combat jobs in the us air force
Air Force

4 Best Air Force Combat Jobs

The United States Air Force (USAF) deploys airmen to battlefields like other branches of the military.

U.S. Air Force military jobs (also known as Specialties, or AFSC’s) that see combat are dangerous yet fulfilling.

Furthermore, some recruits join the military specifically with the intention of seeing action in a war zone.

Is this describes you, consider these 4 Air Force combat jobs when you consider a future in the U.S. Armed Forces:

4 Best Air Force Combat Jobs. Image: https://www.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2000329233/
The best Air Force combat jobs allow you to see action on a battlefield while receiving advanced training in a military specialty. Image: AF.com

Related ArticleHow To Join The US Air Force

#4 – Tactical Air Control Party (TACP)

The United States Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) acts as the special warfare division of the military branch.

The Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) receives highly advanced and specialized training in order to alter the course on the battlefield.

Air Force TACP specialists may work alongside U.S. Army and Marine Corps units on the front lines of conflict.

air force tacp is considered a special ops job
TACP’s get ready to call in a close air support airstrike. Image: Af.mil

They have the responsibility of calling in airstrikes as well as locating the coordinates of targets.

Air Force TACP specialists have an extraordinary responsibility and their decisions can change the direction of the conflict for better or worse.

Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) personnel are incredibly well trained and mentally tough.

Along with receiving your high school diploma (or GED equivalent), you must complete the TACP Physical Ability and Stamina Test to qualify for the training program.

U.S. Air Force TACP Specialists are traditionally younger, however, enlistment is open until the age of 39.

Recruits must complete Basic Military Training along with advanced AF specialty courses.

The unit receives training at Lackland AFB (San Antonio) along with Airborne School (Georgia) and Sere Training (Washington).

Air Force service members also must score a minimum of 30 on the TACP selection model (through the Tailored Adaptive Personality Assessment System).

The USAF will look into your personal character and background to receive military security clearance.

Thus, if you are looking to serve the country in special warfare, the U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party is a military career worth considering.

It is easily one of the 4 best combat jobs in the Air Force.

Related Article10 Best Air Force Jobs For Civilian Life 

#3 – Combat Controller (CCT)

air force combat controllers - cct
Image: Af.mil

The United States Air Force (USAF) relies on the Combat Controller (CCT) division for some of its most difficult operations.

Air Force Combat Controllers (CCT) conduct missions in remote, traditionally hostile parts of the world.

They serve as one-man units that may work alongside other special forces when necessary.

The U.S. Air Force Combat Controllers are highly specialized and advanced airmen in combat zones.

They have the ability to parachute from the air as well as scuba through the water.

Air Force CCT Specialists are also FAA-certified air traffic controllers.

Therefore, they may establish air control in the region they are conducting operations.

Lastly, Air Force CCT Specialists may provide backup fire support during combat missions.

You need to complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) as well as receive a high school diploma to enlist with the USAF.

New recruits that would like to become Combat Controllers (CCT) must pass the Air Force Physical Ability and Stamina Test.

They also need to have a clean background and history (for security clearance), pass the Tailored Adaptive Personality Assessment System, as well as have normal color vision and depth perception.

Air Force Combat Controllers begin their military journey at USAF Basic Military Training (BMT).

Secondly, they must complete a Special Warfare Preparatory Course prior to receiving advanced training for scuba and parachuting.

The Air Traffic Control course takes place at Keesler AFB (Mississippi) and nearly lasts 3 months.

You can learn more about one of the best Air Force combat jobs by requesting more information from a local recruiter.

Related Article4 Steps For Visiting An Air Force Recruiter Near You

#2 – Special Reconnaissance (SR)

air force special operations
U.S. Air Force Special Warfare personnel focus on a specific job skill while also providing cover fire if necessary during a mission. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Air Force Special Reconnaissance (SR) serves as another one of the best military jobs for combat in the branch.

For this reason, the United States Air Force trains and develops recruits for Special Reconnaissance.

The military branch depends on Special Reconnaissance teams to collect critical information about the enemy.

This may involve acquiring data on target locations or other information that is helpful on the battlefield.

Air Force Special Reconnaissance (SR) personnel work around the clock, often in extreme weather and times of the day to gather information.

They may collect information through a variety of means such as airborne or maritime operations.

Air Force SR Specialists utilize cutting-edge technology to study the enemy and learn more about their actions.

Along with battlefield operations, specialists may also gather data through cyberspace.

You need a high school diploma or GED equivalent to join the United States Air Force.

There are other basic requirements for joining the USAF along with selecting a combat specialty.

USAF Special Reconnaissance Specialists must pass a background check as well as meet physical fitness standards.

SR personnel must be able to swim well underwater as well as complete multiple long-distance runs in a specified period of time.

After completing Air Force BMT, you’ll progress to advanced training for your military specialty.

Air Force Special Reconnaissance recruits attend airborne school and diving school like other Air Force combat jobs.

Related ArticleHow Hard Is Air Force Basic Training?

#1 – Pararescue (PJ)

pj's are considered one of the most elite special ops in the military
Image: Defense.gov

Joining the Pararescue (PJ) team enables you to serve the country in one of the best combat jobs the military branch has to offer.

Air Force Pararescue (PJ) members save injured airmen from conflict zones.

Therefore, they may see combat in their efforts to save and rescue injured personnel.

The Air Force often employs pararescue team members to hostile areas because they are trained as medics as well as combat specialists.

USAF Pararescue (PJ) units medically treat airmen that are injured in battlefields.

Because they may reach injured personnel in a variety of settings, Pararescue team members are extremely well trained.

They learn how to jump out of airplanes and parachute, as well as dive and swim to rescue fellow service members.

Consequently, Air Force Pararescue members can participate in every aspect of a combat mission.

Enlisting in the USAF and joining the Pararescue (PJ) team teaches you the critical skills of a medic, which can help you land a job after you retire from the military.

You do need a higher minimum score on the Tailored Adaptive Personality Assessment System to become a pararescue team member.

Air Force Pararescue Medics receive training for their job skills, but must not be afraid of swimming or parachuting.

They also must have normal color vision and depth perception.

Air Force Pararescue Specialists become certified National Registry for Emergency Medical Technicians via their training.

After completing Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT), pararescue recruits must complete several specialized training courses like other combat jobs in the USAF.

air force careers
Air Force Combat Controllers (CCT) and other airmen that serve the country in Special Warfare keep us all safe and protected. We are eternally grateful for all their hard work and dedication in the field. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Conclusion

The 4 best Air Force combat jobs provide the ideal balance for some airmen.

It allows them to serve the country and keep its citizens safe while also seeing action during duty.

Airmen that decide to perform a combat job have the added risk of injury or death, but can also become heroes in the process.

Nonetheless, the Air Force needs brave young men and women that are willing to put their lives in danger for the benefit of others.

Learn more about Air Force combat jobs by speaking with a local military recruiter.

Rob V.
Air Force Combat Jobs

Air Force Combat Jobs

4.8 out of 5 (57 Ratings)

The Air Force has several combat jobs available to incoming Airmen. Find out what the best combat jobs are in the US Air Force, and how to get them.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally vetted. Learn more.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *