Air Force Combat Control Team: Elite Special Operators

The United States Air Force has a long history of producing elite special operators who can conduct a wide range of missions, from combat search and rescue to direct action. One of the most elite units within the Air Force is the Combat Control Team (CCT). These operators are trained to conduct missions behind enemy lines, where they can establish airfields, conduct reconnaissance, and call in airstrikes.

The CCT is a small unit, with only a handful of operators assigned to each team. However, despite their small size, they are capable of conducting a wide range of missions, from establishing airfields in remote locations to conducting direct action against enemy forces.

Selection and Training

To become a member of a Combat Control Team, an Airman must first meet the basic qualifications, which include being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 39, and scoring high on the Air Force's physical fitness test. Once these qualifications are met, the Airman can apply for the CCT pipeline.

The CCT pipeline is one of the most challenging training programs in the Air Force, with a high washout rate. The pipeline consists of several phases, including basic training, combat control team training, and advanced skills training.

During basic training, airmen learn the basic skills needed to become a CCT operator, including combat tactics, first aid, and communication skills. This phase lasts several weeks and is designed to weed out those who are not suitable for CCT duty.

After basic training, airmen attend combat control team training, where they learn advanced skills such as parachuting, combat diving, and survival techniques. This phase is highly physically demanding and pushes airmen to their limits.

Finally, airmen attend advanced skills training, where they learn specialized skills such as combat tactics, sniper training, and advanced first aid.

Combat Control Team Structure

A Combat Control Team typically consists of 5-10 operators, each with their own unique skills and specialties. The team is led by a team leader, who is responsible for planning and executing missions.

The team also includes a communications expert, who is responsible for establishing and maintaining communication with other teams and with air support. The communications expert is trained to use a wide range of communication equipment, including satellite phones and radios.

The team also includes a medical expert, who is trained to provide medical care in the field. The medical expert is responsible for treating injuries and illnesses, and for performing emergency surgeries.

In addition to the communications and medical experts, the team also includes several combat operators, who are trained to conduct direct action against enemy forces. These operators are skilled in combat tactics, sniper training, and advanced first aid.

Mission Sets

Combat Control Teams are trained to conduct a wide range of missions, including:

Establishing airfields in remote locations
Conducting reconnaissance behind enemy lines
Calling in airstrikes
Conducting direct action against enemy forces
Providing medical care in the field

These mission sets require a high degree of skill and training, and are often conducted in hostile environments.

Notable Operations

Combat Control Teams have been involved in several notable operations throughout history, including:

Operation Eagle Claw: In 1980, a Combat Control Team was involved in the attempted rescue of American hostages in Iran.
Operation Desert Storm: During the Gulf War, Combat Control Teams played a key role in establishing airfields and conducting reconnaissance behind enemy lines.
Operation Enduring Freedom: In Afghanistan, Combat Control Teams conducted direct action against enemy forces and provided medical care in the field.
Operation Iraqi Freedom: In Iraq, Combat Control Teams established airfields and conducted reconnaissance behind enemy lines.

Modernization and Future

The Air Force is constantly working to modernize and improve the capabilities of its Combat Control Teams. This includes the development of new equipment and technology, such as advanced communication systems and unmanned aerial vehicles.

In addition, the Air Force is working to increase the size of its CCT pipeline, in order to meet the growing demand for special operators.

Despite the challenges and dangers of their job, Combat Control Team operators remain some of the most elite and respected warriors in the Air Force.

Combat Control Team Equipment

Combat Control Teams use a wide range of equipment, including:

Advanced communication systems, such as satellite phones and radios
Unmanned aerial vehicles, such as drones
Advanced medical equipment, such as portable defibrillators and surgical kits
Combat gear, such as helmets and body armor
Parachuting equipment, such as parachutes and oxygen tanks

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Air Force Combat Control Team is an elite special operations unit that conducts a wide range of missions, from combat search and rescue to direct action. These operators are trained to conduct missions behind enemy lines, where they can establish airfields, conduct reconnaissance, and call in airstrikes.

Their advanced skills and training make them some of the most respected warriors in the Air Force, and they continue to play a critical role in modern military operations.

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Air Force Combat Control Team Image Gallery

Air Force Combat Control Team operations

What is the role of the Air Force Combat Control Team?

The Air Force Combat Control Team is an elite special operations unit that conducts a wide range of missions, from combat search and rescue to direct action.

What kind of training do Combat Control Team operators receive?

Combat Control Team operators receive advanced training in combat tactics, parachuting, combat diving, and survival techniques.

What is the typical structure of a Combat Control Team?

A typical Combat Control Team consists of 5-10 operators, each with their own unique skills and specialties.