Are TACPs considered "Operators" like PJs and CCs are?

I say they are for sure.

It depends on who is asking the question? I could say you are the operator of that computer your typing at, operator of a car, etc. Operator stems primarily to CCT and PJ since the fall under USAF Special Tactics, TACPs do not fall under such parameters.

LOL--What do you believe or imagine an operator to be? Operator is like special operations, asymmetric warfare, asymmetric battlefield, unconventional operations, and military operations other than war, people using these words often don't understand what they mean or what they are describing. What exactly are these words describing, more importantly how do the operations and tactics, assets, and resources employed to win the fight in these situations, circumstances, and environments differ from conventional tactics, assets and resources? FYI: Of the terms and concepts listed "operator" has the least ligitimacy in that you won't find any official definition or description.

In determining your answer how does a supporting asset and capability differ from a tactical response or first there on-scene response (aka tip of the spear vs. the shaft). The tip of the spear needs the shaft as much as the shaft of the spear needs the tip.

In determining your answer another consideration is the functional fitness needed to perform the expected duties while participating in doing the typical mission or operations. There is also continuum of frequency and certainty of encountering extraordinary hardship and hazard in performance of duties. Regarding this there is a concurrent presence of situation and circumstances on-scene at the event, incident, or situation requiring the use of assets and resources delivering distinctive expertise into the ground combat environment with unequaled accuracy, responsiveness, flexibility and persistence.

For historical comparison purpose:

• The authority to make the first Pararescue Teams (standardized equipment, training, qualifications, and procedures) was given by the Army Air Forces 5 February 1947. The first team was activated 1 July 1947 and were doing operations by November 1947.

• The U.S. Army Special Forces activated its “first unit 10 June 1952.”

• The first U.S Navy Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) Teams were “activated January 1962.”

• The Air Force activated its first Combat Control Team 15 January 1953 at Donaldson AFB South Carolina. Special operations combat weather teams (SOWT) were established January 1963 and Tactical Air Control Party Team (TACP) was established as an enlisted specialty 30 April 1977.

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quote:

Originally posted by swerd:
It depends on who is asking the question? I could say you are the operator of that computer your typing at, operator of a car, etc. Operator stems primarily to CCT and PJ since the fall under USAF Special Tactics, TACPs do not fall under such parameters.

Nice try. Your definition of operator is way off. First of all, not all PJ and CCT belong to special tactics. The PJ's at Moody AFB don't belong to a special tactics team. They belong to rescue units. The controllers at Little Rock AFB didn't used to be part of a special tactics team either. Now come to Hurlburt and go to the 720th Special Tactics Group and you will find a TACP. So classifying "operator" based on a job alone isn't possible. I consider someone who is in the air force and is directly working in a job where he is going to employ his weapon on every deployment is an Operator. Sorry the TACP doesn't belong to your definition of operator. Go to ROMAD.com and tell those folks they are not operators. The term battlefield airman might a better term to clarify what you are asking as technically all aircrew in afsoc are "operators" too.

quote:

Originally posted by caninedale:
I consider someone who is in the air force and is directly working in a job where he is going to employ his weapon on every deployment is an Operator.

Possible except this would be more appropriately describe being a "Shooter". Shooter and Operator are Hollywood terms used to exaggerate EPRs/OPRs and impress cheap and easy girls in the bar. Both suggest something, but make no distinction about mission accomplishment or quality of acts and deed of the person participating in doing the mission.

Operator and shooter fail to describe any distinct military asset, capability, or resource. Neither describes a specific role and mission. Neither describes a special qualification or ability. Both need augmented description of act and deed to give substance to what each is suggesting about the characteristics of an individual or of how one group of people differs from another. i.e. motor vehicle operator, UAV operator, computer operator, telephone operator, dishwasher operator, Tequila shooter, pistol shooter, rifle shooter, expert billard shooter and etc.

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