Combat Controllers are inseparably and fraternally joined into a one-of-a-kind brotherhood by the strong bonds of patriotism, conviction, & commitment to never fail.
It is to this fraternity that we commit to formalize the Combat Control Association (CCA) for all Combat Controllers, past, present, and to those who will extend the proud history and heritage of United States Air Force Combat Control Teams into the future
It is to this fraternity that we commit to formalize the Combat Control Association (CCA) for all Combat Controllers, past, present, and to those who will extend the proud history and heritage of United States Air Force Combat Control Teams into the future
Hurlburt Field, just a few minutes from Destin, is home to 24th Special Operations Wing, the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, and Special Tactics Advanced Skills Training (AST). Advanced Skills Training (AST) is a 11-to-12-month program for newly assigned combat controller operators. AST produces mission-ready operators for the Air Force and United States Special Operations Command. The course tests the trainee's personal limits through demanding mental and physical training.
Air Force Special Operations Command's combat controllers are battlefield Airmen assigned to special tactics squadrons. They are trained special operations forces and certified FAA air traffic controllers. The mission of a combat controller is to deploy with elite special operations units from other services (such as Navy SEALS, Army Special Forces, and others), undetected, into combat and hostile environments to establish assault zones or airfields, while simultaneously conducting air traffic control, fire support, command and control, direct action, counter-terrorism, foreign internal defense, humanitarian assistance and special reconnaissance in the joint arena.
Their motto, "First There," reaffirms the combat controller's commitment to undertaking the most dangerous missions behind enemy lines by leading the way for other forces to follow.
Training
Combat controllers are among the most highly trained personnel in the U.S. military. They maintain air traffic control qualification skills throughout their careers; many qualify and maintain currency in joint terminal attack control procedures, in addition to other special operations skills like infiltration skills and combat diver and demolition qualifications. Their 35-week training and unique mission skills earn them the right to wear the scarlet beret.
Their motto, "First There," reaffirms the combat controller's commitment to undertaking the most dangerous missions behind enemy lines by leading the way for other forces to follow.
Training
Combat controllers are among the most highly trained personnel in the U.S. military. They maintain air traffic control qualification skills throughout their careers; many qualify and maintain currency in joint terminal attack control procedures, in addition to other special operations skills like infiltration skills and combat diver and demolition qualifications. Their 35-week training and unique mission skills earn them the right to wear the scarlet beret.