Air Force SOF consists of uniquely equipped fixed and
rotary wing aircraft operated by highly trained aircrews
whose missions include insertion, extraction, resupply,
aerial fire support, refueling, combat search and rescue,
and psychological operations.
Weapons systems operated by AFSOC include:
AC-130H Spectre Gunship
AC-130U Spooky II Gunship
EC-130E Commando Solo
MC-130E Combat Talon I
MC-130H Combat Talon II
MC-130P Combat Shadow
HC-130P/N
C-130J
MH-53J Pave Low III
HH-60G Pave Hawk
The Special Tactics Group is comprised of Air Force
Combat Control, Pararescue and Combat Weather personnel
capable of providing terminal guidance for weapons,
control of assault zone aircraft, fire support,
medical support, and weather support. They also
operate expeditionary airfields, conduct classified
missions, and support combat rescue missions.
AFSOC is America's specialized air power. It is a
step ahead in a changing world, delivering special
operations combat power anytime, anywhere.
The command is committed to continual improvement
to provide Air Force special operations forces for
worldwide deployment and assignment to regional
unified commands, conducting the full spectrum
of Special Operations principal missions and
collateral activities.
16TH SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING
The 16th SOW is located
at Hurlburt Field, Florida and is the oldest
and most seasoned unit in AFSOC.
Mission
The wing's mission is to organize, train, and equip
Air Force special operations forces for global
employment. The 16th SOW focuses on unconventional
warfare, including counterinsurgency and
psychological operations during operations other
than war.
Organization
The 16th SOW is the largest Air Force unit under the
Air Force Special Operations Command, the Air Force
component of the US Special Operations Command.
The 16th SOW deploys with specially
trained and equipped forces from each service,
working as a team to support national security
objectives. The 16th SOW manages a fleet of more
than 90 aircraft with a military and civilian
work force of nearly 7,000 people.
8th Special Operations Squadron
15th Special Operations Squadron
The 8th and 15th employ the MC-130E Combat Talon I and
MC-130H Combat Talon II aircraft, respectively,
supporting unconventional warfare missions and
special operations forces. The MC-130 aircrews work
closely with Army and Navy Special Operations Forces.
Modifications to the MC-130 allow aircrews to perform
clandestine missions minimizing the chances of being
detected by hostile radar systems. Both units' primary
missions are day and night, adverse weather, infiltration,
exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces
in hostile or denied territory. In addition, the
MC-130E Combat Talon I is capable of clandestine
penetration of hostile or denied territory to
provide aerial refueling of special operations
helicopters.
9th Special Operations Squadron
This unit is located at nearby Eglin AFB, flies the
MC-130P Combat Shadow tanker for worldwide clandestine
aerial refueling of special operations helicopters.
It has the additional capability of infiltration,
exfiltration, and resupply of special operations.
forces by airdrop or airland tactics.
16th Special Operations Squadron
This unit flies the AC-130H Spectre gunship.
Unique equipment on this modified C-130
enables crews to provide highly accurate firepower
in support of both conventional and unconventional
forces, day or night. Primary missions include close
air support, armed reconnaissance, and air interdiction.
Other missions include perimeter defense, forward air control,
night search and rescue, surveillance, and airborne
command and control.
20th Special Operations Squadron
This unit employs the MH-53J Pave Low III helicopter.
Its specialized mission consists of day or night,
all-weather, low-level penetration of denied
territory to provide infiltration, exfiltration,
resupply, or fire support for elite air, ground,
and naval forces. The unique capabilities of the MH-53J
permit operations from unprepared landing zones.
4th Special Operations Squadron
This unit flies the MH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter.
Its mission is to provide a rapidly deployable,
worldwide, multimission and combat rescue
capability for wartime special operations and
peacetime contingency tasking. It is used to
infiltrate, resupply, and exfiltrate US and
allied special operations forces during long-range,
low-level penetrations of hostile or denied
territory at night.
6th Special Operations Squadron
This unit is the wing's aviation
foreign internal defense unit. Its members
provide US military expertise to other governments
in support of their internal defense and
development efforts.
352ND SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP
The 352nd SOG is located at at RAF Mildenhall,
United Kingdom, The mission of the 352nd SOG
is to act as the focal point for all US Air Force
special operations activities throughout the European
and Central Commands theaters of operation. The group
is prepared to conduct a variety of high priority,
low-visibility missions supporting US and allied
special operations forces throughout the European
theater during peacetime, joint operations exercises
and combat operations. It develops and implements
peacetime and wartime contingency plans to effectively
use fixed wing, helicopter and personnel assets to
conduct infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of
US and allied special operations forces. AFSOC
forces provide precise, reliable and timely suppor
to special operations worldwide.
The 352nd SOG is the Air Force component for
Special Operations Command Europe, a sub-unified command
of the US European Command. The 352nd SOG has three flying
squadrons, a maintenance and tactical communications squadron
and a special tactics squadron.
The organizations are:
7th Special Operations Squadron - MC-130H Combat Talon II
21st Special Operations Squadron - MH-53J Pave Low III helicopter
67th Special Operations Squadron - MC-130P Combat Shadow
352nd Organization Maintenance Squadron
The unit is responsible for maintenance of
ssigned fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.
321st Special Tactics Squadron
Consists of pararescuemen and
combat controllers who provide for the establishment of
drop zones, landing zones, air traffic control, combat medical
care and evacuation and combat search and rescue for fixed and
rotary wing assets. In addition combat controllers trained in
SOTAC conduct terminal guidance of fires delivered by fixed
and rotary wing aircraft. Also, the 321st has combat weathermen
assigned to provide weather support for Air Force and Army
special operations.
353RD SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP
The 353rd SOG, with headquarters at Kadena Air Base, Japan.
The group's mission is to act as the focal point for all
US Air Force special operations activities throughout
the Pacific. The group is prepared to conduct a variety of
high-priority, low-visibility air support missions for joint
and allied special operations forces in the region.
It maintains a worldwide mobility commitment, participates
in theater exercises, and supports humanitarian assistance
and disaster relief operations. The group develops wartime
and contingency plans to effectively use the full range of
helicopter and fixed wing capabilities, to include infiltration,
exfiltration and resupply of US and allied special operations
forces. The primary peacetime responsibility of the 353rd SOG
is to oversee the training and maintenance of its assigned units.
The group ensures the combat readiness of these units through
comprehensive involvement in numerous theater and
joint chiefs of staff-directed military exercises and training
activities throughout the Pacific.
The 353rd SOG comprises the US Air Force's special operations
air arm in the US Pacific Command. The commander is
designated Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command,
Pacific, a sub-unified command to the
Special Operations Command, Pacific.
The 353rd SOG has three flying squadrons,
a maintenance and tactical communications squadron
and special tactics squadrons.
These organizations are:
1st Special Operations Squadron - MC-130H Combat Talon II
17th Special Operations Squadron - MC-130P Combat Shadow
320th Special Tactics Squadron
This unit provides pararescuemen and
combat controllers who provide for the establishment of drop zones,
landing zones, air traffic control, combat medical care and
evacuation, and combat search and rescue for fixed and rotary
wing assets. In addition combat controllers trained in
SOTAC conduct terminal guidance of fires delivered by fixed
and rotary wing aircraft. Also, the 320th has combat weathermen
assigned to provide weather support for Air Force and Army
special operations.
720TH SPECIAL TACTICS GROUP
The 720th STG, with headquarters at Hurlburt Field, FL,
has special operations combat controllers, pararescuemen,
and combat weathermen who work jointly in
Special Tactics Teams (STT). There are six Special Tactics
Squadrons and one Combat Weather Squadron.
The 320th Special Tactics Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan
and the 320th STS at RAF Mildenhall, England are assigned
to and under the operational control of the 353rd and
the 352nd Special Operations Groups respectively.
The 720th also includes the
10th Combat Weather Squadron
with headquarters at Hurlburt Field, FL, and detachments
co-located with US Army Special Operations Command units.
347th Rescue Wing
Located at Moody Air Force Base, GA is the command's
largest active-duty Combat Search and Rescue unit. The
mission of the 347th Rescue Wing is to organize, train
and employ a combat-ready, HC-130 and HH-60 rescue wing
consisting of approximately 4,054 military and civilian
personnel including GSUs in Nevada and Arizona. The wing
executes worldwide peacetime and combat search and rescue
operations in support of humanitarian and U.S. national
security interests, and in support of the global war on
terrorism. Moody also hosts and supports Air Education and
Training Command’s 479th Flying Training Group and Air
Combat Command’s 820th Contingency Response Group in all
operations. Moody’s aircraft include the HH-60G the HC-130P.
The HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter provides a combat search and
rescue platform for the USAF through its ability to operate
in a vast array of rescue scenarios. The HC-130P flies
low-level missions into hostile territory to effect rescues
and to provide air refueling for our rescue helicopters.
347th Operations Group
Directs flying and maintenance of the only USAF active-duty
Operations Group dedicated to Combat Search and Rescue.
Responsible for training/readiness of 1,100 personnel,
including a pararescue squadron, two flying squadrons
(HC-130/HH-60), and an operations support squadron. Deploys
worldwide in support of National Command Authority taskings.
Provides operational support for AETC tenant group (T-38/T-6).
38th Rescue Squadron
Trains, equips, and employs combat-ready pararescue and
supporting personnel worldwide in support of US national
security interests and NASA. Provides survivor contact,
treatment, and extraction during combat rescue operations.
Uses various fixed/rotary wing insertion/extraction assets,
and employs by any means available to provide combat and
humanitarian search, rescue, and medical assistance in all
environments.
41st Rescue Squadron
Maintains combat-ready status as a HH-60G combat search and
rescue (CSAR) squadron. Specializes in combat rescue of downed
aircrews using night vision goggles (NVG), low-level formation,
air refueling, and survivor recovery. Rapidly mobilizes, deploys,
and employs to provide combat and peacetime search and rescue in
support of US national security interests and the NASA space
shuttle.
71st Rescue Squadron
Maintains combat-ready status with 11 aircraft as the
only active duty HC-130P, combat search and rescue
(CSAR) squadron. Rapidly mobilizes, deploys, and executes
CSAR operations worldwide in support of national security
interests. Conducts low-level operations and air refueling
using night vision goggles (NVGs) and airdrops pararescue
personnel in support of combat personnel recovery.
347th Medical Group
Provides outpatient medical, dental, occupational,
environmental, and preventive healthcare services in support
of a combat-ready HC-130, HH-60 rescue wing, flying training
group and security forces group. Serves over 16,000
beneficiaries with 225 staff members and an $8 million annual
operation budget.
347th Mission Support Group
Trains, equips and deploys personnel support forces to build,
protect and sustain air bases worldwide for combat air operations
347th Maintenance Group
Responsible for the operation/quality of organization and
intermediate-level maintenance and repair supporting a combat-ready
HC-130, HH-60 rescue wing. Supports two major tenant units: AETC
flying training with T-38 and T-6 aircraft, and the 820th Security
Forces Group. Oversees wing’s maintenance training program; ensures
work force qualification/capability for worldwide development of
personnel/cargo.
563rd Rescue Group
Located at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ. The group oversees other CSAR units at Nellis AFB, NV
Directs flying operations for the USAF's only active duty rescue wing dedicated to CSAR.
Responsible for training, readiness and maintenance of one HC-130 squadron and two HH-60
squadrons, two pararescue squadrons, two maintenance squadrons and an operations support
squadron operating from two geographically separated operating locations. Deploys
worldwide in support of National Command Authority taskings.
48th Rescue Squadron
Located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, AZ. This unit trains, equips, and
employs combat-ready pararescue and supporting personnel worldwide in support
of US national security interests. Provides survivor contact, treatment, and
extraction during combat rescue operations. Uses various fixed and rotary wing
insertion and extraction assets, and employs by any means available to provide
combat and humanitarian search, rescue, and medical assistance in all
environments.
55th Rescue Squadron
Located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, AZ. This unit maintains combat-ready status
as an 8 aircraft HH-60G CSAR squadron. Provides rapidly deployable, expeditionary,
and agile CSAR forces to theater commanders in response to contingency operations
worldwide. Specializes in rescue of downed aircrews using night vision goggles,
integrated rescue packages, low-level formation, and air refueling. Conducts
peacetime SAR in support of the National Search and Rescue Plan.
79th Rescue Squadron
Located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, AZ. Operates and tactically employs
combat-ready HC-130P CSAR aircraft. Rapidly mobilizes and deploys to execute
full spectrum personnel recovery operations worldwide in support of national
security interests. Specializes in using night vision goggles to conduct
low-altitude helicopter air refueling, airdrops of pararescue personnel and
equipment, and transload of combat personnel from austere airfields in denied
territory.
563rd Operations Support Squadron
Located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, AZ. Supports all aspects of the training and
employment of the 563rd Rescue Group's seven combat-ready HC-130, HH-60, pararescue
and maintenance squadrons totaling 1,125 military and civilian personnel. Provides all
operational support functions including weapons and tactics, current operations,
intelligence, training, life support and mobility. Manages the group flying hour
program. Implements contingency and theater war plans.
563th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, AZ. Maintains, services, and inspects
8 HH-60G "Pave Hawk" and 6 HC-130P/E "Hercules" aircraft. Plans, schedules, and
directs both scheduled and unscheduled preventative maintenance to maintain
mission-ready status. Performs all launch and recovery operations. Rapidly
generates, mobilizes, deploys, and employs forces to provide combat and peacetime
search and rescue operations in support of US national security interests.
18th Flight Test Squadron
Located at Hurlburt Field, FL. It's main purpose
is to develop new special operations techniques and equiptment.
USAF Special Operations School
Located at Hurlburt Field, Ga. provides training curriculum for basic
and advanced special operations techniques and the operation of equiptment.
Air Force Rescue Coordination Center
Located at Langley Air Force Base, Va., is the executive agent
for inland U.S. search and rescue, and is responsible for
coordinating on-land federal search and rescue activities in the
48 contiguous United States.
AIR RESERVE and AIR NATIONAL GUARD COMPONENTS
The 919th Special Operations Wing
711th Special Operations Squadron - MC-130E Combat Talon I
5th Special Operations Squadron - MC-130P Combat Shadow
The 919th SOW at Duke Field, Fla., is the only Air Force
Reserve special operations wing. When mobilized, it reports
to Air Force Special Operations Command. The 919th SOW trains
Air Force reservists in MC-130E Combat Talon I and MC-130P
Combat Shadow aircraft operations, maintenance and support
functions to accomplish special operations. The 919th reports
to the Air Force Reserve's Tenth Air Force at Bergstrom AFB, TX.
The 919th SOW has more than 1,400 reservists and full-time
civilian employees assigned. Subordinate units of the 919th are:
The 711th SOS transitioned from the AC-130A Spectre gunship
to the MC-130E Combat Talon I beginning in September 1995.
The new mission calls on the squadron to perform specialized
day or night low-level delivery of troops or cargo into denied
or hostile areas. The 5th SOS, which activated in December 1994,
flies the MC-130P Combat Shadow tanker. It flies clandestine
missions into sensitive territory to provide air refueling for
special operations aircraft. A secondary wartime mission for
the Combat Shadow includes airdrop of small bundles and
special operations teams.
920th Rescue Wing
Located at Patrick AFB, Fla., assists in space
shuttle launches at Cape Canaveral and performs civilian
humanitarian rescues in addition to its combat search and
rescue duties.
The193rd Special Operations Wing,
Pennsylvania Air National Guard, Harrisburg International Airport, Pa.,
is the Air Force's sole asset for providing airborne
radio and television broadcast missions. It is the only
ANG unit assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command.
The Guard unit falls under AFSOC when mobilized for
wartime action, humanitarian efforts or contingencies.
The 193rd provides an airborne platform for virtually
any contingency, including state or national disasters
or other emergencies, on a moment's notice, anywhere in
the world. The 193rd Special Operations Group performs
this unique mission with six specially configured EC-130E
Commando Solo aircraft. A secondary mission assigned to
the 193rd is providing airlift for Air Force Intelligence
Agency missions with four modified EC-130Es.
106th Rescue Wing
located at Gabreski Field, NY is the only Air Force combat
search and rescue unit in the northeastern United States.
It performs civilian humanitarian rescues in addition to
its combat search and rescue duties.
129th Rescue Wing
located at Moffett Field, CA performs civilian
humanitarian rescues in addition to its combat search and
rescue duties.
123rd Special Tactics Squadron
Located at Standiford Field, KY provides combat controllers
and pararescuemen for worldwide operational needs.
209th Civil Engineer Squadron
Located at Gulfport, MS is AFSOC's only Guard civil engineer
squadron supporting the command's transportable collective
protection system mission.
280th Combat Communications Squadron
Located at Dothan, AL is AFSOC's only Guard communications squadron.
107th Weather Flight
Located at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, MI
146th Weather Flight
Located at Pittsburgh, PA
181st Weather Flight
located at Dallas, TX
Air Force Special Operations Forces Logistics
AFSOF logistics support is focused on keeping the aircraft
flying, just as in the conventional Air Force. Logistics
and maintenance emphasis is placed on the cycle of launch,
recovery, service, rapid repair, and re-launch. The cycle
may be compressed into relatively short time periods, 12
hours or less. This places a significant burden on the
support infrastructure, given the level of sophistication
of the avionics and the requirement to operate from austere
locations. The parent wing, group and/or squadron are
responsible for determining equipment, spares, and personnel
requirements. This determination will be based on the length
of the deployment and amount of logistic support available
at the deployed location. Once deployed, the AFSOC logistics
officer will coordinate and manage logistic support,
vehicle requirements, POL, billeting, messing, and establish
connectivity with the Theater and CONUS logistic support systems.
If time permits prior to deployment, the wing or group logistic
planning cell will develop a plan to support deployed flying
operations and concomitant logistics objectives. Short term
employment will normally be supported by drawing from readiness
spares packages. Longer term employments will be supported
by established supply lines.
SPECIAL TACTICS TEAMS (STTs)
STTs are quick-reaction, deployable Air Force units,
which are uniquely organized, trained, and equipped to
facilitate the air/ground interface during joint
special operations and sensitive recovery missions.
The STTs are comprised of combat controllers, pararescue,
and support personnel
Mission
The special tactics mission is to provide the
Joint Special Operations Air Component Commander (JSOACC)
with quick-reaction command and control positive air traffic
management, and casualty recovery, treatment and evacuation
staging during joint air and ground/maritime operations
including short notice, sensitive contingencies.
Special tactics teams operate in a ground role with joint
or combined special operations task forces.
Deployment
ST teams can be deployed by airlift, sea-lift or
overland means. Airlift is the preferred method of
deploymentand is critical for time sensitive
operations. One C-130 candeploy a single ST team
and its associated equipment. Deployment can be
worldwide to a main base or forwardoperating location.
Teams will require host support at the deployed
location. For deployment purposes, there are two
basic special tactics team types; the tactical team
and the recovery team. The tactical team consists of
eighteen personnel while the recovery team contains
nine. Once deployed, exact team composition and
equipment canbe tailored by the team leader to meet
specific employment mission requirements.
Employment
ST teams may be employed tactically directly from their
home station into the area of operations. ST forces can
be employed as stand-alone units or combined with other
special operations forces into a joint team. ST teams
may be employed using a variety of tactical methods
including:
Static line or military freefall parachute
Scuba, small boat or amphibious means
Overland using mounted or dismounted techniques
Airland via fixed or rotary wing aircraft
Airmobile procedures including, rope, ladder or STABO.
A ST team is the basic tactical element for special tactics
forces. The tactical team may be employed complete or broken
into as many as six smaller elements. A special tactics
recovery team is normally employed for specialized missions
such as CSAR or personnel recovery. The recovery team
may be employed complete or broken down into as many
as three elements.
Specific Employment
ST teams can be deployed in support of the full range of
special operations missions and collateral activities to
include direct action, foreign internal defense, combat
search and rescue, personnel/equipment recovery,
humanitarian assistance, and civil affairs.
Mission Tasks
Provide terminal guidance and air traffic control
for assault zones. An AZ may be an established
airfield, landing strip or unimproved site. The team can:
Establish ground-to-air communications:
Coordinate AZ activities with the ground force commander.
Perform weather observations. Provide positive control of
personnel and equipment within the airhead area to include
control of Forward Arming and Refueling Point
operations. Select, evaluate, survey and establish AZs.
The special tactics team can:
- Clear, mark and operate the AZ
- Establish enroute and terminal navigation aids and
beacons Conduct reconnaissance and surveillance missions
- Support selected regional survey team missions
- Remove obstacles to flight for follow-on operations
- Provide medical care, recovery and evacuation.
- Provide combat emergency medical and trauma care
- Operate specialized personnel locator systems
- Operate combat medical evacuation vehicles
- Conduct recovery security team operations
- Conduct casualty transload and evacuation operations
- Conduct sensitive recovery operations
- Conduct, coordinate, and plan fire support operations.
- Control CAS aircraft
- Control naval gunfire
- Spot for artillery fire
- Operate laser targeting equipment
- Conduct mobile training team operations.
- The team can provide training to allied or indigenous
personnel in: Assault zone, communications,
and other special operations Combat medical and related
casualty treatment procedures
- Other special tactics/operations related procedures
- Conduct other special operations missions as directed
Mission effectiveness is highly dependent upon
accurate, complete, real-time intelligence.
ST planners must have access to all intelligence
sources. The time required for ST teams to prepare
for a mission varies with the complexity and length
of the mission. As a rule of thumb, a tactical team
requires a minimum of 12 hours to provide adequate
pre-mission rest, conduct final planning, brief team
members and ready equipment. Any preliminary mission
planning or preparation time must be added to
this 12-hour figure.
"The strong will stand,
the weak will fall by the wayside."
For Air Force tactical air control party airmen, these
words are more than just a motto; they also serve as a
battle cry.
Wherever American military forces are found, TACP airmen
are sure to be nearby. Nicknamed the "Air Force infantry"
because they spend most of their career assigned to Army
units, tactical controllers can most often be found
embedded with special operations forces.
"Our primary role is to direct combat strike aircraft
against enemy targets," said Staff Sgt. Alan Lesko, TACP
noncommissioned officer in charge with the Army's 10th
Mountain Division, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom
in Afghanistan. "We also coordinate artillery fire with
air strikes." To accomplish their mission, tactical
controllers serve on the front line, often in advance of
any other military units.
In Afghanistan, they control the battlefield by
coordinating strikes of the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft.
Whether involved in a low-intensity conflict or full-scale
conventional warfare, TACP airmen guide the full fury of
American military might.
Known by Army special operations soldiers as enlisted
terminal attack controllers, TACP airmen provide close-air-
support aircraft guidance control to increase the capability
of ground combat forces. They also are experts in artillery
and in naval combat and attack helicopter capabilities; they
use all combat assets to rain destruction on the enemy.
"Some people think we are air traffic controllers, but that's
inaccurate," said Airman 1st Class James Blair. "Our mission
is terminal control. That means bombs on target, and a very
bad day for the enemy."
These airmen must be thoroughly proficient in ground combat
techniques, and their training goes well beyond that of the
Army infantry. Tactical control airmen serve as advisers to
ground component commanders in planning and employing combat
assets, and are the link between joint and combined forces.
In Afghanistan, TACP airmen coordinate ground and air assaults
on terrorist positions, provide convoy security for coalition
forces and even assist with presidential security for the
fledgling Afghan government.
Regardless of the mission assigned, Lesko said, their primary
responsibility is to "hunt bad guys."
"Our job here is to fight for freedom from terrorism, to fight
against the enemies of Afghanistan, and to bring that fight to
those who threaten peace," he added.
The fight for peace and freedom takes the tactical controllers
into some of the roughest terrain and most inhospitable
conditions in the world. Whether they are braving the freezing
temperatures and thin air in the mountains of Afghanistan, or
in the desolate, searing deserts of Iraq, wherever Special
Forces are needed, TACP goes. Often they are the first in and
last out.
TACP airmen can be recognized by their black berets. Although
the burgundy berets of Air Force pararescuemen and the crimson
berets of Air Force combat controllers are easily recognized,
the black beret is seldom seen worn by Air Force members.
In the field, tactical controllers wear a battle uniform that
is unremarkable, without name or Air Force labels, rank insignia
or unit markings. Instead, their uniforms are adorned with small
patches that make them visible to American pilots using special
night-vision equipment, and are clearly marked on the sleeves
and boots with each airman's blood type.
Tactical controllers are Ranger and airborne qualified, and are
proficient in static line and high-altitude, low-open parachute
tactics, as well as in air assault and combat diving operations.
Their training begins with basic radio maintenance and operation,
then continues with land navigation and combat air support basics,
followed by survival school, where they learn resistance, escape
and evasion tactics.
Source:Armed Forces Press Services
AVIATION FID
Aviation-FID training and advice include airpower
doctrine development, force planning, and operational
support as well as tactical employment in such mission
areas as airlift, fighter operations, forward air
control, SAR, special tactics, and gunship operations.
This assistance includes both rotary and fixed-wing
aircraft. Assistance in aviation support operations
includes aircraft maintenance, supply, logistics,
airbase ground defense, munitions, ground safety,
command and control, communications, intelligence,
and risk management. Operations associated with
aviation-FID include support for counterinsurgency
and counterdrug operations. Additionally, the aviation
FID squadron supports the following SO missions and
collateral activities:
Unconventional Warfare
The unit's task entails training and advising foreign
aviation units to support partisan operations in occupied
territory with aerial insertion, extraction, and resupply
from a third-country sanctuary.
Coalition Support
The unit's task entails supporting foreign aviation units
with advisory assistance in such areas as operational and
tactical planning, force integration, and mission execution.
Coalition support includes advisory actions to:
Promote safety and interoperability between US forces and
coalition partners. Facilitate airspace deconfliction.
Help integrate host aviation efforts into multi-national
air campaign operations. Increase the tactical
effectiveness of host-country aviation resources.
Maintain vital coordination links between host-country
aviation units and the Joint Force Air Component
Commander.
Humanitarian Assistance And Disaster Relief
The unit's task includes advising and training host-nation
aviation elements to conduct air operations supporting host
government and multi-national humanitarian aid and disaster
assistance programs.
Employment
When tasked, unit personnel deploy to a designated country,
collocate with host-nation aviation elements at squadron,
wing, or headquarters levels, and train and/or advise
counterpart personnel in the employment and support of
air operations. Training and advisory assistance is
conducted at both the operational and tactical levels.
Planning Considerations
The basic unit deployment module for aviation advisory
operations is an Operational Aviation Detachment-Alpha.
When multiple OADs are deployed to the field, an OAD-B is
also deployed as a headquarters, C3, and administrative
support element. The teams are specially tailored in both
size and composition to meet specific mission needs.
A notional OAD-A consists of 12 personnel capable of
teaching and/or advising in the functional areas shown below.
A medic may bring the total strength of an OAD-A to
13 individuals.
AIR MOBILITY COMMAND C-141 AND C-5 SOLL II
The C-141/C-5/C-17 SOLL II forces from the
Air Mobility Command are capable of
conducting clandestine formtion or single-ship
intrusion of hostile territory to provide highly
reliable, self-contained, precision airdrop and
airland of personnel and equipment. The assumed
mission concept will be day/night, low-level,
without the use of external aids. Mission success is
enhanced by minimum lighting, minimum communications,
deceptive course changes, and preplanned avoidance of
enemy radar/air defenses and populated areas.
Each aircraft is well- suited for many special operations
applications due to their load-carrying capability,
ability to operate into short austere runways, and
their normal, known signature.
SOLL II Capabilities
Crew consists of three pilots, two navigators,
two loadmasters (4 loadmasters for a C-5
crew), and two flight engineers.
Minimum Flight Altitudes. Night VMC routes,
legs or segments will be flown at 500 ft
above the highest obstruction within three
NM of route centerline.
Airland Operations. Landing zones may be
marked with a minimum of NO LIGHTS or a
Box In One. Weather minimums are VFR.
Employment Operations
Due to OPSEC considerations, rapid response
requirements, and/or lack of suitable forward
operating bases, many C-141/C-5 SOLL II missions
will require long-range employment flights.
Necessary command and control communications will
be accomplished by secure SATCOM and
line-of-sight radios. Land-fall points are selected
to minimize detection by hostile forces. Precise
navigation positioning after extended overwater
flights is required. On these long missions, it is
imperative that both the aircrew and user's fatigue
are minimized so human errors are reduced
during critical phases of the mission,
such as the low-level portion and objective area
operations.
Crew Duty Day
Basic Crew. Crew duty day varies for basic crews
and augmented crews. Crew duty day for a
basic crew is 16 hours, providing no tactical events
and no air refueling is accomplished after 14 hours.
Augmented Crew. Crew duty day for an augmented
crew is 24 hours, providing no tactical
events and no air refueling is accomplished
after 18 hours."
(Excerpt from the JCS SOF Reference Manual)
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