What serves as the backbone of the Air Force's contribution to the theater air ground system (TAGS)?

The Tactical Air Control System (TACS) is fundamental to the Air Force's role in the Theater Air Ground System (TAGS). TACS provides the essential structure for command and control of air operations, enabling the effective integration of air support with ground forces. This system involves various components, including air operations centers and tactical air control parties, which work together to ensure that air power is effectively coordinated to meet ground force requirements.

The importance of TACS lies in its ability to facilitate communication and coordination between air and ground units, thereby enhancing situational awareness and operational effectiveness in combat scenarios. This integrated approach is critical for achieving objectives and ensuring the success of air-ground operations in a theater setting.

The other options, while relevant to the overall operational structure, do not serve as the primary backbone of TAGS. JSTARS is focused on ground surveillance, C2C deals with command and control capabilities, and AFSC refers to the career field structure within the Air Force, which does not directly address the operational command framework for air and ground interoperations.