Reservist teaches Special Tactics Airmen the 'write' stuff

The concept of Total Force was evident in an unusual, but effective way recently when an Airman’s civilian expertise and reserve status combined to help an active-duty unit’s needs. The commander of the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, an Air Force combat controller unit stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C.,

First Airmen in Afghanistan: America’s Response to Terror Attacks

Fifteen years ago today, the first Airman stepped foot into Afghanistan with the mission to topple the Taliban. A few Americans came together as one special operations forces team using unconventional tactics and equipment on the battlefield.

Air Force OAY: MSgt. Marcus Mader

The twelve most outstanding Airmen in the Air Force were honored during a symposium recently, and Special Tactics’ own Master Sgt. Marcus Mader was one of them.Mader, a Tactical Air Control Party Airman, was selected as the Outstanding Senior NCO of the Year for 2016 for the entire Air ForceFrom a

Seizing an airfield

First There That Others May Live: Air Force recognizes Special Tactics contributions

The brightest of Air Force’s ground special operations forces were recognized for their contributions to the force and fight in their annual awards ceremony here, Aug. 25. The eight Airman hailed from multiple major commands, and included a Special Tactics officer, a combat rescue officer,

A Jump to Remember: Fallen Special Tactics Airman honored in hometown

Air Force Special Tactics Airmen dedicated military freefall training into the Pensacola Bay to Staff Sgt Forrest Sibley, a combat controller from the local killed in action, Aug. 26, 2015, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on the first anniversary of his death.After free falling into Sibley’s

Calm in the chaos: CCT students under pressure in tactics exercise

Rumbling down a dirt road in a Medium Tactical Vehicle cargo truck, a team of special operators quietly awaits for chaos to ensue. The truck grinds to a halt in an intersection in the forest. It’s clear why in a second: a voice squawks over the radio that a roadside bomb rendered their truck

“Always willing to do more”: ST Squadron endures continuous deployment

Airmen with the 17th Special Tactics Squadron returned home to friends and family following an extended deployment supporting OPERATION FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, in early August, -- the squadron’s nearly 50th deployment since 9/11. After the team had already served their full deployment, they willingly

Combat control chief comes full circle

The combat control functional manager for the Air Force --the Airman who shaped combat controllers’ futures-- retired Aug. 5, at the Combat Control Schoolhouse here. Chief Master Sgt. Marshall Farris joined the Air Force Sept. 5, 1986, an 18-year-old patriot with ambitions to become an air traffic

Future officers forfeit summer to train with Special Tactics

During the summer, most college students are enjoying a much-needed break from their studies or working a part-time job to pay for school. Instead, nearly 50 Air Force ROTC cadets across the nation chose to push through grueling workouts and leadership challenges during a week-long Special Tactics