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  • SOCOM tour of AETC

    Air Force’s special warfare training builds physical, intellectual leaders ready to handle threats worldwide

    The visit traced the initial skills training path of special operators from recruiting and accessions through basic and technical training.
  • Oregon Air National Guard pararescuemen and combat controllers from the 125th Special Tactics Squadron, along with training instructors, conduct extrication training at Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Ore., Oct. 8, 2020. The members used a combination of tools to open up non-salvageable vehicles in order to simulate removing trapped personnel. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Valerie R. Seelye)

    125th STS Airmen conduct extrication training

    Oregon Air National Guardsmen from the 125th Special Tactics Squadron participated in extrication training at Portland Air National Guard Base, Oct. 8, 2020, to simulate removing entrapped or injured personnel from a vehicle or aircraft. This training is part of Special Tactics units’ personnel recovery mission priority.
  • image of the 17th special tactics squadron's transition ceremony at a hall in Fort Benning, Georgia

    The 24th SOW transitions responsibility of the 17th STS

    The 24th Special Operations Wing transitioned responsibility of the 17th Special Tactics Squadron from the 720th Special Tactics Group to the 724th Special Tactics Group during a re-assignment ceremony at the 17th STS headquarters, Fort Benning, Georgia, Oct. 1, 2020.

  • U.S. Air Force Special Operations Surgical Team work with the Naval Special Warfare Boat team to enhance readiness in Greece

    U.S. Navy Naval Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen team up with a U.S. Air Force Special Operations Surgical Team to transfer a patient from one boat to another during a joint casualty evacuation exercise while using the Combatant Craft Medium.
  • Colonel Black stands in front of a map of the world titled "Special Tactics History since 1980."

    Female aviator joins Special Tactics leadership team

    Earlier this summer, U.S. Air Force Col. Allison Black made history as she joined the Special Tactics leadership team and became the vice commander of the 24th Special Operations Wing. “With any leadership team, you want to have people that cover each other’s blind spots and are able to bring the best out of the organization,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Matt Allen, commander of the 24th SOW. “Not only does Col. Black have a rich history as an aircrew member within AFSOC, but she also has key insights working on staffs within U.S. Special Operations Command and she is a female colonel, which provides really good insight as we look at our diversity and inclusion aspects of the force to make sure that we’re making good organizational decisions on bringing in the first wave of female operators onto the line.”
  • A Special Tactics Airman with the 17th Special Tactics Squadron fires an M4 carbine during Jaded Thunder at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Aug. 20, 2018.

    Special Tactics unit surpasses 6,900 days combating war in Middle East

    In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks which marked the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism, U.S. service members saw an increased spike in deployments that has ultimately sustained its high tempo for nearly two decades. For the men and women of the 17th Special Tactics Squadron, since their initial response to the GWOT in October 2001, there have been no breaks in deployments and combat operations for over 6900 days in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, FREEDOM’S SENTINEL and RESOLUTE SUPPORT.
  • image of an Air Force Special Tactics operator jumping out the back of an aircraft into the water

    23rd STS takes to the sky and water for RAMB training

    The 23rd STS is tasked with executing global access, personnel recovery, and precision strike missions. The squadron is unique in that its location in Florida lends itself to having water-rescue capabilities for any recovery involving military personnel. Air Force Special Tactics is considered the primary personnel recovery force for all of U.S. Special Operations Command. The ability to recover personnel, especially over water, requires complex training to develop confidence and competence for mission success. The 23rd STS sharpened this necessary skill set through over-the-water personnel recovery training, conducted here, Aug. 20-21.
  • A special operations operator kneels in high grass while talking into his radio gear as part of close air support training during the Special Operations Terminal Attack Controller Course at Avon Park Florida, Aug. 6, 2020

    24th SOW hosts Special Operations Terminal Attack Controller Course

    Special operations troops from the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps conduct close air support during the Special Operations Terminal Attack Controller Course at Avon Park Florida, Aug. 6, 2020. SOTACC is a 5-week course, hosted by the 24th Special Operations Wing, which allows special operations members from all branches as well as foreign partners to conduct CAS missions to receive their Joint Terminal Attack Controller certification. This JTAC course is the only one in the Department of Defense specially designed for special operations members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Sandra Welch)
  • image of Master sergeant john grimesey receiving silver star medal from lieutenant general jim slife

    Special Tactics Airman awarded Silver Star Medal

    A Special Tactics Airman was awarded the nation's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal, during a ceremony at Pope Field, N.C., Aug. 14, 2020. Master Sgt. John Grimesey, a Special Tactics combat controller with the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing, was recognized for his efforts in Afghanistan in 2013. He not only saved the life of a fellow special operations troop, but called in multiple airstrikes while being under attack by the enemy.
  • U.S. Air Force 125th Special Tactics Airmen from the Portland Air National Guard Base, along with members of joint forces, participate in closed-circuit dive training at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Wash., July 31, 2020. Special Tactics operators conducted recurrency dives and training on new equipment.

    125th STS dives into new underwater capability

    U.S. Air Force 125th STS Airmen from the Portland Air National Guard Base, along with members of joint forces, participated in closed-circuit dive training at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Wash., July 31, 2020, to train with new equipment and conduct recurrency dives for Special Tactics operators.
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