Joint Metoc Handboo - IHMC Ontology and Policy Management

8-USAF
operations from Scott AFB, IL. Provides centralized strategic air refueling forecasts
for over-water refueling routes. The TACC's unclassified website is available at
http://tacc.scott.af.mil/directorates/xow/wxhome.asp.
• Air Mobility Element (AME) provides the strategic air mobility C2 element. Monitors
and coordinates USTRANSCOM-assigned strategic air mobility operations supporting
a theater or AOR. In-theater focal point for strategic airlift. Works closely with the
Airlift Coordination Cell to interface strategic airlift with theater airlift. Monitors and
coordinates AMC deployed forces (TTF, TALCE) that support a theater commander.
• Tanker Airlift Control Element (TALCE) is a deployed AMC organization established
at fixed, en route, and deployed locations that remains under AMC operational control
(OPCON). The TALCE provides support to missions transiting locations where
command and control, mission reporting, or required support functions are nonexistent.
A typical TALCE is composed of an operational center and functional area mission
support elements such as weather, aerial port, intelligence and logistics. When existing
weather support is available at a deployed location, additional weather personnel may
not be included with the TALCE. When included in the TALCE, combat weather
teams (CWT) provide “first-in” weather support providing forecasting, observing and
flight weather briefing services. Once a sustaining force is established, weather
support responsibilities will shift from the TALCE to the sustaining force. The number
of personnel assigned to the TALCE CWT is a function of: (1) the capabilities of the
existing weather support infrastructure at the deployed location, (2) rate of strategic
airflow and (3) duration of the mission. A typical TALCE CWT may have one officer
and three dual-qualified forecasters, and may be tailored as required.
• A Tanker Task Force (TTF) will consist of two or more KC-10 or KC-135 aircraft to
provide air refueling support to fighter deployments, air mobility operations,
intercontinental bomber operations, theater employment missions, or training and
exercise requirements. The TTF CWT provides forecasting and observing services
along with staff weather support while remaining under AMC operational control
(OPCON) when deployed outside the CINC's AOR. The number of personnel assigned
to the TTF CWT is a function of: (1) existing weather support at the deployed
location, (2) aircraft sortie rates, and (3) duration of the mission. A typical TTF CWT
may consist of one officer and three dual-qualified forecasters, and may be tailored as
required. The TTF normally changes operational control (OPCON) to the theater when
deployed within the CINC's AOR.
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