Introduction to Air Force Special Forces
The United States Air Force has a long history of providing special operations forces to support national security objectives. Air Force Special Forces, also known as Air Force Special Operations Forces (AFSOF), are elite units that conduct a wide range of missions, including unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, and personnel recovery. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of Air Force Special Forces jobs and careers, as well as the requirements and training process for joining these elite units.
Types of Air Force Special Forces Jobs
There are several types of Air Force Special Forces jobs, each with its own unique mission and requirements. Some of the most common types of Air Force Special Forces jobs include:
- Combat Controllers (CCTs): CCTs are special operations forces who specialize in airfield seizures, airborne operations, and close air support. They are trained to operate in hostile environments and provide air traffic control services to support special operations missions.
- Pararescuemen (PJs): PJs are special operations forces who specialize in personnel recovery and emergency medical operations. They are trained to operate in hostile environments and provide medical care to injured personnel.
- Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Specialists: SERE specialists are trained to teach special operations forces how to survive and evade capture in hostile environments. They also provide training on resistance and escape techniques.
- Special Operations Weather Team (SOWT) Members: SOWT members are special operations forces who specialize in weather forecasting and observation. They provide critical weather intelligence to support special operations missions.
- Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Members: TACP members are special operations forces who specialize in air support operations. They provide air support to ground units and coordinate with air assets to support special operations missions.
Requirements for Joining Air Force Special Forces
To join Air Force Special Forces, candidates must meet certain requirements, including:
- Age: Candidates must be between the ages of 17 and 39.
- Citizenship: Candidates must be U.S. citizens.
- Education: Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Physical Fitness: Candidates must be in top physical condition and pass a rigorous physical fitness test.
- Background Check: Candidates must undergo a thorough background check and obtain a security clearance.
- ASVAB Score: Candidates must score high on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
Training Process for Air Force Special Forces
The training process for Air Force Special Forces is rigorous and demanding. Candidates must complete a series of courses and training programs, including:
- Basic Military Training (BMT): BMT is a 7-week course that teaches basic military skills and values.
- Special Operations Weather Team (SOWT) Course: The SOWT course is a 12-week course that teaches weather forecasting and observation skills.
- Combat Control Team (CCT) Course: The CCT course is a 12-week course that teaches airfield seizures, airborne operations, and close air support skills.
- Pararescue Recovery Specialist Course: The Pararescue Recovery Specialist Course is a 12-week course that teaches personnel recovery and emergency medical operations skills.
- Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Course: The SERE course is a 3-week course that teaches survival, evasion, resistance, and escape techniques.
📝 Note: The training process for Air Force Special Forces is highly competitive, and only a small percentage of candidates are selected for these elite units.
Careers in Air Force Special Forces
There are several career paths available to those who join Air Force Special Forces, including:
- Combat Control Team (CCT) Leader: CCT leaders are responsible for leading special operations teams and conducting airfield seizures, airborne operations, and close air support missions.
- Pararescue Recovery Specialist Team Leader: Pararescue Recovery Specialist team leaders are responsible for leading personnel recovery and emergency medical operations teams.
- Special Operations Weather Team (SOWT) Leader: SOWT leaders are responsible for leading special operations weather teams and providing critical weather intelligence to support special operations missions.
- Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Leader: TACP leaders are responsible for leading air support operations teams and coordinating with air assets to support special operations missions.
Conclusion
Air Force Special Forces are elite units that conduct a wide range of missions to support national security objectives. To join these units, candidates must meet certain requirements and complete a rigorous training process. Those who join Air Force Special Forces have the opportunity to pursue a variety of careers, including leadership roles in combat control teams, pararescue recovery specialist teams, special operations weather teams, and tactical air control parties.
What is the typical career path for an Air Force Special Forces member?
+
A typical career path for an Air Force Special Forces member includes completing basic military training, attending specialized training courses, and serving in various roles within special operations units. Members can also pursue leadership roles and attend advanced training courses to enhance their skills and career prospects.
How long does it take to become an Air Force Special Forces member?
+
The training process for Air Force Special Forces can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months, depending on the specific career field and training requirements. After completing training, members can expect to serve in special operations units for several years, with opportunities for advancement and career growth.
What are the most common types of Air Force Special Forces jobs?
+
Some of the most common types of Air Force Special Forces jobs include combat controllers, pararescuemen, survival, evasion, resistance, and escape specialists, special operations weather team members, and tactical air control party members. Each of these career fields requires specialized training and skills, and members can expect to serve in a variety of roles within special operations units.
Related Terms:
- Special Reconnaissance Air Force
- AFSOC
- Air Force Special Tactics teams
