Marine Corps
AVIATION

MOS

7240

Tactical Air Control Operator

Description

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.

Core Skills

  • airspace and asset tracking
  • command and control systems operation
  • tactical data link operations
  • radar and sensor monitoring
  • radio and voice communications control
  • incident and mission logging
  • real-time decision support
  • multi-system monitoring
  • procedural compliance and checklists
  • situational awareness in high tempo ops
  • briefing and debriefing skills
  • team coordination in command centers

Common Certifications

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certificate
  • Safety Management Systems (SMS) Certification

Civilian Career Paths

  • AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
  • NETWORK OPERATIONS
  • IT MANAGEMENT

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Data sourced from official Marine Corps publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.