7240 - Tactical Air Control Operator

Summary

Tactical Air Control Operators perform duties that provide air command and control in support of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF), naval, and joint force operations.

They advise on effective use of battle management assets and provide functional expertise and input for activating, employing, deploying, or deactivating battle management systems.

Tactical Air Control Operators manage assigned forces and air operations using voice and data communications, tactical data links, and radar systems.

Tactical Air Control Operators direct aircraft in the execution of the six functions of Marine aviation.

They conduct airspace surveillance and provide appropriate types of positive and procedural control or direction of friendly aircraft in combat airspace.

Tactical Air Defense Controllers coordinate and integrate kinetic and non-kinetic aviation fires into combat airspace.

This includes control of defensive counter air (DCA), offensive counter Air (OCA), and armed interdiction (AI) flights.

Tactical Air Control Operators coordinate and direct electronic warfare (EW), aerial reconnaissance (AR), and aerial refueling missions.

They are also responsible for processing immediate requests for close air support (CAS), casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), assault support (AS) and integrating aviation with other supporting arms and ensuring safety of flight for aircraft throughout the assigned airspace.

During operations, they typically employed the Multifunction Air Operations Center (MAOC), air control elements within the Littoral Anti-Air Battalion (LAAB), and the Tactical Air Command Center (TACC).

During amphibious operations Tactical Air Control Operators can also be employed in the Navy Tactical Air Control Center (TACC Afloat), Supporting Arms Coordination Center (SACC), and Landing Force Operations Center (LFOC), as required.

Prerequisites

Must be a U.S. citizen.

Must have normal color vision.

Must possess a CL score of 100 or GT score of 100 or higher.

Security requirement: secret security clearance eligibility.

12 months time in service remaining at expected graduation date.

Requirements

Complete the Tactical Air Control Operator Course (M0972B1), Twentynine Palms, CA.

POI CID

M0972B1

Duties

For a complete listing of duties and tasks, refer to reference (ltrs), Multifunction Air Operations Center (MAOC) Training and Readiness (T&R) Manual, the Littoral Anti-Air Battalion Training (LAAB) and Readiness (T&R) Manual, and the Tactical Air Command Center (TACC) Training and Readiness (T&R) Manual.

Related SOC Title & Code

Command and Control Center Specialists 55-3015.

Related Military Skill

Tactical Air Defense Controller, 7236.

Air Support Operations Operator, 7242.