5 Phases Of Air Force Special Operations Training

The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is the Air Force's component of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). AFSOC is responsible for providing airpower to conduct special operations, such as counterterrorism, direct action, special reconnaissance, and personnel recovery. To become an Air Force Special Operator, one must undergo rigorous training, which consists of five phases.

The five phases of Air Force Special Operations training are designed to test an individual's physical and mental limits, as well as their ability to work effectively in a team environment. The phases are:

Phase 1: Initial Training

The first phase of Air Force Special Operations training is initial training, also known as Basic Military Training (BMT). This phase lasts for approximately seven weeks and is designed to introduce new recruits to the Air Force way of life. During this phase, recruits learn the basics of military protocol, first aid, and combat skills.

What to Expect During Initial Training

During initial training, recruits can expect to learn the following skills:

• Military protocol and procedures
• First aid and emergency medical procedures
• Combat skills, such as hand-to-hand combat and marksmanship
• Physical fitness and teamwork
• Core values and ethics of the Air Force

Phase 2: Special Operations Weather Team (SOWT) Training

After completing initial training, aspiring Special Operators attend Special Operations Weather Team (SOWT) training. This phase lasts for approximately 18 weeks and is designed to teach students the skills necessary to gather and analyze weather data in support of special operations.

What to Expect During SOWT Training

During SOWT training, students can expect to learn the following skills:

• Meteorology and weather forecasting
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Communication and briefing techniques
• Map reading and navigation
• Survival skills and emergency procedures

Phase 3: Air Force Special Operations Training (STO)

The third phase of Air Force Special Operations training is Air Force Special Operations Training (STO). This phase lasts for approximately 12 weeks and is designed to teach students the skills necessary to conduct special operations.

What to Expect During STO Training

During STO training, students can expect to learn the following skills:

• Special operations tactics and procedures
• Advanced first aid and emergency medical procedures
• Combat skills, such as marksmanship and hand-to-hand combat
• Surveillance and reconnaissance techniques
• Communication and navigation skills

Phase 4: Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Training

The fourth phase of Air Force Special Operations training is Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training. This phase lasts for approximately three weeks and is designed to teach students the skills necessary to survive and evade capture in hostile environments.

What to Expect During SERE Training

During SERE training, students can expect to learn the following skills:

• Survival techniques, such as shelter building and fire starting
• Evasion techniques, such as camouflage and concealment
• Resistance techniques, such as interrogation resistance and escape and evasion
• Communication and navigation skills

Phase 5: Final Training and Qualification

The final phase of Air Force Special Operations training is final training and qualification. This phase lasts for approximately six weeks and is designed to teach students the skills necessary to conduct special operations in a variety of environments.

What to Expect During Final Training and Qualification

During final training and qualification, students can expect to learn the following skills:

• Advanced special operations tactics and procedures
• Specialized skills, such as parachute training and combat diving
• Mission planning and execution
• Leadership and teamwork skills

Air Force Special Operations Training Image Gallery

If you're interested in becoming an Air Force Special Operator, we encourage you to share this article with others and start the conversation. What do you think it takes to become a successful Air Force Special Operator? Let us know in the comments below!