1/9/2013 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force officials announced Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland, Texas, as the preferred alternative to host the Terminal Air Control Party (TACP) School. Officials announced Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., as the reasonable alternative.
Recent and current operations have created an increase in demand for TACPs to support Army units. The current TACP School at Hurlburt Field, Florida, is not sized to produce the required number of TACP graduates required today.
Headquarters Air Education and Training Command officials conducted detailed, on-the-ground evaluations of the candidate bases covering a range of operational and infrastructure requirements. The results of the surveys were briefed to the secretary of the Air Force and Air Force chief of staff, who selected the preferred and reasonable alternatives for this mission.
"The Air Force chose JBSA as the preferred alternative because of its favorable weather conditions, training efficiencies, and bed down costs," said Timothy Bridges, the Air Force Deputy Assistant Secretary for Installations. "Based on our criteria-based analysis and the application of military judgment, we feel JBSA - Lackland is the best location for this mission."
Air Force TACPs act as the battlefield liaison between ground forces and aircraft overhead. They generally support Army maneuver units and direct close- air support firepower toward enemy targets on the ground.
Once the requirements of the environmental impact analysis process are complete, the Air Force will make its final basing decision.
For more information, please contact Ann Stefanek, Air Force Public Affairs/Media Operations/Pentagon, at 703-695-0640 or ann.stefanek@pentagon.af.mil.
Comments
1/16/2013 7:01:03 AM ET Terminal Air Control Party Pretty sure it is Tactical Air Control Party... maybe I was misinformed during my 12 years as a TACP..
Joe, USA
1/10/2013 10:27:27 AM ET If you're not an expert then why make such a ridiculous comment Lackland already hosts PJ and CCT training why is moving TACP there a bad idea
TJ, Texas
1/10/2013 7:51:07 AM ET I am not an expert in TACP operations but I think these choices are luduicrous.
