2019 Lightning Challenge: TACPs finish strong

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Airmen assigned to the 13th Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Carson, Colo., calculate the distance to a simulated target using a Pocket Laser Range Finder 25C during the 2019 Lightning Challenge at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Aug. 1, 2019. The Lightning Challenge aims to enhance TACP mission readiness, provide feedback concerning unit training effectiveness, and promote warrior spirit through friendly competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Zade Vadnais)

A U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Airman assigned to the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron, Vilseck, Germany, positions an antenna to allow his partner to use a mobile communication system during the 2019 Lightning Challenge at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 30, 2019. The 2019 Lightning Challenge saw 20 two-man teams compete in various challenges in order to identify the highest performer in the TACP career field. (U.S. Air Force by Staff Sgt. Zade Vadnais)

U.S. Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Airmen run toward a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk to be transported to a simulated forward operating base during the 2019 Lightning Challenge at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 30, 2019. During the challenge, TACP Airmen were tested on various career-specific skills such as simulated casualty recovery and weapons accuracy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Zade Vadnais)

A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk carrying U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Airmen takes off toward a simulated forward operating base during the 2019 Lightning Challenge at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 30, 2019. TACP Airmen participating in the challenge were tested on job proficiency through various challenges in order to identify the highest performer in the career field. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Zade Vadnais)

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Airmen assigned to the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Stewart, Ga., treat simulated wounds on a lifesaving skills dummy during the 2019 Lightning Challenge at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 30, 2019. The Lightning Challenge aims to enhance TACP mission readiness, provide feedback concerning unit training effectiveness, and promote warrior spirit through friendly competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Zade Vadnais)

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Airmen assigned to the 10th Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Riley, Kansas, perform fireman carries on lifesaving skills dummies during the 2019 Lightning Challenge at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 31, 2019. TACP Airmen participating in the challenge were tested on job proficiency through various challenges in order to identify the highest performer in the career field. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Zade Vadnais)

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Airmen assigned to the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, provide simulated close air support during the 2019 Lightning Challenge at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Aug. 1, 2019. The 2019 Lightning Challenge saw 20 two-man teams compete in various challenges in order to identify the highest performers in the TACP career field. (U.S. Air Force by Staff Sgt. Zade Vadnais)

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Airmen assigned to the 14th Air Support Operations Squadron, Pope Field, N.C., walk toward the next event after being dropped off by a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk during the 2019 Lightning Challenge at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Aug. 1, 2019. TACP Airmen participating in the challenge were tested on job proficiency through various challenges in order to identify the highest performer in the career field. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Zade Vadnais)

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party Airmen assigned to the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Stewart, Ga., drag simulated casualties to safety during the 2019 Lightning Challenge at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 31, 2019. The 2019 Lightning Challenge marked the first time the week-long competition had been held since 2005. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Zade Vadnais)

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party Airmen run toward a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk to be transported to a simulated forward operating base during the 2019 Lightning Challenge at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 30, 2019. The 2019 Lightning Challenge marked the first time the week-long competition had been held since 2005. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Zade Vadnais)