Tactical Air Control Party Airmen Help Ground Forces

Tactical Air Control Party Airmen Help Ground Forces

(EXCERPT) By Tech. Sgt. Brian Davidson, USAF Special to American
Forces Press Service

BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Jan. 20, 2004 * "The strong will stand, the weak
will fall by the wayside." For Air Force tactical air control party
airmen, these words are more than just a motto; they also serve as a
battle cry.

Wherever American military forces are found, TACP airmen are sure to
be nearby. Nicknamed the "Air Force infantry" because they spend most
of their career assigned to Army units, tactical controllers can most
often be found embedded with special operations forces.

"Our primary role is to direct combat strike aircraft against enemy
targets," said Staff Sgt. Alan Lesko, TACP noncommissioned officer in
charge with the Army's 10th Mountain Division, supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. "We also coordinate artillery fire
with air strikes." To accomplish their mission, tactical controllers
serve on the front line, often in advance of any other military units.

In Afghanistan, they control the battlefield by coordinating strikes
of the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. Whether involved in a
low-intensity conflict or full-scale conventional warfare, TACP airmen
guide the full fury of American military might.

Known by Army special operations soldiers as enlisted terminal attack
controllers, TACP airmen provide close-air-support aircraft guidance
control to increase the capability of ground combat forces. They also
are experts in artillery and in naval combat and attack helicopter
capabilities; they use all combat assets to rain destruction on the
enemy.

"Some people think we are air traffic controllers, but that's
inaccurate," said Airman 1st Class James Blair. "Our mission is
terminal control. That means bombs on target, and a very bad day for
the enemy."

These airmen must be thoroughly proficient in ground combat
techniques, and their training goes well beyond that of the Army
infantry. Tactical control airmen serve as advisers to ground
component commanders in planning and employing combat assets, and are
the link between joint and combined forces.

In Afghanistan, TACP airmen coordinate ground and air assaults on
terrorist positions, provide convoy security for coalition forces and
even assist with presidential security for the fledgling Afghan
government.

Regardless of the mission assigned, Lesko said, their primary
responsibility is to "hunt bad guys."

"Our job here is to fight for freedom from terrorism, to fight against
the enemies of Afghanistan, and to bring that fight to those who
threaten peace," he added.

The fight for peace and freedom takes the tactical controllers into
some of the roughest terrain and most inhospitable conditions in the
world. Whether they are braving the freezing temperatures and thin air
in the mountains of Afghanistan, or in the desolate, searing deserts
of Iraq, wherever Special Forces are needed, TACP goes. Often they are
the first in and last out.

TACP airmen can be recognized by their black berets. Although the
burgundy berets of Air Force pararescuemen and the crimson berets of
Air Force combat controllers are easily recognized, the black beret is
seldom seen worn by Air Force members.

In the field, tactical controllers wear a battle uniform that is
unremarkable, without name or Air Force labels, rank insignia or unit
markings. Instead, their uniforms are adorned with small patches that
make them visible to American pilots using special night-vision
equipment, and are clearly marked on the sleeves and boots with each
airman's blood type.

Tactical controllers are Ranger and airborne qualified, and are
proficient in static line and high-altitude, low-open parachute
tactics, as well as in air assault and scuba operations.

Their training begins with basic radio maintenance and operation, then
continues with land navigation and combat air support basics, followed
by survival school, where they learn resistance, escape and evasion
tactics.

(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brian Davidson is assigned to 455th
Expeditionary Operations Group Public Affairs.)

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jan2...200401206.html

---------------------------
Otis Willie
Associate Librarian
The American War Library
http://www.americanwarlibrary.com