How to Join — Officer
TACP Officer
19ZXB
Eligibility
- —U.S. citizen, eligible to obtain a Top Secret clearance
- —Able to obtain Special Warfare Airmen (SWA) medical clearance
- —Volunteer for hazardous duty: JTAC and static-line parachuting
- —Outstanding resume and no negative personal history
- —Six-year active duty service commitment upon completion of training pipeline
Phase I — Application Package
A panel of career field experts reviews and ranks all applications submitted by the deadline. The top applicants are invited to attend Phase II. Applications can be submitted at any time, but all requirements must be met by the deadline.
- Cover page— personal info, official photo, commander info, fitness scores
- Initial Fitness Test (IFT) scoresheet
- Personal narrative— one page covering your background, strengths/weaknesses, and why you want to become a TACPO
- Resume— one page, emphasize leadership experience. USAF members must also include their SURF.
- Commander recommendation letter — one page, signed, with specific leadership examples
- Three most recent performance/training reports — include what is available if time in service is short
- Signed medical statement — documenting facility and date of most recent physical exam
Submit your complete application as a single PDF via signed .mil or .gov email (or via DoD SAFE). A Special Warfare Physical is encouraged but not required to apply.
Fitness Standards (IFT)
Selection is extremely competitive — aim well beyond the minimums. Only perfect-form repetitions count. Your IFT should be accomplished within three months of the Phase I due date.
| Event | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Pull-ups (1 min) | 12 reps |
| Sit-ups (2 min) | 75 reps |
| Push-ups (2 min) | 64 reps |
| 3-Mile Run | 22:00 |
| 25m Underwater Swim | 2 x 25m (Pass/Fail) |
| Surface Swim | 500m in 12:30 |
Test order: pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups (2 min rest between each), 10 min rest, 3-mile run, 30 min rest, 2 x 25m underwater swim (3 min cycle), 10 min rest, 500m swim.
Phase II — TOPT
Phase II is a one-week in-person evaluation called TACP Officer Phase Two (TOPT). Attendance is TDY-funded, voluntary, and non-binding. The cadre will observe and take notes on everything you do. These observations, along with input from psychologists and your peers, form the basis for a hiring recommendation. The entry-level ruck march standard is 4 miles in 60 minutes with a 45 lb ruck sack.
- —Extensive psychological testing and interviews
- —Briefing and writing skills evaluations
- —Problem solving and leadership evaluations
- —Ruck marches up to 12 miles
- —Running for distances up to 8 miles
- —Calisthenics sessions
- —Swimming and water confidence events: underwater intervals, mask & snorkel recovery, buddy breathing, treading water
Grounds for elimination: IFT failure, medical DQ, Self-Initiated Elimination (SIE), or Quit by Action (QBA).
After Selection
Selected candidates may receive PCS orders to Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), Chapman Training Annex. TACP Officer Initial Skills Training begins with Special Warfare Assessment & Selection, followed by the Air Force Special Warfare Zulu Course (Combined Skills) at JBSA; Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning; SERE; TACP Officer Basic Course at JBSA; the Joint Firepower Course and Basic ALO Skills Course at Nellis AFB; Formal Training Unit Course at JBSA Camp Bullis / Nellis AFB; and follow-on combat mission readiness training.
Six-year active duty service commitment upon graduation from the training pipeline.