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Air Force Special Tactics Officer: The Pinnacle of Airpower Integration
Author: Master Sergeant (Retired) John "Mac" McMillan, USAF. MSgt McMillan served 22 years in the Air Force, 15 of those years within Special Tactics, specializing in Combat Control and serving multiple combat deployments. He holds a Master's Degree in Military History from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and has extensive experience in training and operational planning within Special Tactics.
Publisher: Warrior Publications, a leading publisher specializing in military history, operational tactics, and special forces literature. They are known for their rigorous fact-checking and in-depth analysis of elite military units.
Editor: Dr. Emily Carter, PhD. Dr. Carter holds a PhD in Military Sociology from Georgetown University and has published extensively on the evolution and impact of special operations forces. She has over 10 years of experience editing military-focused publications.
Keywords: Air Force Special Tactics Officer, Special Tactics, AFSOC, Combat Control, Tactical Air Control Party, Pararescue, Special Operations, Military Aviation, Special Warfare, Air Force Special Operations Command, Elite Military, Air Force Careers.
Introduction: The Elite World of the Air Force Special Tactics Officer
The Air Force Special Tactics Officer (AF STO) represents the pinnacle of airpower integration within special operations. These officers are not simply pilots or administrators; they are highly trained leaders who directly engage in the most challenging and dangerous missions globally. They lead, coordinate, and execute complex operations, integrating airpower with ground forces to achieve strategic objectives. This article will delve into the diverse roles, training methodologies, and operational approaches of the Air Force Special Tactics Officer.
The Unique Roles within Special Tactics
The Air Force Special Tactics Officer isn't confined to a single specialty. Rather, they lead and manage teams comprised of highly specialized enlisted personnel across multiple career fields:
Combat Control (CCT): CCTs are the airpower specialists, responsible for establishing and managing airfields in austere environments, controlling air traffic under fire, and providing precision air support coordination. The AF STO working with CCT teams leads and manages these complex operations, ensuring seamless integration with other units.
Tactical Air Control Party (TACP): TACP personnel are the forward air controllers, embedded with ground troops to provide close air support (CAS) and precision strike coordination. The AF STO working with TACP teams guides and supports these critical elements in fast-paced, high-pressure situations.
Pararescue (PJ): PJs are the elite combat medics of the Air Force. They perform personnel recovery, medical evacuation, and combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations. The AF STO works in conjunction with PJ teams to ensure the safety and recovery of personnel, coordinating air support for their often-dangerous missions.
Training and Selection: Forging an Air Force Special Tactics Officer
Becoming an Air Force Special Tactics Officer is an extraordinarily challenging process. Candidates must possess exceptional physical fitness, mental fortitude, and leadership potential. The selection process is highly rigorous and includes:
Initial Officer Training: Candidates first complete Officer Training School (OTS). This builds a foundation of military leadership and tactical knowledge.
Special Tactics Officer Training: Following OTS, candidates undergo specialized training tailored to the unique demands of the AF STO role. This includes intense physical training, advanced leadership courses, and immersion in the operations of CCT, TACP, and PJ teams.
Operational Deployments: Successful completion of training doesn't mark the end; continuous professional development and operational experience are vital for an Air Force Special Tactics Officer. They deploy frequently, leading teams in real-world scenarios, constantly refining their skills and adapting to evolving challenges.
Operational Methodologies and Approaches
The Air Force Special Tactics Officer employs a diverse range of methodologies depending on the mission:
Joint Operations: AF STOs routinely work alongside other special operations forces, as well as conventional military units, across all branches. This requires exceptional interoperability skills and a deep understanding of joint doctrine.
Precision Air Support: A core competency is the precise coordination of air strikes, ensuring the safety of friendly forces while maximizing the effectiveness of airpower. This involves close coordination with airborne and ground elements.
Personnel Recovery: The recovery of downed pilots or isolated personnel is a critical task, often conducted under hostile conditions. The AF STO plays a central role in planning and coordinating these complex, time-sensitive operations.
Combat Search and Rescue: In CSAR operations, the AF STO works closely with PJ teams, coordinating air support and ensuring successful extraction of personnel.
Airfield Seizure and Operation: In high-stakes situations, the AF STO, working with CCT teams, might be tasked with securing and operating improvised airfields under extremely challenging conditions, enabling crucial resupply and reinforcement of ground forces.
The Future of the Air Force Special Tactics Officer
The role of the Air Force Special Tactics Officer is continuously evolving to meet emerging challenges in a complex global security environment. This includes:
Technological Integration: The incorporation of advanced technologies, such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and improved communication systems, is crucial for maintaining operational effectiveness.
Cybersecurity: With the increasing reliance on technology, cybersecurity becomes a critical component of training and operations.
Hybrid Warfare: Adapting to the complexities of hybrid warfare, involving both conventional and unconventional tactics, is crucial for future missions.
Conclusion
The Air Force Special Tactics Officer is a highly skilled, adaptable, and indispensable leader within the Air Force Special Operations Command. Their ability to seamlessly integrate airpower with ground forces, coupled with their exceptional leadership and tactical acumen, makes them a critical component of special operations worldwide. The rigorous training and operational experience ensure that these officers are consistently prepared for the most demanding challenges they face.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between an Air Force Special Tactics Officer and an enlisted Special Tactics airman? The STO leads and manages teams, holding a commissioned officer position with greater responsibility for planning and overall mission execution. Enlisted personnel specialize in specific roles within the teams (CCT, TACP, PJ).
2. What are the physical requirements to become an Air Force Special Tactics Officer? The physical standards are exceptionally rigorous and include demanding physical fitness tests, long-distance runs, and water survival assessments.
3. What is the typical career path of an Air Force Special Tactics Officer? After completing initial training and several operational deployments, STOs may transition into leadership roles within AFSOC, staff positions, or pursue advanced education and specialized assignments.
4. How long does it take to become an Air Force Special Tactics Officer? The entire process, including OTS and specialized training, can take several years.
5. What are the educational requirements for becoming an Air Force Special Tactics Officer? A bachelor's degree is required. A strong academic record is highly beneficial.
6. What types of deployments can an Air Force Special Tactics Officer expect? Deployments are frequent and can range from short-term missions to longer-term operational deployments to various parts of the world.
7. What is the role of an Air Force Special Tactics Officer in a personnel recovery operation? The STO plays a vital coordination and planning role, ensuring seamless integration of air and ground elements for the successful recovery of personnel.
8. What is the significance of the Air Force Special Tactics Officer in modern warfare? They are crucial for effectively integrating airpower into joint and special operations, providing precision support and enabling successful mission accomplishment.
9. Are there any specific skills or experience that are advantageous for applicants hoping to become an Air Force Special Tactics Officer? Previous military experience, participation in high-level athletic competitions, and demonstrated leadership experience are all highly beneficial.
Related Articles:
1. The History of Air Force Special Tactics: A detailed account of the evolution of Air Force Special Tactics from its origins to its current capabilities.
2. Combat Control: The Air Force's Unsung Heroes: A deep dive into the role and training of Combat Controllers within Air Force Special Tactics.
3. Tactical Air Control Party (TACP): Directing Airpower from the Front Lines: An examination of the unique skills and operational challenges faced by TACP airmen.
4. Pararescue: The Elite Combat Medics of the Air Force: A look into the rigorous training and demanding operational environment of Pararescue jumpers.
5. Air Force Special Tactics Officer Leadership and Decision Making Under Pressure: A study of leadership styles and strategies employed by AF STOs in high-pressure scenarios.
6. Technology and the Future of Air Force Special Tactics: An analysis of emerging technologies and their impact on the capabilities of AF STOs and their teams.
7. The Role of Air Force Special Tactics in Counterterrorism Operations: A review of the contribution of AF STOs and their teams in counterterrorism efforts.
8. The Psychological Profile of a Successful Air Force Special Tactics Officer: An exploration of the personality traits and mental resilience required for success in this demanding field.
9. Air Force Special Tactics Officer Career Progression and Opportunities: A guide to the career paths and opportunities available to AF STOs after their initial training and operational assignments.
| air force special tactics officer: Apollo's Warriors Michael E. Haas, 1998-05 Presenting a fascinating insider's view of U.S.A.F. special operations, this volume brings to life the critical contributions these forces have made to the exercise of air & space power. Focusing in particular on the period between the Korean War & the Indochina wars of 1950-1979, the accounts of numerous missions are profusely illustrated with photos & maps. Includes a discussion of AF operations in Europe during WWII, as well as profiles of Air Commandos who performed above & beyond the call of duty. Reflects on the need for financial & political support for restoration of the forces. Bibliography. Extensive photos & maps. Charts & tables. |
| air force special tactics officer: Brothers in Berets Forrest L. Marion, 2018 The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) special tactics community is a small, tight-knit brotherhood of proficient and committed warriors, consisting of special tactics officers and combat controllers, combat rescue officers and pararescuemen, and officer and enlisted special operations weathermen. These warriors have consistently proven themselves to be an invaluable force multiplier throughout history in conflicts around the world. This is their story.--Provided by publisher. |
| air force special tactics officer: Army Techniques Publication Atp 3-21.8 Infantry Platoon and Squad April 2016 United States Government US Army, CREATESPACE INDEPENDENT PUB, 2016-05-23 This publication, Army Techniques Publication ATP 3-21.8 Infantry Platoon and Squad April 2016, provides the doctrinal framework for all Infantry platoons and squads. It provides techniques for employment of Infantry platoons and squads in conducting decisive actions. The principle audiences for ATP 3-21.8 are commanders, staffs, and leaders who are responsible for planning, preparing, executing, and assessing operations of the Infantry platoon and squad. It serves as an authoritative reference for personnel developing doctrine materiel and force structure, institutional and unit training, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Infantry platoon and squad operations. Army Techniques Publication (ATP) 3-21.8 encompasses techniques for the Infantry platoons and squads of the Infantry, Stryker, and Armored brigade combat teams (I, S, and ABCTs). It replaces Field Manual (FM) 3-21.8, published in March 2007, Army Tactics Techniques, and Procedures (ATTP) 3-21.71, published in November 2010, and ATTP 3-21.9, published in December 2010. ATP 3-21.8 provides doctrinal guidance; describes relationships within the platoon and squad; defines organizational roles and functions, capabilities, limitations; and lay outs the responsibilities for platoons and squads during unified land operations. The Infantry platoon and squad is an all-weather, all-terrain unit. Against this backdrop, the Infantry platoon and squad must be ready to adapt to various levels of conflict and peace in various environments. This requires bold, aggressive, resourceful, and adaptive leaders- leaders of character, competence and commitment - who are willing to accept known risks to accomplish the mission. Infantry leaders must use their initiative and make rapid decisions to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. This publication addresses the significant changes in Army doctrinal terminology, concepts, and constructs and proven tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs): Chapter 1 - Organization Chapter 2 - Offense Chapter 3 - Defense Chapter 4 - Stability Chapter 5 - Movement Chapter 6 - Patrols and Patrolling Chapter 7 - Sustainment Appendix A describes the process of troop leading procedures (TLPs). Appendix B describes direct fire planning and control. Appendix C describes indirect fire support planning. Appendix D addresses security. Appendix E describes vehicle employment considerations. Appendix F addresses machine gun employment. Appendix G describes and addresses shoulder-launched munitions (SLMs) and close combat missile systems (CCMS). Appendix H describes obstacle reduction and employment. Appendix I covers chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) operations. Appendix J describes 14 selected battle drills for both the Bradley and Stryker. ATP 3-21.8 applies to the active Army, the U.S. Army National Guard, Army National Guard of the U.S., and the U.S. Army Reserve unless otherwise stated. It is designed for platoon, squad and company level chains of command, company grade officers, senior and junior noncommissioned officers (NCOs), U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) institutions and components, and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. |
| air force special tactics officer: No Room for Error Col. John T. Carney, Benjamin F. Schemmer, 2007-12-18 “John Carney is one of the few heroes I have.” –LT. COL. L. H. “BUCKY” BURRUSS, USA (Ret.) Founding member and Deputy Commander of Delta Force When the U.S. Air Force decided to create an elite “special tactics” team in the late 1970s to work in conjunction with special-operations forces combating terrorists and hijackers and defusing explosive international emergencies, John T. Carney was the man they turned to. Since then Carney and the U.S. Air Force Special Tactical units have circled the world on sensitive clandestine missions. They have operated behind enemy lines gathering vital intelligence. They have combated terrorists and overthrown dangerous dictators. They have suffered many times the casualty rate of America’s conventional forces. But they have gotten the job done–most recently in stunning victories in the war on terrorism in Afghanistan, which Carney calls “America’s first special-operations war.” Now, for the first time, Colonel Carney lifts the veil of secrecy and reveals what really goes on inside the special-operations forces that are at the forefront of contemporary warfare. Part memoir, part military history, No Room for Error reveals how Carney, after a decade of military service, was handpicked to organize a small, under-funded, classified ad hoc unit known as Brand X, which even his boss knew very little about. Here Carney recounts the challenging missions: the secret reconnaissance in the desert of north-central Iran during the hostage crisis; the simple rescue operation in Grenada that turned into a prolonged bloody struggle. With Operation Just Cause in Panama, the Special Tactical units scored a major success, as they took down the corrupt regime of General Noriega with lightning speed. Desert Storm was another triumph, with Carney’s team carrying out vital search-and-rescue missions as well as helping to hunt down mobile Scud missiles deep inside Iraq. Now with the war on terrorism in Afghanistan, special operations have come into their own, and Carney includes a chapter detailing exactly how the Air Force Special Tactics d.c. units have spearheaded the successful campaign against the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Gripping in its battle scenes, eye-opening in its revelations, No Room for Error is the first insider’s account of how special operations are changing the way modern wars are fought. Col. John T. Carney is an airman America can be proud of, and he has written an absolutely superb book. |
| air force special tactics officer: Never Quit Jimmy Settle, Don Rearden, 2017-03-07 The epic memoir of an Alaskan pararescue jumper, Special Forces Operator, and decorated war hero. “That Others May Live” is a mantra that defines the fearless men of Alaska’s 212th Pararescue Unit, the PJs, one of the most elite military forces on the planet. Whether they are rescuing citizens injured and freezing in the Alaskan wilderness or saving wounded Rangers and SEALS in blazing firefights at war, the PJs are the least known and most highly trained of America’s warriors. Never Quit is the true story of how Jimmy Settle, an Alaskan shoe store clerk, became a Special Forces Operator and war hero. After being shot in the head during a dangerous high mountain operation in the rugged Watapur Valley in Afghanistan, Jimmy returns to battle with his teammates for a heroic rescue, the bullet fragments stitched over and still in his skull. In a cross between a suicide rescue mission and an against-all-odds mountain battle, his team of PJs risk their lives again in an epic firefight. When his helicopter is hit and begins leaking fuel, Jimmy finds himself in the worst possible position as a rescue specialist—forced to leave members from his own team behind. Jimmy will have to risk everything to get back into the battle and bring back his brothers. From death-defying Alaskan wilderness training, wild rescues, and vicious battles against the Taliban and Al Qaeda, this is an explosive special operations memoir unlike any that has come before, and the true story of a man from humble beginnings who became an American hero. |
| air force special tactics officer: No Room for Error John T. Carney, Benjamin F. Schemmer, 2002 Part memoir and part history. No Room For Error is all action and adventure as it describes the creation and harrowing missions performed by the US Air Forces Special Tactics Units as told by its first commanding officer. |
| air force special tactics officer: Common Battlefield Training for Airmen Thomas Manacapilli, Chaitra M. Hardison, Brian Gifford, Alexis Bailey, Aimee Bower, 2007-10-16 Air Force members who do not routinely cross a defended perimeter when deployed may not have received sufficient training for doing so when they need to. The authors conducted surveys and interviews to determine the kinds of experiences airmen have had outside the wire, worked with subject-matter experts to categorize them and suggest training levels, and developed a series of recommendations for course content and further areas for study. |
| air force special tactics officer: The Praetorian STARShip : the untold story of the Combat Talon , 2001 Jerry Thigpen's study on the history of the Combat Talon is the first effort to tell the story of this wonderfully capable machine. This weapons system has performed virtually every imaginable tactical event in the spectrum of conflict and by any measure is the most versatile C-130 derivative ever produced. First modified and sent to Southeast Asia (SEA) in 1966 to replace theater unconventional warfare (UW) assets that were limited in both lift capability and speed the Talon I quickly adapted to theater UW tasking including infiltration and resupply and psychological warfare operations into North Vietnam. After spending four years in SEA and maturing into a highly respected UW weapons system the Joint Chief of Staff (JCS) chose the Combat Talon to lead the night low-level raid on the North Vietnamese prison camp at Son Tay. Despite the outcome of the operation the Talon I cemented its reputation as the weapons system of choice for long-range clandestine operations. In the period following the Vietnam War United States Air Force (USAF) special operations gradually lost its political and financial support which was graphically demonstrated in the failed Desert One mission into Iran. Thanks to congressional supporters like Earl Hutto of Florida and Dan Daniel of Virginia funds for aircraft upgrades and military construction projects materialized to meet the ever-increasing threat to our nation. Under the leadership of such committed hard-driven officers as Brenci Uttaro Ferkes Meller and Thigpen the crew force became the most disciplined in our Air Force. It was capable of penetrating hostile airspace at night in a low-level mountainous environment covertly to execute any number of unconventional warfare missions. |
| air force special tactics officer: Special Operations Association , 2006-01-31 |
| air force special tactics officer: Commanding an Air Force Squadron Col Usaf Timmons, Timothy, Timothy T. Timmons, 2012-08-07 The privilege of commanding an Air Force squadron, despite its heavy responsibilities and unrelenting challenges, represents for many Air Force officers the high point of their careers. It is service as a squadron commander that accords true command authority for the first time. The authority, used consistently and wisely, provides a foundation for command. As with the officer's commission itself, command authority is granted to those who have earned it, both by performance and a revealed capacity for the demands of total responsibility. But once granted, it much be revalidated every day. So as one assumes squadron command, bringing years of experience and proven record to join with this new authority, one might still need a little practical help to success with the tasks of command. This book offers such help. “Commanding an Air Force Squadron” brings unique and welcome material to a subject other books have addressed. It is rich in practical, useful, down-to-earth advice from officers who have recently experienced squadron command. The author does not quote regulations, parrot doctrine, or paraphrase the abstractions that lace the pages of so many books about leadership. Nor does he puff throughout the manuscript about how he did it. Rather, he presents a digest of practical wisdom based on real-world experience drawn from the reflection of many former commanders from any different types of units. He addresses all Air Force squadron commanders, rated and nonrated, in all sorts of missions worldwide. Please also see a follow up to this book entitled “Commanding an Air Force Squadron in the Twenty-First Century (2003)” by Jeffry F. Smith, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF. |
| air force special tactics officer: Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms United States. Joint Chiefs of Staff, 1979 |
| air force special tactics officer: Training Success for U.S. Air Force Special Operations and Combat Support Specialties Maria C. Lytell, Sean Robson, David Schulker, Tracy C. McCausland, Miriam Matthews, Louis T. Mariano, Albert A. Robbert, 2018 The U.S. Air Force's special operations and combat support specialties in the enlisted force are among the highest in demand by the service yet have persistently high rates of attrition in their initial skills training, which is called technical training in the Air Force. These high-demand, high-attrition (HDHA) specialties include Combat Control; Explosive Ordnance Disposal; Pararescue; Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape; Special Operations Weather Team; and Tactical Air Control Party. The Air Force has conducted or sponsored several efforts to address training attrition in these specialties over the past several years, yet training attrition remains high. The reasons for high training attrition are interrelated, with size and quality of the recruiting pool, utility of screening tools, and training environment factors all playing a role. This report addresses the broader challenges for implementing new approaches to HDHA specialty recruiting, screening, and development of Air Force candidates, and takes a holistic approach to identifying methods and tools to ll gaps in current processes |
| air force special tactics officer: The Armed Forces Officer Richard Moody Swain, Albert C. Pierce, 2017 In 1950, when he commissioned the first edition of The Armed Forces Officer, Secretary of Defense George C. Marshall told its author, S.L.A. Marshall, that American military officers, of whatever service, should share common ground ethically and morally. In this new edition, the authors methodically explore that common ground, reflecting on the basics of the Profession of Arms, and the officer's special place and distinctive obligations within that profession and especially to the Constitution. |
| air force special tactics officer: No Room for Error Col. John T. Carney, Benjamin F. Schemmer, 2003-09-30 “John Carney is one of the few heroes I have.” –LT. COL. L. H. “BUCKY” BURRUSS, USA (Ret.) Founding member and Deputy Commander of Delta Force When the U.S. Air Force decided to create an elite “special tactics” team in the late 1970s to work in conjunction with special-operations forces combating terrorists and hijackers and defusing explosive international emergencies, John T. Carney was the man they turned to. Since then Carney and the U.S. Air Force Special Tactical units have circled the world on sensitive clandestine missions. They have operated behind enemy lines gathering vital intelligence. They have combated terrorists and overthrown dangerous dictators. They have suffered many times the casualty rate of America’s conventional forces. But they have gotten the job done–most recently in stunning victories in the war on terrorism in Afghanistan, which Carney calls “America’s first special-operations war.” Now, for the first time, Colonel Carney lifts the veil of secrecy and reveals what really goes on inside the special-operations forces that are at the forefront of contemporary warfare. Part memoir, part military history, No Room for Error reveals how Carney, after a decade of military service, was handpicked to organize a small, under-funded, classified ad hoc unit known as Brand X, which even his boss knew very little about. Here Carney recounts the challenging missions: the secret reconnaissance in the desert of north-central Iran during the hostage crisis; the simple rescue operation in Grenada that turned into a prolonged bloody struggle. With Operation Just Cause in Panama, the Special Tactical units scored a major success, as they took down the corrupt regime of General Noriega with lightning speed. Desert Storm was another triumph, with Carney’s team carrying out vital search-and-rescue missions as well as helping to hunt down mobile Scud missiles deep inside Iraq. Now with the war on terrorism in Afghanistan, special operations have come into their own, and Carney includes a chapter detailing exactly how the Air Force Special Tactics d.c. units have spearheaded the successful campaign against the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Gripping in its battle scenes, eye-opening in its revelations, No Room for Error is the first insider’s account of how special operations are changing the way modern wars are fought. Col. John T. Carney is an airman America can be proud of, and he has written an absolutely superb book. |
| air force special tactics officer: Air Force Combat Units of World War II Maurer Maurer, 1961 |
| air force special tactics officer: U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Combat Control School Heritage Foundation, 2022-11-08 The CCT - The Eye of the Storm-series chronicles the exploits of Air Force Special Warfare, Combat Control Teams (CCT). It is told in the form of short stories; many etched by a cocktail of blood, sweat and tears. The Combat Control story began in the de facto Volume I with the appearance of the first CCTs; i.e., command and control teams cobbled together by the WWII U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) for Operation Varsity. The CCT story continued in Volume II, detailing the 21st Century fight in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). Included are two humanitarian missions; operations of epic proportion in Haiti and Japan. In this third volume subtitled - Medal of Honor (MOH) - the CCT story is expanded, incorporating the two previously self-published volumes and adding hundreds of new stories from around the globe. But, with a concentration on operations in southwest Asia; including Afghanistan; now America’s longest war. This volume is an all-inclusive compilation presented as a single, premium publication. The diversity of feature stories, subjects and styles present a well-rounded, unbiased look at the CCT’s view at “the eye of the storm.” Each published PA reporter and volunteer contributor has a by-line in the book. Thanks to all for their remarkable journalistic work. The book is expected to engage a wider-ranging audience of American and allied military elements, families, historians and enthusiasts. More importantly, Medal of Honor celebrates the first-ever award of the Air Force Medal of Honor to a Combat Control patriot and hero. On April 20, 2018 after more than fifteen years technical review and Air Staff deliberation the Medal of Honor for TSgt John Chapman was approved by President Donald Trump. The MOH award ceremonies and associated events are covered in detail near the end of this book. In preparing CCT - The Eye of the Storm - Medal of Honor, the goal was to collect stories from hundreds of sources, written by an even larger band of vetted professionals selected to observe, record and report truths about military units in action. In my mind the U.S. Government Public Affairs Offices were the perfect choice. For that reason, you will find hundreds of PA-generated stories used herein. Through our collective efforts we have published a fair and accurate chronical of USAF Combat Control Team’s stories; exploiting the public domain and declassified accounts. This is a documentary of Air Force Combat Control Teams operating at The Eye of the Storm. Subtitled Medal of Honor; it is the most in-depth CCT history ever published. |
| air force special tactics officer: Combat control operator (AFSC 27350) Guy T. Fagan, 1984 |
| air force special tactics officer: Air Force Officers Vance O. Mitchell, 1996 |
| air force special tactics officer: Warrior's Creed Roger Sparks, Don Rearden, 2019-08-13 The riveting story of how a young boy's upbringing with outlaw culture and charismatic role models forged him into an elite Marine and a decorated Pararescueman. Absence of self is my sword comprises the final line in The Warrior's Creed, a 14th century poem written by an unknown Japanese Samurai, and this is the code Master Sergeant Roger Sparks embodied as a Recon Marine turned Alaskan Pararescueman. A living legend in the military, Sparks first made a name for himself within elite Marine Reconnaissance units. He went on to become an instructor where he trained future Reconnaissance Marines with unorthodox and ancient indigenous warrior techniques. A decade later, the same methods would keep him and others alive, when he hoisted into a maelstrom of violence to rescue an embattled platoon in the rugged mountains of eastern Afghanistan. Introduced to a tough code of honor, family, and brotherhood from birth, Roger Sparks rose to become a distinguished instructor in Marine Reconnaissance and a Silver Star recipient as an Alaska Pararescueman. A raw and exhilarating tale of guts, grit, and heart, Warrior's Creed recounts the hidden side of special operations training, heroic and heartbreaking Alaskan wilderness rescues, and the surreal and deadly rescues during Operation Bulldog Bite in Afghanistan’s Watapur Valley. This powerful and inspirational story is as much of a self-help book as it is an edge of your seat military memoir. Warrior's Creed reveals a motivating and mindful approach to overcoming the odds, facing the impossible, and finding mercy and grace in the aftermath. |
| air force special tactics officer: Sharing Success - Owning Failure: Preparing to Command in the Twenty-First Century Air Force Colonel Usaf David L Goldfein, USAF, David L., David Goldfein, , USAF, 2012-08-17 Command is the ultimate service. It is a time when we have the singular responsibility to create and lead strong Air Force units. A time when our passion for our Air Force and our vision for its future must be overwhelmingly clear. Early in the Developing Aerospace Leaders initiative, we began to focus on the way in which the institution teaches leadership and prepares airmen for command. What we found was a wide range of practices and a wide range of expectations - a complicating factor in today's Expeditionary Aerospace Force. We realize that preparing our officers to command effective, mission-oriented units must be a deliberate process. It must develop our unique airman perspective, creating commanders who are able to communicate the vision, have credibility in the mission area, and can lead our people with inspiration and heart. The foundation of our institution's effectiveness has always been its leaders. Colonel Goldfein's work provides valuable lessons learned and serves as a worthwhile tool to optimize your effectiveness as a squadron commander. This book is a must-read, not only for those selected to command a squadron but for all our young officers, helping them understand what the requirements of squadron command will be. Remember, command is a unique privilege - a demanding and crucial position in our Air Force. Sharing Success - Owning Failure takes you a step closer to successfully meeting that challenge. |
| air force special tactics officer: Strengthening U.S. Air Force Human Capital Management National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, Board on Human-Systems Integration, Committee on Strengthening U.S. Air Force Human Capital Management, 2021-03-02 The USAir Force human capital management (HCM) system is not easily defined or mapped. It affects virtually every part of the Air Force because workforce policies, procedures, and processes impact all offices and organizations that include Airmen and responsibilities and relationships change regularly. To ensure the readiness of Airmen to fulfill the mission of the Air Force, strategic approaches are developed and issued through guidance and actions of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Strengthening US Air Force Human Capital Management assesses and strengthens the various U.S. Air Force initiatives and programs working to improve person-job match and human capital management in coordinated support of optimal mission capability. This report considers the opportunities and challenges associated with related interests and needs across the USAF HCM system as a whole, and makes recommendations to inform improvements to USAF personnel selection and classification and other critical system components across career trajectories. Strengthening US Air Force Human Capital Management offers the Air Force a strategic approach, across a connected HCM system, to develop 21st century human capital capabilities essential for the success of 21st century Airmen. |
| air force special tactics officer: The Noncommissioned Officer and Petty Officer Department of Defense, National Defense University Press, 2020-02-10 The Noncommissioned Officer and Petty Officer BACKBONE of the Armed Forces. Introduction The Backbone of the Armed Forces To be a member of the United States Armed Forces--to wear the uniform of the Nation and the stripes, chevrons, or anchors of the military Services--is to continue a legacy of service, honor, and patriotism that transcends generations. Answering the call to serve is to join the long line of selfless patriots who make up the Profession of Arms. This profession does not belong solely to the United States. It stretches across borders and time to encompass a culture of service, expertise, and, in most cases, patriotism. Today, the Nation's young men and women voluntarily take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and fall into formation with other proud and determined individuals who have answered the call to defend freedom. This splendid legacy, forged in crisis and enriched during times of peace, is deeply rooted in a time-tested warrior ethos. It is inspired by the notion of contributing to something larger, deeper, and more profound than one's own self. Notice: This is a printed Paperback version of the The Noncommissioned Officer and Petty Officer BACKBONE of the Armed Forces. Full version, All Chapters included. This publication is available (Electronic version) in the official website of the National Defense University (NDU). This document is properly formatted and printed as a perfect sized copy 6x9. |
| air force special tactics officer: Relentless Strike Sean Naylor, 2015-09-01 The New York Times Bestseller and Winner of the 2015 Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Award for Unit History. Since the attacks of September 11, one organization has been at the forefront of America's military response. Its efforts turned the tide against al-Qaida in Iraq, killed Bin Laden and Zarqawi, rescued Captain Phillips and captured Saddam Hussein. Its commander can direct cruise missile strikes from nuclear submarines and conduct special operations raids anywhere in the world. Relentless Strike tells the inside story of Joint Special Operations Command, the secret military organization that during the past decade has revolutionized counterterrorism, seamlessly fusing intelligence and operational skills to conduct missions that hit the headlines, and those that have remained in the shadows-until now. Because JSOC includes the military's most storied special operations units-Delta Force, SEAL Team 6, the 75th Ranger Regiment-as well as America's most secret aviation and intelligence units, this is their story, too. Relentless Strike reveals tension-drenched meetings in war rooms from the Pentagon to Iraq and special operations battles from the cabin of an MH-60 Black Hawk to the driver's seat of Delta Force's Pinzgauer vehicles as they approach their targets. Through exclusive interviews, reporter Sean Naylor uses his unique access to reveal how an organization designed in the 1980s for a very limited mission set transformed itself after 9/11 to become the military's premier weapon in the war against terrorism and how it continues to evolve today. |
| air force special tactics officer: History of the Air Corps Tactical School, 1920-1940 Robert T. Finney, 1955 In the 1930s, the Air Corps Tactical School at Maxwell Field, Alabama, was the nurturing ground for American air doctrine. Those who studied and taught there were the same individuals who prepared America for war, and then led its airmen into combat. |
| air force special tactics officer: Special Operations Forces Reference Manual Joint Special Operations, 2019-11-28 Special Operations ForcesReference Manual Fourth Edition |
| air force special tactics officer: Spec Ops William H. McRaven, 2009-02-04 Vice Adm. William H. McRaven helped to devise the strategy for how to bring down Osama bin Laden, and commanded the courageous U.S. military unit that carried it out on May 1, 2011, ending one of the greatest manhunts in history. In Spec Ops, a well-organized and deeply researched study, McRaven analyzes eight classic special operations. Six are from WWII: the German commando raid on the Belgian fort Eben Emael (1940); the Italian torpedo attack on the Alexandria harbor (1941); the British commando raid on Nazaire, France (1942); the German glider rescue of Benito Mussolini (1943); the British midget-submarine attack on the Tirpitz (1943); and the U.S. Ranger rescue mission at the Cabanatuan POW camp in the Philippines (1945). The two post-WWII examples are the U.S. Army raid on the Son Tay POW camp in North Vietnam (1970) and the Israeli rescue of the skyjacked hostages in Entebbe, Uganda (1976). McRaven—who commands a U.S. Navy SEAL team—pinpoints six essential principles of “spec ops” success: simplicity, security, repetition, surprise, speed and purpose. For each of the case studies, he provides political and military context, a meticulous reconstruction of the mission itself and an analysis of the operation in relation to his six principles. McRaven deems the Son Tay raid “the best modern example of a successful spec op [which] should be considered textbook material for future missions.” His own book is an instructive textbook that will be closely studied by students of the military arts. Maps, photos. |
| air force special tactics officer: Air Force Non-Rated Technical Training Lisa M. Harrington, Kathleen Reedy, John A. Ausink, Bart E. Bennett, Barbara Bicksler, Darrell D. Jones, Daniel Ibarra, 2018-01-18 This report identifies opportunities for optimizing processes and policies in the U.S. Air Force nonrated technical training pipeline and recommends process and policy changes that could improve efficiency at all levels. |
| air force special tactics officer: Secretaries and chiefs of staff of the United States Air Force , |
| air force special tactics officer: Professional Military Education for Air Force Officers Air University (U.S.). Press, 1991 |
| air force special tactics officer: Air Force Handbook 1 U. S. Air Force, 2018-07-17 This handbook implements AFPD 36-22, Air Force Military Training. Information in this handbook is primarily from Air Force publications and contains a compilation of policies, procedures, and standards that guide Airmen's actions within the Profession of Arms. This handbook applies to the Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. This handbook contains the basic information Airmen need to understand the professionalism required within the Profession of Arms. Attachment 1 contains references and supporting information used in this publication. This handbook is the sole source reference for the development of study guides to support the enlisted promotion system. Enlisted Airmen will use these study guide to prepare for their Promotion Fitness Examination (PFE) or United States Air Force Supervisory Examination (USAFSE). |
| air force special tactics officer: Special Air Warfare and the Secret War in Laos Air University Press, Joseph D Celeski, 2019-07-02 The story of special air warfare and the Air Commandos who served for the ambassadors in Laos from 1964 to 1975 is captured through extensive research and veteran interviews. The author has meticulously put together a comprehensive overview of the involvement of USAF Air Commandos who served in Laos as trainers, advisors, and clandestine combat forces to prevent the communist takeover of the Royal Lao Government. This book includes pictures of those operations, unveils what had been a US government secret war, and adds a substantial contribution to understanding the wider war in Southeast Asia. |
| air force special tactics officer: Foundation of the Force Mark R. Grandstaff, 1997 A study of how Air Force enlisted personnel helped shape the fi%ture Air Force and foster professionalism among noncommissioned officers in the 195Os. |
| air force special tactics officer: Creech Blue James C. Slife, 2004 Colonel Slife chronicles the influence of the late Gen Wilbur L. Bill Creech7a leader, visionary, warrior, and mentor7in the areas of equipment and tactics, training, organization, and leader development. His study serves both to explain the context of a turbulent time in our Air Force's history and to reveal where tomorrow's airmen may find answers to some of the difficult challenges facing them today. Colonel Slife, who addresses such controversial topics as the development of the Army's AirLand Battle doctrine and what it meant to airmen, is among the first to describe what historians will surely see in years to come as the revolutionary developments of the late 1970s/early 1980s and General Creech's central role. Creech Blue enlightens the Air Force on its strongly held convictions during that period and challenges the idea that by 1990, when Iraq invaded Kuwait, the Air Force had forgotten how to wage a strategic air campaign and was dangerously close to plunging into a costly and lengthy war of attrition had it not been for the vision of a small cadre of thinkers on the Air Staff. In exploring the doctrine and language of the decade leading up to Operation Desert Storm, Colonel Slife reveals that the Air Force was not as shortsighted as many people have argued. |
| air force special tactics officer: The Way of Kings Brandon Sanderson, 2014-03-04 A new epic fantasy series from the New York Times bestselling author chosen to complete Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time® Series |
| air force special tactics officer: The Icarus Syndrome Carl H. Builder, 2017-07-12 At the end of the Reagan era, many in the U.S. Air Force began to express their concerns about the health of their institution. They questioned whether the Air Force had lost its sense of direction, its confidence, its values, even its future. For some, these concerns reflected nothing more than the maturation of the most youthful of America's military institutions. For others it was a crisis of spirit that threatened the hard-won independence of the Air Force. Although the diagnoses for this malaise are as numerous as its symptoms, The Icarus Syndrome points a finger at the abandonment of air power theory sometime in the late 1950s to early 1960s as the single, taproot cause of the problems. That provocative diagnosis is followed by an equally provocative prescription the Air Force must follow to regain its institutional health. Author Carl H. Builder begins with an overview of this crisis of values within the Air Force, along with a litany of concerns about what seems to have gone wrong within that institution. The history of the U.S. Air Force, along with the role played in it by air power theory, is explored and is used to support Builder's thesis. The remainder of the book is an analysis of what went wrong and when, how these wrongs might be corrected, and the challenges for Air Force leadership in the future. Now available in paperback, The Icarus Syndrome will be of great interest to U.S. Air Force professionals, military and aviation historians, and institutional psychologists. |
| air force special tactics officer: Defensive Tactics for Special Operations Jim Wagner, 2008 The techniques and methods that form the basis of military and combat defensive training are detailed in this insightful guide from a personal protection expert. Chapters provide instruction on knife defense, unarmed fighting, weapon retention, and arrest and control techniques. Police and military personnel as well as self-defense instructors and students at all levels will benefit from simple instructions and step-by-step exercises. |
| air force special tactics officer: Defending Air Bases in an Age of Insurgency Shannon Caudill, Air University Press, 2014-08 This anthology discusses the converging operational issues of air base defense and counterinsurgency. It explores the diverse challenges associated with defending air assets and joint personnel in a counterinsurgency environment. The authors are primarily Air Force officers from security forces, intelligence, and the office of special investigations, but works are included from a US Air Force pilot and a Canadian air force officer. The authors examine lessons from Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflicts as they relate to securing air bases and sustaining air operations in a high-threat counterinsurgency environment. The essays review the capabilities, doctrine, tactics, and training needed in base defense operations and recommend ways in which to build a strong, synchronized ground defense partnership with joint and combined forces. The authors offer recommendations on the development of combat leaders with the depth of knowledge, tactical and operational skill sets, and counterinsurgency mind set necessary to be effective in the modern asymmetric battlefield. |
| air force special tactics officer: Brown Bag Lessons Don Alexander, Eric R Jaren, 2012 Brown Bag Lessons, The Magic of Bullet Writing centers on effective bullet writing and guarantees immediate improvement. Skillful writing doesn't have to be difficult. No other book approaches writing the way this book does, and no other book teaches these techniques. After reading this book, you will fully understand how to write strong bullets and why every word matters. In 2003 the author created a seminar to teach a fair and consistent process to evaluate recognition packages. This seminar transformed an entire organization within six months. Since then, the techniques have decisively transformed the writing, recognition, and promotions of every organization applying them. The practices in this book continue to positively impact the Air Force and sister services through professional military education. In addition, the concepts have helped transitioning service members and college students better communicate acquired capabilities and competencies on their résumés. Read on to discover the magic and open your eyes to a brand new way to look at writing. The US Air Force promotion system emphasizes the importance of documenting your very best accomplishments. Under this system, promotion comes from the most recent performance reports, so Airmen must communicate the best accomplishments and not just words that fill the white space. This Magic of Bullet Writing will ensure you know how to articulate not just what you are doing but also convey your strongest competencies and capabilities so the promotion board can fully assess your readiness for promotion. Training materials that correspond to the lessons in this book are available for free download at http: //www.brownbaglessons.com. Are you ready for the magic? |
| air force special tactics officer: Weapon of Choice , 2003 The purpose of this book is to share Army special operations soldier stories with the general American public to show them what various elements accomplished during the war to drive the Taliban from power and to destroy al-Qaeda and Taliban strongholds in Afghanistan as part of the global war on terrorism. The purpose of the book is not to resolve Army special operations doctrinal issues, to clarify or update military definitions, or to be the 'definitive' history of the continuing unconventional war in Afghanistan. The purpose is to demonstrate how the war to drive the Taliban from power, help the Afghan people, and assist the Afghan Interim Authority (AIA) rebuild the country afterward was successfully accomplished by majors, captains, warrant officers, and sergeants on tactical teams and aircrews at the lowest levels ... This historical project is not intended to be the definitive study of the war in Afghanistan. It is a 'snapshot' of the war from 11 September 2001 until the middle of May 2002--Page xv. |
| air force special tactics officer: GTA 31-01-003 Special Forces Detachment Mission Planning Guide Department Of the Army, Luc Boudreaux, 2022-08-06 This publication outlines the planning process as it relates to a Special Forces (SF) operational detachment-alpha (ODA) conducting deliberate planning for special operations. Planning is an essential task common to all aspects of SF operations. More content available at: doguedebordeauxsurvival.com |
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