Special Warfare

THE SPECIALTY IN SPECIAL WARFARE

The Airmen who make up Air Force Special Warfare are the most specialized warriors on the planet. They are the ones other special forces look to when the mission calls for their unique skills and fearless commitment. A job for the mentally tough and physically strong, these elite heroes go where others won’t because they’re trained to do what others can’t.

ANYPLACE, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE

JOIN THE FIGHT00:00
U.S. AIR FORCE PRESENTS

INTO THE STORM

START THE MISSION

THERE ARE FOUR DISTINCT
SPECIAL WARFARE CAREERS.

COMBAT CONTROLLER (CCT)
  • AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
  • AIRFIELD ESTABLISHMENT
  • SPECIAL TACTICS
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PARARESCUE (PJ)
  • SEARCH AND RESCUE
  • COMBAT MEDICAL
  • SPECIAL TACTICS
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SPECIAL RECONNAISSANCE (SR)
  • GLOBAL BATTLESPACE ACCESS
  • INTELLIGENCE & SURVEILLANCE
  • SPECIAL TACTICS
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TACTICAL AIR CONTROL PARTY (TACP)
  • AIRSTRIKE TARGETING
  • CLOSE AIR SUPPORT
  • SPECIAL TACTICS
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Tools of the trade

Every Special Warfare career is highly specialized, which means the gear Special Warfare Airmen bring on a mission must be too.

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  • PARACHUTE SYSTEM

    This parachute system provides superior glide performance and includes a wrist altimeter to time the release of the chute. The system also comes equipped with an oxygen mask and oxygen bottle for HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) jumps.

  • LOW-PROFILE BELT

    This utility belt is used for extra storage of necessary mission-essential equipment, including a magazine dump pouch, knife, multitool, personal medical kit, pistol holster and extra ammunition.

  • TOUGHBOOK COMPUTER

    To stay connected while conducting missions in remote parts of the world, Special Operators pack a variety of gear, including a Toughbook computer for high-performance communication.

  • M4 CARBINE RIFLE

    The assault rifle of choice for Special Operators, the M4 carbine comes equipped with holographic hybrid 3x magnifier, infrared laser-aiming system, an infrared flashlight and a modified collapsible stock.

  • GPS

    When operating in remote regions of the globe, operators rely on military-grade, ruggedized GPS.

  • TACTICAL BODY ARMOR

    Maximizing protection while minimizing interference, this tactical body armor incorporates integrated magazine and accessory pouches enabling Special Operators to carry out the mission safely and effectively.

  • BALLISTIC HELMET

    The ballistic helmet features a dual communication system, night-vision goggles and infrared strobe lighting to mark friendly positions.

  • TACTICAL ASSAULT KIT

    To track friendly forces during a battle as well as for target nomination, Special Operators rely on the Tactical Assault Kit, which is a digital mapping system that includes global positioning.

  • GLOCK 19 SIDEARM

    Because of its compact size and versatility, the 9mm is the ideal sidearm for Special Operators as a backup defense system.

  • HIGH-INTENSITY IR LASER

    To let aircraft know of their location and to designate enemy positions during nighttime missions, Special Operators will use an advanced high-intensity infrared laser.

  • POCKET LASER RANGE FINDER

    The pocket laser range finder with a built-in compass comes in handy for targeting during the daytime and measuring the dimensions of landing zones.

  • DIVE GEAR

    Air Force Special Operators are highly trained divers that employ everything from wireless transceivers, to transmit and receive underwater communications, to an Integrated Diving Vest and a compass with a bottom timer and depth gauge.

  • MULTIBAND RADIO

    Equipped with GPS, this multiband programmable radio is used for inter-team communication and communication with aircraft as well as satellite communication.

  • TACTICAL MEDICAL KIT

    When responding to emergencies, Special Operators must act as a one-person ER. Operators are equipped with a range of supplies, including IV catheters and fluid warmer to combat hypothermia, a bag valve mask to force ventilation and seals/bandages to cover wounds.

  • TECHNICAL RESCUE KIT

    To free people trapped in a variety of armored vehicles or downed aircraft, Special Operators carry a number of tools such as a concrete saw, a Sawzall and a combi tool, which combines lift and cutting ability.

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