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BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan -- For Air Force Tactical Air Control Party airmen, "The strong will stand, the weak will fall by the wayside," is more than just a motto; it serves as a battle cry.
Wherever American military forces are found, TACP airmen are usually nearby. Unofficially 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.
Although many people have never heard of TACP airmen, they are serving in operations worldwide.
"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 forces soldiers as enlisted terminal attack controllers, TACP airmen provide close-air support aircraft guidance control to increase the capability of ground combat forces.
They are also 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 using 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, Sergeant Lesko said that their primary responsibility is to "hunt bad guys."
"Our job here is to fight for freedom from terrorism," he said. "To fight against the enemies of Afghanistan, and to bring that fight to those who threaten peace."
In the field, tactical controllers wear a battle uniform that is unremarkable, without name or Air Force insignia, rank or unit markings. Instead, their uniforms are adorned with small patches that make them visible to American pilots using special night-vision equipment. Clearly marked on the sleeves and boots is the airman's blood type.
Tactical controllers are ranger- and airborne-qualified, and are proficient in static line and high altitude-low open parachute tactics, plus air assault and scuba.
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.
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.
