Tanker Airlift Control Element

"TALCE"

 

(Jul 2002)

By: TSGT DAVID J. GINTER
512TH ALCF COMM/AGE SECTION

 

I appreciate the opportunity.  Basically, TALCE is an acronym for Tanker Airlift Control Element.  The TALCE's job is to set up complete airfield operations in locations where USAF Command and Control (C2) does not exist to include Aircraft Maintenance, Aerial Port, Command Post, Loadmasters, and Communications specialties.  TALCE's are usually attached to AMS Squadrons (Air Mobility Squadrons) found in 2 main locations, Travis AFB in California and McGuire AFB in New Jersey, although there are additional smaller units around the world and a bunch of Reserve units.  Full TALCE's deploy with a MARC (Mobile Air Reporting & Communications Shelter) which is a 2 in 1 shelter that has been modified with communication equipment and environmental systems.  2 AGE mechanics are assigned to each MARC to maintain the electrical/environmental systems and the 2 MEP generators that accompany it.  In addition to the MARC there is a bare base package that can also be deployed with this package capable of housing 300 individuals, all the equipment (Showers, heaters, air conditioners, tents, and generators) attached to this package is also maintained by the AGE mechanics.  In many cases a bunch of AGE equipment will be deployed to the location you are processing aircraft and the MARC assigned AGE mechanics will dispatch, maintain, and service this equipment as well as there assigned duties.

Normally AGE mechanics in this special duty are selected by the weight of their EPR's and the results of a personal interview with the shop NCOIC or unit Commander.  Because of this, I can say that all the AGE mechanics that I have had the pleasure of working with in the TALCE have been the best in the business, bar none.

When an AGE mechanic first arrives in the Squadron they are awarded a 090 SEI (Special Experience Indicator) on there AFSC.  They are given another set of training records with about 500 additional tasks that they are required to learn in a 6 month time frame.  When they are signed off on those additional tasks and recommended by there commander they will be awarded a 191 SEI and be fully CADRE qualified.  When you are CADRE qualified you, as an AGE mechanic, are supposed to be able to do any job associated with the MARC (Ops, Comm, Flight Following, Load Planning, Aerial Port, and AGE).

The TALCE AGE Community is a hard place to get to but I believe it's one of the most rewarding jobs an AGE mechanic could ever have.  I spent quite a few years on the flightline and loved it, but after spending a few years here it would be hard for me to go back.

TSGT DAVID J. GINTER

TALCE Portal 

Submitted by Mike Rhodes

The idea behind this site was to have a place where we could chat, leave message, and find old TALCE member. The Site has a forum, if you have any new channels or main categories you would like to see added, please drop us a line. We are going to have a photo gallery where we can upload pictures for all to browse and download. We currently have a teamspeak server for our VOIP (Voice over IP) needs. It allows folks to talk over the internet, using a microphone connected to your computer. Look for direction on how to set that up in the forums. We are always open to new ideas, so if you have any please send us a mail.

The below links give a little history on the TALCE mission and on the TALCE alumni site. There are some good pictures of some MARCS and personnel deployed.

TALCE Pictures

TALCE Patch Gallery