USAF Special Operations Combat Controller and Weather Candidates Training. USAF Special Operations Forces SOF Combat Control Team & Special Reconnaissance Candidates

Combat Controller and Combat Weather candidates perform a jungle run conducted in Joint Base San Antonio - Medina. The jungle run is conducted by the Battlefield Airmen Training Group, 37th Training Wing, AETC.

United States Air Force Combat Control Teams, singular Combat Controller (CCT) (AFSC 1Z2X1), are American special operations forces (specifically known as "special tactics operators") who specialize in all aspects of air-ground communication, including air traffic control, fire support (including fixed and rotary wing close air support), and command, control, and communications in covert, forward, or austere environments.

Special Reconnaissance (SR)—formerly Special Operations Weather Technician or Team (SOWT)—is conducted by trained Air Force personnel assigned to Special Tactics Squadrons of the United States Air Force Special Operations Command who operate deep behind enemy lines to conduct covert direction of air and missile attacks, place remotely monitored sensors, and support other special operation units. Training for Special Operations Weathermen takes place in a 61-week course.

Like other special operations units, SR units may also carry out direct action (DA) and unconventional warfare (UW), including guerrilla operations. As SOWT they were tactical observer/forecasters with ground combat capabilities and fell under the Air Force Special Tactics within the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The mission of a Special Operations Weather Team Specialist was to deploy by the most feasible means available into combat and non-permissive environments to collect and interpret meteorological data and provide air and ground forces commanders with timely, accurate intelligence. They collect data, assist mission planning, generate accurate and mission-tailored target and route forecasts in support of global special operations, conduct special weather reconnaissance and train foreign national forces. SOWTs provided vital intelligence and deployed with joint air and ground forces in support of direct action, counter-terrorism, foreign internal defense, humanitarian assistance, special reconnaissance, austere airfield, and combat search and rescue.

Credits: Ruth Medinavillanueva and Jose Sanchez Alonso, Sarayuth Pinthong, 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs, US Air Force, US Army, DoD.

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