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 FIGHT00:00U.S. AIR FORCE PRESENTS
INTO THE STORM
START THE MISSIONTHERE ARE FOUR DISTINCT
SPECIAL WARFARE CAREERS.
COMBAT CONTROLLER (CCT)
- AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
- AIRFIELD ESTABLISHMENT
- SPECIAL TACTICS
PARARESCUE (PJ)
- SEARCH AND RESCUE
- COMBAT MEDICAL
- SPECIAL TACTICS
SPECIAL RECONNAISSANCE (SR)
- GLOBAL BATTLESPACE ACCESS
- INTELLIGENCE & SURVEILLANCE
- SPECIAL TACTICS
TACTICAL AIR CONTROL PARTY (TACP)
- AIRSTRIKE TARGETING
- CLOSE AIR SUPPORT
- SPECIAL TACTICS
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.
View all gearPARACHUTE 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.