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Ask Your Questions About USAF Special Operations (AFSOC)

by · June 23, 2012 · Posted In: AFSOC
PJjump
Hi Everyone,

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I wanted to introduce our latest contributor to SOFREP. He’ll write under “BK” due to operational commitments.  I’m excited to have some solid AFSOC representation on the site and looking forward to some great USAF content.

Thanks for hopping on the SOF pirate ship with us, BK.

Brandon, Editor-in-Chief

Greetings, SOFREP readers! It’s great to be a writing here, and I want to thank these gentlemen for letting me be a small part of SOFREP.com…

Hitting the basics: Former USAF pararescue team member, currently dabbling in the security contracting department in various spots around the globe. I spend my down time back in lovely San Diego, drinking too much beer and arguing with hippies.

In the future, I’m looking forward to coming here from time to time to bring you news from not only the pararescue career field, but as much AFSOC information as I can get.

Since the PJ community is one of the lesser known SOF groups, I am also looking to to writing some articles detailing the selection and training schools that PJs, combat controllers, and other AFSOC personnel attend.  I want to look at the day in the life of the typical PJ squadron, from the renowned mountaineers of the 212th rescue squadron in Alaska, to one of the 4 special mission units (SMU) of JSOC, the 24th special tactics squadron.

There are also various lifestyle issues pertaining to the SOF community that greatly interest me. Physical fitness and guns, of course.  Camping, mountaineering, and general outdoorsy stuff.  Fast cars, motorcycles, and who gives the best perfomance down at the local pole dancing university.  In other words, everything that concerns the special operator… and you!

If there is anything you think would be worthy of a blog post or article, or if you have questions about PJ/AFSOC training, please don’t hesitate to hit me up, either via Comms Check or the comments. I look forward to hearing from all of you.

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Superheck21
Superheck21

Im leaving for CCT training in June, i did well on my PAST, but i need the most improvement in the pool. Any tips for gaining endurance? 

advisory
advisory

A great website with interesting and unique material what else would you need.

sell your junk car
sell your junk car like.author.displayName 1 Like

This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work.

Plisky
Plisky

I would love to see a good write-up on the breakdown of the 4 main AFSOC jobs. SOWT, TACP, CCT, and PJ. I myself am specifically trying to get more info about the main difference between TACP (and SOF TACP?) and CCT and who they operate with typically. I understand it varies quite a bit and is whoever needs them gets them kind of deal.

Coriolis effect
Coriolis effect

 @Plisky

 Tacp-Tactical Air Control Party

-They provide a close air support asset to infantry units, however on occasion they do work with SOF (if you are assigned to the 17th ASOS, then you are assigned to a SOF unit-mainly the 75th)

CCT-Combat Control

-Are always assigned to SOF units (mainly army sf and seal platoons) or on their own

-when deployed with other SOF units they mainly utilize the close air support aspect and bring the air to the ground

-when they operate on their own they almost always set out to perform air traffic control and covertly insert, mark out landing zones (for helicopters) or landing strips (for fixed wing aircraft) or parachute drop zones, then guide air assets in and out for resuply or to bring troops into the fight

 

TACP are a more conventional asset, with a shorter pipeline (freefall, combat dive and advanced skills training is all optional and you have to apply for a billet)

CCT is a special operations unit with longer training (2 years not including unit training when you arrive at you special tactics squadron) with freefall, combat dive and advacned skills training all manditory

 

Also as a CCT you are eligable for the 24th special tactics squadron (tier one like devgru or delta) while TACP are not (assuming, maybe case by case basis but nowhere has their been any mention of TACP in 24th, only pj and cct)

 

Tango9
Tango9 moderator

About damn time!  Welcome BK!

TheAnt
TheAnt

Welome, I am new to the site as well. Looking forward to hearing more about AFSOC, and am interested in learning more about its career's. I'm headed off to college and am interested in a career in CCT/STO afterwards. Is there any way you could give us your take on that community in the future? 

Thank you,

Noah

OdieAF
OdieAF like.author.displayName 1 Like

Welcome, and as with everyone who follows sofrep, I have a huge appreciation for everything you guys do overseas and domestically.  

 

Not sure if you have had much contact with SOWT squads or know any who are attached to other units, but I would love to hear more about what their role is in country, and how they contribute to the units they are assigned to.  Information is scarce to non-existent on what they actually do while in combat.

 

Thanks, and I look forward to reading your posts!

JuliaHugoRachel
JuliaHugoRachel

 @OdieAF  It is my take that anything "in Country" is highly classified and my opinion it should stay that way. This is a fight like no other on U.S. Turf. It was smart to start the teams that were started in the past 20 years; this is what is keeping US safe. We owe allot to all of the Teams.

townsendsmith19
townsendsmith19

BK, what is your opinion of combat rescue officers?

bkgreenfeet
bkgreenfeet

 @townsendsmith19 My opinion is.... We need them desperately to hurry up and make rank so the PJ/CCT/TACP/SOWT community gets some representation.  You'll notice that the SEAL community has 4 stars?  We have only had a one star, and by the time they get in that slot, they don't care much for the ground guys anyway.  My two cents.

LaRoux
LaRoux

What is the average age for a CCT. I just told 27 and I am talking with recruiters about a CCT contract. Will I be too old once I make it out of the pipeline?

bkgreenfeet
bkgreenfeet

 @LaRoux I heard it was 28 maybe for active duty?  If you make it in under the cutoff age, you should be good.  They aren't going to remove you halfway through a pipeline or anything.  Also, you may be able to talk the guard/reserve units.  There is one in Kentucky and one in Portland.  They are pretty relaxed about age requirements.

LaRoux
LaRoux

 @bkgreenfeet Thanks for the reply. Is there a age limit for attending CCT Selection once in the Air Force? Say if a TACP wanted to switch to CCT.

Trango
Trango moderator

Welcome BK. Huge amounts of respect for the PJs. Really looking forward to your contributions here.

StevenWood
StevenWood

I served as an ammo troop in OEF and OIF we built built many jdams. Just wanted to say I love AFSOF. Thank you for what you did and still do. Thank all your CCT for me. You guys rock!

JuliaHugoRachel
JuliaHugoRachel

It is nice to hear AFSOC mentioned in the sense that this Team(s) deserves recognition for outstanding Special Ops qualities and essential abilities.  I only know about the relationship of some of these teams and what other teams they might be paired with when a casualty occurs amongst friends/loved ones. When I see who was involved, I see how closely the different teams from different branches of special ops are working together, by who is on what team. I am continually amazed at the caliber, strength and unity of special ops warfare and where this cohesion seems to be heading.

Ben K
Ben K

I occasionally read in the news about our various spec ops units working together in various operations and it is my understanding that AFSOC tends to attach individuals or small teams to other units rather than fielding entire squads on its own, is that correct?  If so, what separates (for example) a Pararescueman attached to a squad of Rangers from a Ranger medic in the same squad?

 

I also read about CCTs attached to other SOF squads that get commendations for calling CAS and other things that seem more like the TACP's job description.  In practice, is there any difference between the two specialties?

bkgreenfeet
bkgreenfeet like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @Ben K Ben, great question and I'm going to get into it in more detail later.  Yes, they do tend to attach individuals. The reasons for this are many, but the Air Force loves planes more than they love ground troops.  Arggh, don't get me started... like I said, I have a rant on that I'll get into later.  TECHNICALLY, yes, they can field a squad on their own.

 

As far as the CCT/TACP thing, they are both JTACS, but CCT guys are also fully qualified air traffic controllers.  Also, CCTs usually get attached to the tier one and two units, while most often TACP guys are rolling with infantry units.  There are some exceptions, but that's generally how it plays out.

browcs
browcs like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

 @bkgreenfeet  Having served for nearly 24 years, 11 years in a rescue wing and the most recent seven years in a joint SOF command, as an intel guy, I can attest to the plane (read jet) love of the USAF. In my old unit, we were thrilled when we became part of AFSOC (nearly) a decade ago.  I can say I greatly miss my old unit and the rescue world in general....

Farlet10
Farlet10 like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @Ben K While many CCT's maintain a JTAC Certification, it is my understanding that this is a secondary capability and not their primary responsibility as it would be for a TACP.

That Sailor
That Sailor like.author.displayName 1 Like

Welcome BK to this SOF crew..  You PJs are a special breed..

 

I remember seeing an PJ jump out with not only his combat gear, but his medical pack and radio pack.  I didn't think it was possible to safely jump like that.

JuliaHugoRachel
JuliaHugoRachel

And a Great PJ Medic was lost  last year. Thank you for mentioning this.

AGL Bob
AGL Bob like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

Looking forward to some insight into your rescue and technical rope work.

katgirl231
katgirl231

Are the acronyms PJs, CSAR and pararescue synonymous or are there differences?

bkgreenfeet
bkgreenfeet

 @katgirl231 Kat, PJs/pararescue are the actual personnel.  CSAR, or combat search and rescue is the mission.

katgirl231
katgirl231

sorry, I forgot - A huge welcome to you!

Chris Martin
Chris Martin

Excellent. Seems certain to be a great addition to the team.

StevenHildreth
StevenHildreth like.author.displayName 1 Like

Welcome, BK! I look forward to reading your contributions and learning more about AFSOC and the PJs

ajkmidget96
ajkmidget96

4 SMUs? Are you counting the ISA, or has the USMC added a unit to JSOC?

StevenHildreth
StevenHildreth

 @ajmidget94 There's rumors that the USMC will be adding a SMU to JSOC, but there's not a lot of solid information on that at the moment.

ColonelProp
ColonelProp

BK - Welcome to the "Black Hole of Calcutta"!!! This is one helluva Red/Blue Team Brandon and Jack have built. We act like sharks and chum at times, others we lurk over dark joe in cold wet hiding places but it is all good stuff. I very much look forward to AFSOC posts as I have a personal link that I worry about constantly out there in the brotherhood. Peace

jrexilius
jrexilius moderator

Rockin!  Welcome to SOFREP brother!  Happy to see some USAF representation!   Lookin forward to your articles.

Farlet10
Farlet10

Welcome to the team BK! I am excited to hear a bit more about the PJ community and selection courses as I intend to ultimately go the CRO path.

bkgreenfeet
bkgreenfeet like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @TylerMFarley Very good... I plan on writing a bit about the 

combat rescue officer program soon...

masterjedi
masterjedi

Bk im currently  serving right now in the air force as security forces. im trying to make the switch to combat control. any specific training i can do to broaden my skills to get me ready.

bkgreenfeet
bkgreenfeet

 @masterjedi Run... then run some more.  Do a shitload of pushups and pullups. 

BDW
BDW

bk,

My first run-in with a PJ was while doing a medical stint at Nellis. These dirty, dusty easy going guys walked through the hallway between the family practice clinic and the flight med clinic and all the young airmen just stopped talking and watched them.  I thought they were from another branch.  Then I saw one in the little gym (back in the day) at Nellis and one of those guys asked for a spot on his 40th pull-up (there was no kipping in his form).  Very cool dudes.  Moved to Portland and those guys, along with some badass Coast Guardsmen did some amazing saves.

Later went through a course with a former PJ turned orthopedic surgeon.  Again, knew his stuff, very confident without the attitude.  Very positive overall experience.

 

AR18X
AR18X like.author.displayName like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 3 Like

 @masterjedi run, swim, flutter kick, stay composed under extreme duress, focus during ATT school. Murder the PAST. Don't get complacent, its a long pipeline but one of the best training in special ops out of all branches. CCT was my first choice going into the service, but due to bad eyesight I decided on the 18xray program for the Army. Ended up being a better mission profile for my interests. 

anirishlad
anirishlad

Welcome, I look forward to your contributions.

Mitra
Mitra

Welcome to SOFREP! Can't wait to read your articles and learn more about AFSOC.

Tango9
Tango9 moderator like.author.displayName like.author.displayName like.author.displayName like.author.displayName like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 6 Like

Welcome aboard BK!  need more AF guys here. 

ArcticWarrior
ArcticWarrior like.author.displayName like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 3 Like

Welcome aboard...Loved the 212th and the Big Green Feet, lots of high altitude stuff, they were first class guys.

bkgreenfeet
bkgreenfeet like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @ArcticWarrior Yeah, I have some buddies up there, they're awesome.

ArcticWarrior
ArcticWarrior like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @bkgreenfeet

 Yeah if you needed a high tree extraction on the DZ, or a Brownie ate you  or if you rolled an ankle up on the glacier or the big mountain, they  did it all. A friend was a rigger in the old 207th was tight with a bunch of  them both 210/212. they were all solid guys. Arctic Warriors to the core.