Special Operations Surgical Teams (SOSTs) consist of active-duty Air Force medical professionals including trauma surgeons, emergency physicians, nurse anaesthetists, surgical scrub techs, critical-care nurses, and respiratory techs. They are charged with providing far-forward medical care during combat operations wherever the U.S. military is engaged. When not on active deployment, the team trains in surgery, in trauma centers and in intensive-care units. SOSTs are part of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).