In TAG, certain roles are classified as Specialist Roles due to the critical impact they have on mission success and unit survivability. These positions require a deeper understanding of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), fast-paced decision-making, and a high level of tactical awareness.

Because of their complexity and responsibility, specialist roles are by application and testing only. Most require additional training, and each is held to the highest standard of conduct, discipline, and performance.

Specialist Role Deployment Rules

Certain specialist roles within the unit are subject to specific deployment constraints to ensure operational effectiveness and realism. These rules are outlined below.

Snipers

• Snipers may only deploy in two-person teams.

• If only one sniper is available for an operation, no sniper element will be deployed.

• If three snipers are available, only two will operate as a sniper team.

  • The remaining sniper will be reassigned to another role or slot as deemed necessary by the Commander.

JTAC / TACP

• A maximum ratio of one JTAC/TACP per two pilots is permitted.

• This restriction does not include 1-8 (Yeti).

• If only one pilot is present on an operation:

  • The TACP element may consist of 1-8 (Yeti) and one additional qualified JTAC or Forward Observer (FO) only.

RTO

• The RTO role may only be active when the following elements are all present on the operation:

  • 1-6

  • 1-7

  • 1-8

  • 1-9

  • Three line squads

Anvil

• Anvil elements may only operate in the field as three-man teams.

• If only one or two Anvil members are available:

  • They are restricted to operating within a designated secure area only.

  • Approved secure areas include:

    • Forward Operating Bases (FOBs)

    • Patrol Bases

    • Any location that is consistently secured and explicitly approved by the Commander 

Merlin

• Merlin personnel may only operate in teams of no fewer than two members.

• A dedicated vehicle or aircraft must be assigned and available for Merlin operations at all times.

• During an operation, Merlin teams are required to:

  • Remain on high readiness at a designated base or approved holding point.

  • Maintain continuous radio communications for the duration of the operation.

• Deployment, movement, or tasking of Merlin elements is conducted at the direction of the Commander and is contingent on operational necessity. 

Pilot

Assigned to the Joint Tactical Air Squadron (JTAS), pilots are responsible for air mobility, close air support, and rapid deployment. Pilots must demonstrate precision flying and strong coordination with ground elements.

Platoon Medic

The backbone of battlefield survivability. Platoon Medics are trained in TAG’s advanced medical SOPs and must perform under pressure in active combat zones.

Stalker

(Sniper Observation Team)
Stalker teams operate in pairs to provide long-range surveillance and precision fire support. Their role is to observe, report, and engage high-value targets from concealed positions — often operating on the edge of the AO in coordination with command. Mastery of camouflage, ballistics, and team-based fieldcraft is essential. 

Squad Leader

Squad Leaders must command with clarity, lead by example, and manage 5–9 man elements in high-pressure situations. Requires deep knowledge of SOPs, comms discipline, and combat leadership.

TACP

(Tactical Air Control Party – JTAC/1-8 Qualified)
Responsible for coordinating Close Air Support (CAS) and integrating air assets into ground operations. TACPs must master target marking, radio procedures, and joint fires coordination.

Merlin

(Quick Reaction Medical Response)
A specialized role under the JTAS umbrella, Merlin units provide rapid medevac and critical care extraction from hostile environments. Requires joint training with Pilots and Medics.

Panther

(Sensor Operator)
Panthers operate advanced reconnaissance systems, drones, and remote sensors to deliver real-time battlefield intelligence to command and recon teams. Precision and multitasking are essential.

Anvil

(Mortar Team)
Anvil teams provide indirect fire support to suppress, destroy, or obscure enemy positions. Operators must be proficient in fire mission calculation, spotting, and coordination with forward observers.

Holding a specialist role means more than just playing a different kit. It means:

• Leading by example

• Maintaining sharp SOP knowledge

• Operating with autonomy — but never outside the mission

• Training regularly to maintain readiness

• Supporting leadership and contributing to mission planning

Specialist roles carry increased visibility and accountability. All TAG members are subject to internal disciplinary review by the Officer Team; however, final decisions rest with Tactical Bootneck (Boot) — the unit’s founder and commander.

“Leadership is earned through trust. Specialist roles are maintained through discipline.”

Respect the process. Follow the chain of command. Set the standard.