Tactical Air Command

Tactical Air Command
Tactical Air Command emblem
Active21 March 1946 – 1 June 1992
CountryUnited States of America
BranchUnited States Army Air Forces
(21 March 1946 – 18 September 1947)
United States Air Force
(18 September 1947 – 1 June 1992)
TypeMajor Command
Garrison/HQLangley Air Force Base
1946 USAAF Tactical Air Command shoulder patch

Tactical Air Command (TAC) is an inactive United States Air Force organization. It was a Major Command of the United States Air Force, established on 21 March 1946 and headquartered at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. It was inactivated on 1 June 1992 and its personnel and equipment absorbed by Air Combat Command (ACC).

Tactical Air Command was established to provide a balance between strategic, air defense, and tactical forces of the post–World War II U.S. Army Air Forces followed by, in 1947, the U.S. Air Force. In 1948, the Continental Air Command assumed control over air defense, tactical air, and air reserve forces. After two years in a subordinate role, Tactical Air Command (TAC) was established as a major command.

In 1992, after assessing the mission of TAC and to accommodate a decision made regarding Strategic Air Command (SAC), Headquarters United States Air Force inactivated TAC and incorporated its resources into the newly created Air Combat Command.