U.S. Air Force Combat Control Team | |
---|---|
United States Air Force Combat Control Flash
|
|
Active | January 1953 – present |
Country | United States of America |
Branch | United States Air Force |
Type | Special Operations Force |
Role | Airfield Assault Zone establishment, special reconnaissance, Air traffic control, fire support, Command, Control, and Communications, Direct Action, Combat Search and Rescue, Air Support, Light Infantry, Hostage Rescue, |
Size | 360 |
Part of |
United States Special Operations Command Air Force Special Operations Command |
Nickname(s) | CCT |
Motto(s) | "First There" |
Engagements |
Korean War Iraq War |
Insignia | |
Combat Controller scarlet beret |
Korean War
Vietnam War
Invasion of Grenada
Invasion of Panama
Gulf War
Operation Gothic Serpent
United States Air Force Combat Control Teams, singular Combat Controller (CCT) (AFSC 1C2X1), are American special operations forces (specifically known as "special tactics operators") who specialize in all aspects of air-ground communication, including air traffic control, fire support (including fixed and rotary wing close air support), and command, control, and communications in covert, forward, or austere environments.
Assigned to Special Tactics Squadrons and Special Tactics Teams along with Pararescuemen, Special Operations Weather Technicians, and Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) operators, Combat Controllers are an integral part of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), the Air Force component of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), and of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Trained in underwater and maritime operations, freefall parachuting, and many other employment methods, Combat Controllers are often assigned individually or as a team to Army Special Forces, Army Ranger, Navy SEAL, and Delta Force teams to provide expert airfield seizure, airstrike control, and communications capabilities.