Intro
Uncover the elite world of Air Force Combat Control Teams (CCTs). Learn about the 5 most critical roles: Combat Controllers, Pararescuemen, Tactical Air Controllers, Weather Technicians, and Special Operations Weather Team specialists. Discover their specialized skills, training, and mission-critical tasks that support US military operations worldwide.
The United States Air Force's Combat Control Team (CCT) is an elite special operations force that plays a critical role in the country's military operations. The CCT is trained to conduct a wide range of missions, including direct action, special reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, and personnel recovery. The team is composed of highly skilled and specialized airmen who are trained to operate in a variety of environments and situations. Here, we will explore five elite Air Force Combat Control Team roles that make up this special operations force.
The History of the Combat Control Team
The Combat Control Team was established in 1952 as a special operations force within the United States Air Force. The team was created to conduct unconventional warfare, direct action, and special reconnaissance missions behind enemy lines. Over the years, the CCT has evolved to become one of the most elite and respected special operations forces in the world.
The Selection Process
To become a member of the Combat Control Team, airmen must undergo a rigorous selection process that tests their physical and mental toughness. The selection process includes a battery of physical fitness tests, psychological evaluations, and interviews with a panel of experienced CCT operators. Only a small percentage of applicants are selected to join the CCT.
Combat Controller (CCT)
The Combat Controller is the primary operator on the Combat Control Team. They are trained to conduct a wide range of missions, including direct action, special reconnaissance, and unconventional warfare. Combat Controllers are skilled in a variety of areas, including parachuting, combat tactics, and language skills.
Responsibilities
- Conduct direct action missions, including raids and ambushes
- Conduct special reconnaissance missions, including surveillance and reconnaissance
- Conduct unconventional warfare missions, including guerrilla warfare and sabotage
- Provide language support and cultural expertise to the team
- Conduct combat tactics and marksmanship training
Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Specialist
The Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Specialist is a critical member of the Combat Control Team. They are trained to teach team members how to survive and evade capture in hostile environments. SERE Specialists are skilled in a variety of areas, including wilderness survival, evasion techniques, and resistance to interrogation.
Responsibilities
- Teach team members how to survive in hostile environments
- Teach team members how to evade capture and conduct escape and evasion operations
- Conduct resistance to interrogation training
- Provide guidance on how to conduct clandestine operations
- Conduct survival and evasion training in a variety of environments
Combat Weather Team (CWT)
The Combat Weather Team is a specialized unit within the Combat Control Team that provides weather support to the team. They are trained to conduct weather forecasting and observation operations in a variety of environments. Combat Weather Team members are skilled in a variety of areas, including meteorology, observation techniques, and communication systems.
Responsibilities
- Conduct weather forecasting and observation operations
- Provide weather support to the team
- Conduct observation operations to gather weather data
- Use specialized equipment to gather weather data
- Provide guidance on how to conduct weather operations in a variety of environments
Special Tactics Officer (STO)
The Special Tactics Officer is a senior member of the Combat Control Team who provides leadership and guidance to the team. They are trained to conduct a wide range of missions, including direct action, special reconnaissance, and unconventional warfare. Special Tactics Officers are skilled in a variety of areas, including leadership, tactics, and strategy.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and guidance to the team
- Conduct direct action missions, including raids and ambushes
- Conduct special reconnaissance missions, including surveillance and reconnaissance
- Conduct unconventional warfare missions, including guerrilla warfare and sabotage
- Provide guidance on how to conduct clandestine operations
Special Operations Weather Team (SOWT)
The Special Operations Weather Team is a specialized unit within the Combat Control Team that provides weather support to special operations forces. They are trained to conduct weather forecasting and observation operations in a variety of environments. Special Operations Weather Team members are skilled in a variety of areas, including meteorology, observation techniques, and communication systems.
Responsibilities
- Conduct weather forecasting and observation operations
- Provide weather support to special operations forces
- Conduct observation operations to gather weather data
- Use specialized equipment to gather weather data
- Provide guidance on how to conduct weather operations in a variety of environments
Combat Control Team Image Gallery
In conclusion, the Combat Control Team is a highly specialized and elite force within the United States Air Force. The team is composed of highly trained and skilled airmen who are trained to conduct a wide range of missions, including direct action, special reconnaissance, and unconventional warfare. The five roles we explored in this article, including the Combat Controller, SERE Specialist, Combat Weather Team, Special Tactics Officer, and Special Operations Weather Team, are critical components of the Combat Control Team.