Tactical Action Officer

The Tactical Action Officer (TAO) is a position in the U.S. Navy that Unrestricted Line (URL) Surface Warfare Officer's (SWO) can hold on certain warships. They are responsible for the tactical decision-making and combat operations of a ship's combat information center (CIC).

History

The position of Tactical Action Officer was formally established as the Navy's naval warfare systems became more complex, particularly following World War II. As modern naval tactics increasingly required rapid decision-making and coordination of various shipboard systems during combat, the TAO role was created to ensure a centralized decision-maker was responsible for the tactical employment of a vessel’s sensors, weapons, and other assets in battle. The need for a dedicated officer with the necessary authority to make quick, informed decisions during combat operations became even more evident with the advent of missile warfare and advanced radar systems during the Cold War.

Duties and responsibilities

The TAO's primary responsibility is to command the ship’s tactical response to potential or active threats, making decisions on weapons release, evasion tactics, and overall mission execution. This includes managing and interpreting data from radar, sonar, and other sensors to identify threats, coordinating the use of the ship’s weapon systems, and advising the commanding officer on tactical options. The TAO must also maintain situational awareness in dynamic, high-pressure environments, balancing immediate threats with broader mission objectives.

The TAO works closely with other senior officers on the bridge and in the CIC, including the Commanding Officer (CO), to ensure effective communication and execution of tactics. In some cases, the TAO may be the final authority on certain tactical decisions, particularly in situations where immediate action is necessary.

Selection and training

To be selected as a TAO, officers must have completed the Navy's surface warfare officer (SWO) training program, which includes various phases of education and hands-on experience with shipboard systems, navigation, and combat operations. Candidates are typically junior officers with several years of experience at sea.

The selection process for the TAO position includes both formal and informal evaluations. Potential TAOs must demonstrate proficiency in shipboard operations, leadership, and tactical decision-making. After being selected, officers undergo specific training tailored to the role, which includes coursework, simulations, and live drills designed to hone their ability to assess threats, make rapid decisions, and lead teams in combat scenarios. This training is conducted at the Surface Warfare Officers School.

The role of TAO is typically filled by a Lieutenant or Lieutenant Commander, but it is also sometimes assumed by senior officers in special circumstances. TAOs are expected to undergo regular refresher training and participate in ongoing exercises to maintain their combat readiness.

In popular culture

In the television series The Last Ship, the TAO was Commander Kara Green, played by Marissa Neitling for the majority of the series.

In the movie Greyhound, the XO Charlie Cole filled the role of TAO in the CiC.