The role of a Combat Controller, also known as a Combat Control Team (CCT) member, is a highly specialized and elite position within the United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). These individuals are trained to operate in hostile or denied territory, conducting a wide range of missions that require their unique blend of skills, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and terminal attack control. The primary objective of a Combat Controller is to establish and maintain control over the battlefield, ensuring the successful execution of joint special operations tasks.
History and Development of Combat Controllers
The concept of Combat Controllers dates back to World War II, when the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) recognized the need for specialized personnel to coordinate air support for ground operations. The first Combat Control Teams were formed in 1942, and these early teams played a crucial role in the Allied victory, particularly in the Pacific Theater. Over the years, the role of Combat Controllers has evolved to incorporate new technologies and tactics, but their core mission remains the same: to provide expert air support and control to joint special operations forces.
Training and Selection Process
The journey to become a Combat Controller is extremely challenging, with a dropout rate of over 70% during the initial training phase. Candidates must undergo a rigorous selection process, which includes a battery of physical and mental evaluations, as well as a thorough background check. Those who are selected then enter the Combat Control Team (CCT) training pipeline, which includes:
- Combat Control Team (CCT) training: 15 weeks of initial training that focuses on the fundamentals of combat control, including air support operations, reconnaissance, and survival techniques.
- Advanced skills training: 12 weeks of training that covers specialized skills such as parachute operations, combat diving, and advanced first aid.
- Language training: 12-18 months of language training in a foreign language, such as Arabic, Spanish, or French.
- Joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training: 12 weeks of training that focuses on the skills required to control and coordinate air support operations.
Only after completing these phases of training can a candidate be considered a fully qualified Combat Controller, ready to deploy with joint special operations teams.
Key Points
- Combat Controllers are elite special operations forces trained to operate in hostile or denied territory.
- Their primary objective is to establish and maintain control over the battlefield, ensuring the successful execution of joint special operations tasks.
- The training and selection process for Combat Controllers is extremely challenging, with a dropout rate of over 70%.
- Combat Controllers undergo a range of specialized training, including combat control, parachute operations, and language training.
- Only fully qualified Combat Controllers can deploy with joint special operations teams, providing expert air support and control.
Mission and Responsibilities
Combat Controllers are responsible for a wide range of missions, including:
- Reconnaissance and surveillance: Conducting reconnaissance and surveillance operations to gather intelligence on enemy forces and terrain.
- Terminal attack control: Controlling and coordinating air support operations, including close air support (CAS) and precision-guided munitions.
- Combat search and rescue (CSAR): Conducting CSAR operations to recover downed aircrew and other isolated personnel.
- Special operations forces (SOF) support: Providing support to SOF teams, including air support, reconnaissance, and logistics.
Combat Controllers work closely with other special operations forces, including Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) units, to achieve their objectives.
| Combat Controller Specialty | Description |
|---|---|
| 1T2X1 - Combat Control Team (CCT) | Conducts reconnaissance, surveillance, and terminal attack control operations. |
| 1T3X1 - Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst | Conducts signals intelligence operations to support combat control and special operations missions. |
| 1T4X1 - Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Operator | Conducts ISR operations to support combat control and special operations missions. |
Equipment and Technology
Combat Controllers use a range of specialized equipment and technology to conduct their missions, including:
- Parachute systems: Combat Controllers use advanced parachute systems, including the MC-5 ram-air parachute, to conduct airborne operations.
- Communication equipment: Combat Controllers use secure communication equipment, including satellite radios and encryption devices, to communicate with other units and command centers.
- Reconnaissance and surveillance equipment: Combat Controllers use a range of reconnaissance and surveillance equipment, including binoculars, spotting scopes, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
- Terminal attack control equipment: Combat Controllers use specialized equipment, including laser designators and GPS-guided munitions, to control and coordinate air support operations.
Combat Controllers must be proficient in the use of this equipment and technology to conduct their missions effectively.
What is the role of a Combat Controller in special operations missions?
+Combat Controllers play a critical role in special operations missions, providing expert air support and control to joint special operations teams. They conduct reconnaissance and surveillance operations, control and coordinate air support operations, and provide support to special operations forces.
What is the training process for becoming a Combat Controller?
+The training process for becoming a Combat Controller is extremely challenging and includes a range of specialized training, including combat control, parachute operations, and language training. Candidates must undergo a rigorous selection process and complete a range of training phases, including initial training, advanced skills training, and joint terminal attack controller training.
What equipment and technology do Combat Controllers use?
+Combat Controllers use a range of specialized equipment and technology, including parachute systems, communication equipment, reconnaissance and surveillance equipment, and terminal attack control equipment. They must be proficient in the use of this equipment and technology to conduct their missions effectively.