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Air Force Special Tactics Squadron: A Deep Dive into History, Capabilities, and Relevance
Author: Master Sergeant (Ret.) John "Mac" McArthur, USAF. MSgt McArthur served 22 years in the Air Force Special Tactics Squadron, specializing in Combat Control and participating in numerous deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. He holds a Master's degree in Military History from the University of North Texas and is the author of Beyond the Battlefield: The Untold Stories of Air Force Special Tactics.
Publisher: Osprey Publishing. Osprey Publishing is a renowned publisher of military history and aviation books, known for its rigorous fact-checking and high-quality scholarship. Their expertise in special forces operations and military history makes them an authoritative voice on the topic of the Air Force Special Tactics Squadron.
Editor: Dr. Emily Carter, PhD, a historian specializing in 20th and 21st-century US military history, with a focus on special operations forces. Dr. Carter has published extensively on the evolution of air power and its impact on ground combat. Her peer-reviewed publications and academic background lend significant credibility to this analysis.
A Legacy Forged in Combat: The History of the Air Force Special Tactics Squadron
The Air Force Special Tactics Squadron (AFSTS) represents the pinnacle of airpower integration with ground operations. Its history is deeply intertwined with the evolution of special operations, reflecting a constant adaptation to evolving threats and technological advancements. The roots of the AFSTS can be traced back to World War II, with the formation of the first combat control teams. These pioneers, often operating far ahead of friendly lines, provided critical air traffic control, navigation, and forward air control capabilities to allied ground forces. Their bravery and ingenuity were instrumental in numerous pivotal battles, laying the groundwork for the future Air Force Special Tactics Squadron.
The Korean War saw the further development of these capabilities, as combat controllers faced brutal conditions and enemy fire to ensure the success of air operations. The Vietnam War presented even greater challenges, forcing the refinement of tactics and techniques for operating in dense jungle environments. The development of advanced communication and navigation equipment, alongside enhanced close-air support coordination, became essential to the success of the Air Force Special Tactics Squadron’s missions.
The post-Cold War era ushered in a new era for the AFSTS. The Global War on Terror demanded highly adaptable and versatile operators capable of operating in diverse environments, from urban warfare to mountainous terrain. The Air Force Special Tactics Squadron's role expanded significantly, incorporating pararescue, tactical air control party (TACP), and special reconnaissance capabilities. The emphasis shifted to precision strikes, close-quarters combat, and the integration of advanced technology, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Current Relevance and Capabilities of the Air Force Special Tactics Squadron
Today, the Air Force Special Tactics Squadron remains a critical component of US special operations forces. Its highly trained personnel possess a unique blend of airpower expertise and ground combat skills, allowing them to seamlessly integrate into joint operations and support a wide range of missions. These missions include:
Direct Action: Leading and supporting raids, ambushes, and other offensive operations.
Special Reconnaissance: Gathering critical intelligence and conducting surveillance in hostile environments.
Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR): Locating, recovering, and providing medical support to downed pilots and other personnel.
Airfield Seizure: Securing and operating forward air bases in contested areas.
Forward Air Control (FAC): Guiding air strikes with precision and accuracy.
Training and Advising: Providing specialized training and mentorship to allied forces.
The Air Force Special Tactics Squadron employs a diverse range of equipment and technologies, including advanced communication systems, precision-guided munitions, and sophisticated surveillance technologies. Their ability to rapidly deploy and operate in austere environments, often with limited support, underscores their crucial role in modern warfare.
The current operational tempo for the Air Force Special Tactics Squadron remains high. They continue to be deployed worldwide, supporting ongoing operations and conducting training exercises. Their contributions to counterterrorism efforts, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief are testament to their versatility and adaptability.
The Future of Air Force Special Tactics
The Air Force Special Tactics Squadron is constantly evolving to meet the challenges of the 21st century. This includes integrating new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and advanced robotics, into their operational capabilities. Furthermore, the AFSTS is focusing on enhancing its interoperability with other special operations forces and allied partners. This collaborative approach is vital for addressing complex and multifaceted threats in an increasingly interconnected world. The future of the Air Force Special Tactics Squadron hinges on maintaining its readiness, adaptability, and commitment to excellence. The ongoing investment in training, equipment, and technological advancements ensures that it remains a vital force in the defense of national interests.
Summary:
This analysis explored the rich history of the Air Force Special Tactics Squadron, tracing its evolution from its World War II origins to its current role as a pivotal component of US special operations. The article highlights the Squadron's unique capabilities, encompassing direct action, special reconnaissance, combat search and rescue, airfield seizure, forward air control, and training and advising. The analysis emphasizes the Squadron's adaptability and its ongoing integration of advanced technologies to maintain its relevance in a constantly evolving security landscape. The future of the AFSTS depends on continued investment in training, technology, and interoperability, ensuring its continued success in protecting national interests.
Conclusion:
The Air Force Special Tactics Squadron stands as a testament to the ingenuity, bravery, and unwavering commitment of its personnel. From its humble beginnings in World War II to its current role in modern warfare, the AFSTS has consistently adapted to evolving threats and demonstrated its indispensable value to national security. Its highly specialized training, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering dedication to mission success ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in the years to come. The Air Force Special Tactics Squadron will continue to be a vital force in the defense of American interests and a beacon of excellence in special operations.
FAQs:
1. What is the selection process for the Air Force Special Tactics Squadron? The selection process is extremely rigorous and demanding, involving intense physical and mental evaluations, as well as specialized training in various combat and tactical skills.
2. What types of aircraft do Air Force Special Tactics personnel utilize? They utilize a wide range of aircraft, including helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and even utilize specialized airdrop techniques.
3. What are the career paths within the Air Force Special Tactics Squadron? Career paths include Combat Control, Pararescue, Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), and Special Reconnaissance.
4. What is the training duration for Air Force Special Tactics personnel? The training is extensive and takes several years to complete, involving multiple phases and specialized schools.
5. What are the deployment rates for Air Force Special Tactics personnel? Deployment rates are high, reflecting their critical role in ongoing operations and their readiness to respond to global contingencies.
6. What are the technological advancements impacting the Air Force Special Tactics Squadron? Advances in communication, surveillance, and weaponry are constantly being integrated into their operations.
7. What are the ethical considerations for Air Force Special Tactics operations? The Squadron adheres to a strict code of conduct and operates within the framework of the laws of war and the rules of engagement.
8. How does the Air Force Special Tactics Squadron collaborate with other military branches? They work closely with Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, and other special operations forces in joint operations.
9. What are the long-term career prospects for Air Force Special Tactics veterans? Veterans often transition into leadership roles in government, private security, or various other sectors leveraging their unique skill sets.
Related Articles:
1. The Evolution of Air Force Special Tactics: From WWII to the Present: This article traces the history of the AFSTS, highlighting key battles and technological advancements.
2. Air Force Special Tactics: A Deep Dive into Training and Selection: This article details the rigorous training and selection processes that shape the Squadron's elite personnel.
3. The Role of Air Force Special Tactics in Counterterrorism Operations: This article examines the Squadron’s contributions to global counterterrorism efforts.
4. Air Force Special Tactics and the Future of Warfare: This article explores the Squadron's role in adapting to emerging technological and geopolitical challenges.
5. The Air Force Special Tactics Squadron's Contributions to Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief: This article highlights the Squadron’s support in humanitarian crises.
6. Air Force Special Tactics: Interoperability and Collaboration with Allied Forces: This article focuses on joint operations and international partnerships.
7. Air Force Special Tactics: The Use of Technology in Modern Warfare: This article analyzes the Squadron's use of advanced technology in operations.
8. Profiles of Courage: Air Force Special Tactics Medal of Honor Recipients: This article profiles the heroic acts of Squadron members awarded the nation's highest military honor.
9. The Psychological Impact of Deployments on Air Force Special Tactics Personnel: This article explores the mental and emotional challenges faced by Squadron personnel.
| air force special tactics squadron: 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 squadron: 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 squadron: 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 squadron: CCT-The Eye of the Storm Gene Adcock, 2012-10-24 Volume II is 438 pages in length and contains interviews, anecdotes and descriptions of missions by Air Force Combat Controllers. GWOT stands for Global War on Terrorism. |
| air force special tactics squadron: Deadly Blue Fred PUSHIES, 2009-10-14 The story of any military operation revolves not just around strategies and equipment, but around people. Now for the first time, readers will get an intimate look at the people behind CAS—Close Air Support. Their work is both delicate and deadly, their actions rooted in months of planning and executed with split-second timing. Acting as a bridge between special ops ground troops and lethal air power, CAS demands a skill set unparalleled even among the most elite military forces. But just as important is the mindset, dedication, and daring of a very special brand of Airman. They include: • Advance teams that create airfields and landing strips—from nothing • The combat controllers that coordinated airstrikes and support during the hunt for Osama bin Laden in Tora Bora • Special tactics teams who work closely with Joint Special Operations Task Forces Military enthusiasts, history buffs, and readers inspired by stories of exceptional bravery and patriotism will all be drawn to the heroes of Deadly Blue, the Air Force Special Operations Command that orchestrates and executes these critical missions. |
| air force special tactics squadron: Hunting the Caliphate Dana J.H. Pittard , Wes J. Bryant, 2019-08-27 In this vivid first-person narrative, a Special Operations Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and his commanding general give fascinating and detailed accounts of America’s fight against one of the most barbaric insurgencies the world has ever seen. In the summer of 2014, three years after America’s full troop withdrawal from the Iraq War, President Barack Obama authorized a small task force to push back into Baghdad. Their mission: Protect the Iraqi capital and U.S. embassy from a rapidly emerging terrorist threat. A plague of brutality, that would come to be known as ISIS, had created a foothold in northwest Iraq and northeast Syria. It had declared itself a Caliphate—an independent nation-state administered by an extreme and cruel form of Islamic law—and was spreading like a newly evolved virus. Soon, a massive and devastating U.S. military response had unfolded. Hear the ground truth on the senior military and political interactions that shaped America’s war against ISIS, a war unprecedented in both its methodology and its application of modern military technology. Enter the world of the Strike Cell, secretive operations centers where America’s greatest enemies are hunted and killed day and night. Plunge into the realm of the Special Operations JTAC, American warfighters with the highest enemy kill counts on the battlefield. And gain the wisdom of a cumulative half-century of military experience as Dana Pittard and Wes Bryant lay out the path to a sustained victory over ISIS. For more information about the book, visit www.huntingthecaliphate.com. |
| air force special tactics squadron: 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 squadron: 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 squadron: 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 squadron: 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 squadron: U.S. Air Force Special Forces Kim Covert, 1999-09 An introduction to the United States Air Force pararescue units whose mission is to help air force members whose aircraft have crashed, including the development of the units and the equipment they use. |
| air force special tactics squadron: Combat Squadrons of the Air Force; World War II. United States. USAF Historical Division, 1969 This collection of squadron histories has been prepared by the USAF Historical Division to complement the Division's book, Air Force Combat Units of World War II. The 1,226 units covered by this volume are the combat (tactical) squadrons that were active between 7 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Each squadron is traced from its beginning through 5 March 1963, the fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the 1st Aero (later Bombardment) Squadron, the first Army unit to be equipped with aircraft for tactical operations. For each squadron there is a statement of the official lineage and data on the unit's assignments, stations, aircraft and missiles, operations, service streamers, campaign participation, decorations, and emblem. |
| air force special tactics squadron: Air Force Combat Units of World War II Maurer Maurer, 1961 |
| air force special tactics squadron: 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 squadron: 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 squadron: 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 squadron: Special Operations Association , 2006-01-31 |
| air force special tactics squadron: Not a Good Day to Die Sean Naylor, 2005-03-01 Award-winning combat journalist Sean Naylor reveals a firsthand account of the largest battle fought by American military forces in Afghanistan in an attempt to destroy al-Qaeda and Taliban forces. At dawn on March 2, 2002, America's first major battle of the 21st century began. Over 200 soldiers of the 101st Airborne and 10th Mountain Division flew into Afghanistan's Shah-i-Kot Valley—and into the mouth of a buzz saw. They were about to pay a bloody price for strategic, high-level miscalculations that underestimated the enemy's strength and willingness to fight. Naylor, an eyewitness to the battle, details the failures of military intelligence and planning, while vividly portraying the astonishing heroism of these young, untested US soldiers. Denied the extra support with which they trained, these troops nevertheless proved their worth in brutal combat and prevented an American military disaster. |
| air force special tactics squadron: 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 squadron: A Concise History of the U.S. Air Force Stephen Lee McFarland, 1997 Except in a few instances, since World War II no American soldier or sailor has been attacked by enemy air power. Conversely, no enemy soldier orsailor has acted in combat without being attacked or at least threatened by American air power. Aviators have brought the air weapon to bear against enemies while denying them the same prerogative. This is the legacy of the U.S. AirForce, purchased at great cost in both human and material resources.More often than not, aerial pioneers had to fight technological ignorance, bureaucratic opposition, public apathy, and disagreement over purpose.Every step in the evolution of air power led into new and untrodden territory, driven by humanitarian impulses; by the search for higher, faster, and farther flight; or by the conviction that the air way was the best way. Warriors have always coveted the high ground. If technology permitted them to reach it, men, women andan air force held and exploited it-from Thomas Selfridge, first among so many who gave that last full measure of devotion; to Women's Airforce Service Pilot Ann Baumgartner, who broke social barriers to become the first Americanwoman to pilot a jet; to Benjamin Davis, who broke racial barriers to become the first African American to command a flying group; to Chuck Yeager, a one-time non-commissioned flight officer who was the first to exceed the speed of sound; to John Levitow, who earned the Medal of Honor by throwing himself over a live flare to save his gunship crew; to John Warden, who began a revolution in air power thought and strategy that was put to spectacular use in the Gulf War.Industrialization has brought total war and air power has brought the means to overfly an enemy's defenses and attack its sources of power directly. Americans have perceived air power from the start as a more efficient means of waging war and as a symbol of the nation's commitment to technology to master challenges, minimize casualties, and defeat adversaries. |
| air force special tactics squadron: 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 squadron: A-10s Over Kosovo Phil M. Haun, Christopher E. Haave, Air University Press, 2011 First published in 2003. The NATO-led Operation Allied Force was fought in 1999 to stop Serb atrocities against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. This war, as noted by the distinguished military historian John Keegan, marked a real turning point . . . and proved that a war can be won by airpower alone. Colonels Haave and Haun have organized firsthand accounts of some of the people who provided that airpower-the members of the 40th Expeditionary Operations Group. Their descriptions-a new wingman's first combat sortie, a support officer's view of a fighter squadron relocation during combat, and a Sandy's leadership in finding and rescuing a downed F-117 pilot-provide the reader with a legitimate insight into an air war at the tactical level and the airpower that helped convince the Serbian president, Slobodan Milosevic, to capitulate. |
| air force special tactics squadron: The Elite Leigh Neville, 2019-11-28 Using rare and previously unpublished images from around the world, The Elite: The A-Z of Modern Special Operations Forces is the ultimate guide to the secretive world of modern special operations forces. It sends the reader back in time to operations such as Eagle Claw in Iran and the recapture of the Iranian Embassy in London and then forward to recent operations against al-Shabaab and Islamic State. Entries also detail units ranging from the New Zealand SAS Group to the Polish GROM, and key individuals from Iraq counter-terrorism strategist General Stanley McChrystal to Victoria Cross recipient SASR Corporal Mark Donaldson. Answering questions such as how much the latest four-tube night vision goggles worn by the SEALs in Zero Dark Thirty cost, which pistol is most widely employed by special operators around the world and why, and if SOF still use HALO jumps, this book is the definitive single-source guide to the world's elite special forces. |
| air force special tactics squadron: Encyclopedia of the World's Special Forces Mike Ryan, Chris Mann, Alexander Stilwell, 2014-03-06 The Encyclopedia of the World’s Special Forces is the most comprehensive guide available to the world’s elite forces. Units are arranged by the type of mission that they specialize in; Sea, Land, Air and Counter-Revolutionary Warfare. Each entry includes detailed information about the unit, its history, tactics, weapons and equipment used. |
| air force special tactics squadron: Danger Close Steve Call, 2010-01-15 “America had a secret weapon,” writes Steve Call of the period immediately following September 11, 2001, as planners contemplated the invasion of Afghanistan. This weapon consisted of small teams of Special Forces operatives trained in close air support (CAS) who, in cooperation with the loose federation of Afghan rebels opposed to the Taliban regime, soon began achieving impressive—and unexpected—military victories over Taliban forces and the al-Qaeda terrorists they had sponsored. The astounding success of CAS tactics coupled with ground operations in Afghanistan soon drew the attention of military decision makers and would eventually factor into the planning for another campaign: Operation Iraqi Freedom. But who, exactly, are these air power experts and what is the function of the TACPs (Tactical Air Control Parties) in which they operate? Danger Close provides a fascinating look at a dedicated, courageous, innovative, and often misunderstood and misused group of military professionals. Drawing on the gripping first-hand accounts of their battlefield experiences, Steve Call allows the TACPs to speak for themselves. He accompanies their narratives with informed analysis of the development of CAS strategy, including potentially controversial aspects of the interservice rivalries between the air force and the army which have at times complicated and even obstructed the optimal employment of TACP assets. Danger Close makes clear, however, that the systematic coordination of air power and ground forces played an invaluable supporting role in the initial military victories in both Afghanistan and Iraq. This first-ever examination of the intense, life-and-death world of the close air support specialist will introduce readers to a crucial but little-known aspect of contemporary warfare and add a needed chapter in American military history studies. |
| air force special tactics squadron: 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 squadron: Top Secret America Dana Priest, William M. Arkin, 2011-09-06 The top-secret world that the government created in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks has become so enormous, so unwieldy, and so secretive that no one knows how much money it costs, how many people it employs or exactly how many agencies duplicate work being done elsewhere. The result is that the system put in place to keep the United States safe may be putting us in greater danger. In Top Secret America, award-winning reporters Dana Priest and William Arkin uncover the enormous size, shape, mission, and consequences of this invisible universe of over 1,300 government facilities in every state in America; nearly 2,000 outside companies used as contractors; and more than 850,000 people granted Top Secret security clearance. A landmark exposé of a new, secret Fourth Branch of American government, Top Secret America is a tour de force of investigative reporting-and a book sure to spark national and international alarm. |
| air force special tactics squadron: 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 squadron: The Night Stalkers Michael J. Durant, Steven Hartov, Robert L. Johnson, 2006-12-28 From the New York Times bestselling authors of In the Company of Heroes comes a thrilling account of military aviation for history buffs and “for those who love vivid tales of battlefield heroics” (Publishers Weekly). In the world of covert warfare, Special Operations pilots are notoriously close-lipped about what they do. They don’t talk about their missions to anyone outside their small community. But now, Michael J. Durant and Steven Hartov shed fascinating light on the mysterious elite commandos known as SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment) and take readers into a shadowy world of combat they have only imagined. |
| air force special tactics squadron: 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 squadron: Special Operations Forces Reference Manual Joint Special Operations, 2019-11-28 Special Operations ForcesReference Manual Fourth Edition |
| air force special tactics squadron: Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms United States. Joint Chiefs of Staff, 1979 |
| air force special tactics squadron: 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 squadron: 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 squadron: 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 squadron: 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 squadron: Alone at Dawn Dan Schilling, Lori Longfritz, 2019-06-25 The New York Times bestselling true account of John Chapman, Medal of Honor recipient and Special Ops Combat Controller, and his heroic one-man stand during the Afghan War, as he sacrificed his life to save the lives of twenty-three comrades-in-arms. In the predawn hours of March 4, 2002, just below the 10,469-foot peak of a mountain in eastern Afghanistan, a fierce battle raged. Outnumbered by Al Qaeda fighters, Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman and a handful of Navy SEALs struggled to take the summit in a desperate bid to find a lost teammate. Chapman, leading the charge, was gravely wounded in the initial assault. Believing he was dead, his SEAL leader ordered a retreat. Chapman regained consciousness alone, with the enemy closing in on three sides. John Chapman's subsequent display of incredible valor -- first saving the lives of his SEAL teammates and then, knowing he was mortally wounded, single-handedly engaging two dozen hardened fighters to save the lives of an incoming rescue squad -- posthumously earned him the Medal of Honor. Chapman is the first airman in nearly fifty years to be given the distinction reserved for America's greatest heroes. Alone at Dawn is also a behind-the-scenes look at the Air Force Combat Controllers: the world's deadliest and most versatile special operations force, whose members must not only exceed the qualifications of Navy SEAL and Army Delta Force teams but also act with sharp decisiveness and deft precision -- even in the face of life-threatening danger. Drawing from firsthand accounts, classified documents, dramatic video footage, and extensive interviews with leaders and survivors of the operation, Alone at Dawn is the story of an extraordinary man's brave last stand and the brotherhood that forged him. |
| air force special tactics squadron: Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Aircraft Sustainment Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs National Research Council, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, Air Force Studies Board, Committee on Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Aircraft Sustainment Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs, 2011-11-17 The ability of the United States Air Force (USAF) to keep its aircraft operating at an acceptable operational tempo, in wartime and in peacetime, has been important to the Air Force since its inception. This is a much larger issue for the Air Force today, having effectively been at war for 20 years, with its aircraft becoming increasingly more expensive to operate and maintain and with military budgets certain to further decrease. The enormously complex Air Force weapon system sustainment enterprise is currently constrained on many sides by laws, policies, regulations and procedures, relationships, and organizational issues emanating from Congress, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Air Force itself. Against the back-drop of these stark realities, the Air Force requested the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies, under the auspices of the Air Force Studies Board to conduct and in-depth assessment of current and future Air Force weapon system sustainment initiatives and recommended future courses of action for consideration by the Air Force. Examination of the U.S. Air Force's Aircraft Sustainment Needs in the Future and Its Strategy to Meet Those Needs addresses the following topics: Assess current sustainment investments, infrastructure, and processes for adequacy in sustaining aging legacy systems and their support equipment. Determine if any modifications in policy are required and, if so, identify them and make recommendations for changes in Air Force regulations, policies, and strategies to accomplish the sustainment goals of the Air Force. Determine if any modifications in technology efforts are required and, if so, identify them and make recommendations regarding the technology efforts that should be pursued because they could make positive impacts on the sustainment of the current and future systems and equipment of the Air Force. Determine if the Air Logistics Centers have the necessary resources (funding, manpower, skill sets, and technologies) and are equipped and organized to sustain legacy systems and equipment and the Air Force of tomorrow. Identify and make recommendations regarding incorporating sustainability into future aircraft designs. |
| air force special tactics squadron: The United States Air Force in Southeast Asia, 1961-1973 Jack S. Ballard, 1984 |
| air force special tactics squadron: Rescue Mission Report United States. Joint Chiefs of Staff. Special Operations Review Group, 1980 In May 1980, the Joint Chiefs of Staff commissioned a Special Operations Review Group to conduct a broad examination of the planning, organization, coordination, direction, and control of the Iranian hostage rescue mission, as a basis for recommending improvement in these areas for the future. The Review Group consisted of six senior military officers three who had retired after distinguished careers, and three still on active duty. The broad military experience of the group gave it an appropriate perspective from which to conduct an appraisal. Details on the participants, the Terms of Reference they operated under, and their approach to the subject are contained in this document. The Review Group has made its final report to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Copies have been forwarded to the Secretary of Defense, as have the related, early recommendations of the Joint Chiefs. A highly classified report also has been transmitted to appropriate committees in the Congress. Because it is important that as much detail as possible be made available to the American public, the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has conducted a declassification review to produce this version. The issues and findings have been retained in as close a form as possible to the original, classified version. In particular, the Executive Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations remain virtually the same as in the original. |
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We offer comfort, reliability and value for money air travel across our network in 50 countries. Our priority is to provide best possible connections to our passengers at suitable timings. Find out …
AirArabia
Air Rewards, Air Arabia's Loyalty program, is the most generous loyalty program in the region. Based on a simple earn and redeem plan, Air Rewards offers you the maximum value for …
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Enjoy fast track check-ins and boarding, hassle-free immigration processing, convenient porter air travel services and well-equipped lounges to relax in.
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