Introduction to Air Force Special Operations Airmen

The United States Air Force (USAF) houses several specialized operations units designed to handle high-stakes, unique missions. These units include Combat Controllers, Pararescuemen, and others. While they might not get the same level of close combat as some other special operations units, they are highly trained and capable when the situation demands it.

What are the Air Force Special Operations Airmen Called?

Air Force special operations airmen encompass a variety of roles with different names and specific responsibilities. Each group undergoes rigorous training to excel in their unique mission profiles. Let's delve into each group and explore their naming conventions and training methods.

The Combat Controllers

The Combat Controllers are part of the USAF's Warfare Centers, specializing in Airborne and special warfare operations. Their training is extensive and demanding, culminating in the award of the scarlet beret and Combat Controller (CCT) flash.

Training for Combat Controllers

Indoctrination Course at Lackland AFB, Texas: A one-week orientation focusing on sports physiology, nutrition, basic exercises, CCT history, and fundamentals. CCT Operator Course at Keesler AFB, Mississippi: A 15.5-week course teaching various subjects including aircraft recognition and performance, air navigation aids, weather, airport traffic control, flight assistance service, communication procedures, and more. U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia: A three-week course teaching basic parachuting skills necessary for infiltrating an objective area via static line airdrop. U.S. Air Force Basic Survival School at Fairchild AFB, Washington: A 2.5-week course providing survival techniques for remote areas, including survival in various climatic conditions and unfriendly environments. CCT School at Pope AFB, North Carolina: This course completes the qualifications for Combat Controllers, including physical training, small unit tactics, land navigation, communications, assault zones, demolitions, fire support, and field operations, including parachuting. Special Tactics Advanced Skills Training at Hurlburt Field, Florida: A 12-month program for newly assigned Special Tactics Squadron (STS) operators, testing personal limits through demanding mental and physical training.

Pararescuemen - The PJ Units

Pararescuemen, often referred to as PJs, are experts in emergency response and medical care. They are equipped to handle medical emergencies and provide assistance in adverse environments. Their rigorous training includes the award of the maroon beret.

Training for Pararescuemen

Indoctrination Course at Lackland AFB, Texas: A 10-week course where recruits are selected, trained, and prepared for the demanding physical conditioning required. This includes training in physiological conditioning, obstacle courses, rucksack marches, dive physics, dive tables, medical terminology, CPR, weapons qualifications, PJ history, and a leadership reaction course. U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia: A three-week course teaching the basic parachuting skills required for static line airdrop operations. U.S. Army Combat Divers School at Key West, Florida: A four-week course where trainees become combat divers, learning to use scuba to covertly infiltrate denied areas to depths of 130 feet. U.S. Navy Underwater Egress Training at Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida: A one-day course instructing trainees on how to escape from a ditched aircraft. U.S. Air Force Basic Survival School at Fairchild AFB, Washington: A 2.5-week course teaching survival techniques for remote areas, ensuring individuals can survive in various climates and hostile environments. U.S. Army Military Free Fall Parachutist School at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona: A five-week course instructing trainees in free fall parachuting procedures, including wind tunnel training, in-air instruction, and focus on student stability, aerial maneuvers, air sense, and parachute opening procedures. Paramedic Course at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico: A 24-week course teaching how to manage trauma patients and providing emergency medical treatment, resulting in an EMT-Paramedic certification. Pararescue Recovery Specialist Course at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico: A 20-week training program providing qualifications as a pararescue recovery specialist, including field tactics, mountaineering, combat tactics, advanced parachuting, and helicopter insertion and extraction.

Keywords

Combat Controllers Pararescuemen Special Tactics