Can someone truly enjoy a career as a combat controller if they never intended nor do they have an interest in the air traffic control profession? Is there more to your core job (besides the various insertion methods) that would make a CCT operator or potential operator feel like their not going to stare at a radar station all day long? Its the impression I get, but I know I'm wrong. But when I read the many stories online about their mission, they mostly say "CCT set up an air traffic control station" and then "CCT carried 150lbs worth of gear." So to me, being the ignorant fool that I am, I picture some guy carrying a compact version of the control tower that you see at the airports (being sarcastic).
Anyhow, my interest in CCT comes from wanting to be a special operator in general, but its also because I never knew the air force had a special forces unit until recently and that mystique about it is attractive. But if its about what I said above, then it might not be the field for me. However, if its more about light communications (e.g.: via radio backpack w/headgear), then I can see myself doing that more. So if you (the operators) can, try to help me understand what it takes to do your job specifically relating to my concern, thanks.

First, Pararescue is included in the AF Special Ops realm, as well as Combat Weather...second, ask the Army Special Forces what they think about CCT. Third...Who The **** (WTF) do you think is calling in all those Air Strikes in Afganistan??????<p>As far as CCT staring at a radar screen...its obvious you haven't read the site...they stare at airplanes using AN/PVS-7 or -4949 NVGs...not a "radar screen"...that is part of their training, but far from the mission...CCT is the best when it comes to CFF and tactical ATC...if thats not for you, then so be it...but read the ENTIRE site before you make any "life changing" decisions...

ATC training is the basis for the CCT mission.<p>It provides the ability needed to maintain situational awareness when dealing with aircraft. You won't be looking at a radar screen but it is possible that you will work aircraft in crap weather. This requires you to have the radar screen in your head. You need to "know" where the aircraft are located, where they are headed, possible hazards in that area, what you want the aircraft to accomplish, etc, etc.<p>BTW, you won't be sitting in that chair with airconditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. You operate where needed!

So what is the major difference between TACPs and CCT at the special operations level? Why would one be used over the other? What sets them apart from each other? Again, I'm only talking about SOF TACPs, not conventional.

Read the site...

there is no section on regular TACPs, let alone, SOF TACPs so I cannot do the proper comparisons. Maybe a simple answer would be best if it won't take too much of your server space and is not too much trouble for an operator to answer for me.

Try http://www.romad.com for information on TACP and SOFTACP.

There are huge differences between TACP and CCT, but you can find out all about that anywhere.<p>I plan on cross training into CCT around the end of the year (or as soon as I think I'm in good enough shape) For me, standing in an ATC tower directing air traffic isn't something that gets me excited. I've never thought that would be a really fun thing to do. <p>The reason I want to be CCT is the mission. The idea of what you are doing and what it means. I guess some people are excited by sky diving, scuba diving, etc. Others say those are just means to an end (performing ATC). I like to look at the big picture. For me the big picture isn't just ME parachuting in, ME silently evading the enemy while securing a DZ or calling in air strikes. It's the fact that at the end of the day, the pilot was able to get in and successfully destroy a target because he had a CCT on the ground showing him the way.<p>No one piece of the puzzle makes me want to be a CCT, and it sure ain't the fact that I think I'll just enjoy ATC so much. It's the relevance of what conducting ATC behind enemy lines means and what that means in the big picture. <p>I honestly don't know if there's much else I could do in life that could have more meaning or that I could ever feel like I haven't achieved my full potential. Sorry for rambling...