Unable to export as tga

The "save a Copy" process is correct, as noted elsewhere in this thread; however, to save as a Targa (.tga) file your image must be 8 bits (if 16 or 32 bits you will not see the Targa option in save-as or save a Copy menu). 

It's a simple process to switch to 8 bits if needed... in top menu bar, click "Image" > click (or hover over) "Mode" > near bottom of drop-down/fly-out menu you'll see "8 bits/Channel", "16 bits/Channel", and "32 bits/Channel" listed and one of those will have a check-mark next to it... that's the Mode you're currently in.  Simply click on "8 bits/Channel" and then when you go to save a Copy, you will see Targa (.tga) option in drop-down.

This answer is now obsolete. Is there no way to export as a tga? I specifically need this file format for a project(no other will do, none; just to pre-empt the nerds) and there is no information online that I can find.

You have to use Save as in order to save in the Targa format.

This is an obsolete format that doesn't support color management.

Common formats for exporting (web use and general screen viewing) are jpg and PNG.

Jpg is best for photographs, while PNG is best for graphics with solid colors.