Air Force Special Operations Units: Elite Warriors Uncovered
The United States Air Force has a long history of producing elite warriors who are trained to conduct a variety of missions, from combat search and rescue to unconventional warfare. Within the Air Force, there are several special operations units that are trained to conduct these types of missions. In this article, we will explore some of the most well-known Air Force special operations units and what makes them so elite.
24th Special Tactics Squadron
The 24th Special Tactics Squadron (24 STS) is one of the most elite units within the Air Force. Based at Pope Field, North Carolina, the 24 STS is composed of specially trained airmen who are experts in combat control, pararescue, and combat weather. These airmen are trained to conduct a variety of missions, including airborne operations, combat search and rescue, and special reconnaissance.
🔍 Note: The 24 STS is one of the only units in the Air Force that is authorized to wear the coveted "Maroon Beret," which symbolizes their elite status.
1st Special Operations Wing
The 1st Special Operations Wing (1 SOW) is based at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and is one of the largest and most diverse special operations units in the Air Force. The 1 SOW is composed of several different squadrons, each with its own unique mission. Some of the missions that the 1 SOW conducts include airborne operations, special reconnaissance, and combat search and rescue.
48th Rescue Squadron
The 48th Rescue Squadron (48 RQS) is a pararescue unit based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The 48 RQS is trained to conduct combat search and rescue missions, as well as personnel recovery. These airmen are experts in parachuting, rock climbing, and other specialized skills that allow them to conduct missions in a variety of environments.
22nd Special Tactics Squadron
The 22nd Special Tactics Squadron (22 STS) is a combat control unit based at McChord Air Force Base, Washington. The 22 STS is trained to conduct a variety of missions, including airborne operations, special reconnaissance, and combat search and rescue. These airmen are experts in parachuting, combat tactics, and other specialized skills that allow them to conduct missions in a variety of environments.
Air Force Special Operations Weather Team
The Air Force Special Operations Weather Team (AFSOWT) is a specialized unit that is trained to conduct weather reconnaissance and forecasting in support of special operations missions. These airmen are experts in meteorology and are trained to operate in a variety of environments, from the deserts of the Middle East to the jungles of South America.
Training and Selection
Becoming a member of an Air Force special operations unit is extremely challenging and requires a high level of physical and mental fitness. Airmen who are selected for these units must undergo rigorous training, which includes:
- Basic Military Training (BMT): Airmen must first complete BMT, which is the basic training program for all new airmen.
- Special Operations Weather Team (SOWT) Training: Airmen who are selected for the AFSOWT must undergo SOWT training, which teaches them the skills they need to conduct weather reconnaissance and forecasting.
- Combat Control Team (CCT) Training: Airmen who are selected for combat control units must undergo CCT training, which teaches them the skills they need to conduct airborne operations and special reconnaissance.
- Pararescue Recovery Specialist Training: Airmen who are selected for pararescue units must undergo recovery specialist training, which teaches them the skills they need to conduct combat search and rescue missions.
💪 Note: The training process for Air Force special operations units is extremely challenging and has a high dropout rate. Only the most physically and mentally fit airmen are able to complete the training and become members of these elite units.
Conclusion
Air Force special operations units are some of the most elite warriors in the world. These units are trained to conduct a variety of missions, from combat search and rescue to unconventional warfare. Becoming a member of one of these units is extremely challenging and requires a high level of physical and mental fitness. However, for those who are up to the challenge, the rewards are well worth it.
What is the difference between the 24 STS and the 1 SOW?
+
The 24 STS is a special tactics squadron that is trained to conduct combat control, pararescue, and combat weather missions. The 1 SOW is a special operations wing that is composed of several different squadrons, each with its own unique mission.
What is the role of the AFSOWT?
+
The AFSOWT is a specialized unit that is trained to conduct weather reconnaissance and forecasting in support of special operations missions.
How do I become a member of an Air Force special operations unit?
+
To become a member of an Air Force special operations unit, you must first meet the basic qualifications for enlistment in the Air Force. You must then volunteer for special operations training and undergo the rigorous training process.
Related Terms:
- Air Force Special operations jobs
- Air force special reconnaissance
- AFSOC A3
- AFSOC football
- AFSOC A2
