was no swimming requirements for TACP but that recently they made PAST a requirement. Is this true? Also on the ROMAD site it says there is no time limit on the 200 yd PAST swim so I think Ill be good, is all this true?
Originally posted by Specter487: Although there is one area I'm not the greatest which is swimming I was reading that there was no swimming requirements for TACP but that recently they made PAST a requirement. Is this true? Also on the ROMAD site it says there is no time limit on the 200 yd PAST swim so I think Ill be good, is all this true?
Swimming is the great equalizer.
Many of those "sites" where you find test requirements are out of date. About.com, which is one of the most comprehensive sites, often has info that is 3 years old.
So, whether the TACP PAST test now requires swimming or not is a question only your recruiter can answer.
I DO know that none of the PAST swim requirements are timed. You just have to swim the required distance without stopping.
