Special Tactics Airmen train to infiltrate via free fall

A member of the 26th Special Tactics Squadron monitors weather patterns and maintains communication with Air Commandos flying overhead March 25, 2016, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Dozens of 26th STS members performed routine practice jumps over the Cannon flightline, and relied on ground crews to ensure exercise safety and success. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexx Pons)

Special Tactics Airmen train to infiltrate via free fall

A ground team crew with the 26th Special Tactics Squadron prepares a landing zone March 25, 2016, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Ground members established a safe area for other 26th STS members who would be performing routine practice jumps over the Cannon flightline shortly after the area was secure. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexx Pons)

Special Tactics Airmen train to infiltrate via free fall

Team members with the 26th Special Tactics Squadron prepare a smoke signal system near a landing zone March 25, 2016, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. The smoke was used to help other 26th STS members performing routine practice jumps over the Cannon flightline. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexx Pons)

Special Tactics Airmen train to infiltrate via free fall

A dozen members of the 26th Special Tactics Squadron parachute down from an aircraft over the flightline March 25, 2016, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Special Tactics Airmen train to maintain operational readiness, able to infiltrate into areas where aircraft cannot land. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexx Pons)

Special Tactics Airmen train to infiltrate via free fall

Members of the 26th Special Tactics Squadron watch as teammates parachute down from an aircraft overhead March 25, 2016, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Dozens of 26th STS members performed routine practice jumps over the Cannon flightline, and relied on ground crews to use signals to help them safely touch-down at the designated landing zone. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexx Pons)

Special Tactics Airmen train to infiltrate via free fall

Several 26th Special Tactics Squadron members approach their final touch-down onto a landing zone March 25, 2016, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Air Commandos with the 26th STS performed routine practice jumps as part of maintaining operational readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexx Pons)

Special Tactics Airmen train to infiltrate via free fall

Two team members with the 26th Special Tactics Squadron prepare secure a marker for a landing zone March 25, 2016, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. This helped other 26th STS members performing routine practice jumps over the Cannon flightline safely identify their target landing area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexx Pons)

Special Tactics Airmen train to infiltrate via free fall

Published April 4, 2016
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Members of the 26th Special Tactics Squadron conducted routine jump training March 25 just over the Cannon flightline, training to infiltrate hostile or remote areas where it is not possible for aircraft to land.

While jumpers loaded onto an MC-130J Commando II, a ground crew worked quickly to establish a landing zone. And with safety consistently being a top priority of the wing, emergency response teams took their position nearby.

The 26th STS is part of the 24th Special Operations Wing, one of three Air Force active-duty special operations wings assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command.

Special Tactics Airmen train to rapidly deploy to enable airpower success, global access, precision strike, and personnel recovery operations. They are ground special operations who are experts at air/ground integration, specializing in airfield reconnaissance, assessment, and control; personnel recovery; joint terminal attack control and environmental reconnaissance.

Additionally, Special Tactics Airmen often embed with Navy SEALs, Army Green Berets and Rangers to provide everything from combat air support to medical aid and personnel recovery, depending on their specialty.

Special Tactics is made up of Special Tactics Officers, Combat Controllers, Combat Rescue Officers, Pararescuemen, Special Operations Weather Officers and Airmen, Air Liaison Officers, Tactical Air Control Party operators, and a number of combat support Airmen which make up 58 Air Force specialties.

These unique skills provide a full-spectrum, air-focused special operations capability to combatant commanders in order to ensure airpower success. With their unique skill sets, Special Tactics operators are often the first special operations elements deployed into combat or crisis situations.