Tactical Air Command trains its crews in progressive phases. This approach not only saves money, but also increases combat capability. The first phase, Lead-In Training, uses the AT-38 to teach young aircrews the basic skills needed to fly today's modern fighter aircraft. During the next phase (Initial Qualification), aircrews transfer the basic skills learned during Lead-In Training to front-line combat aircraft. The Mission Qualification phase adapts fighter skills to specific unit missions. Following Mission Qualification training, aircrews are certified ready to perform their unit's combat mission, but training is not complete. They continue to learn now tactics/skills and improve those learned previously in the Continuation Training phase. Thus, training in TAC is a continuous process, one that steps progressively from the basics of fighter aviation to the most advanced skills needed to defeat any enemy.
