USAF Special Operations

United States Air Force Special Operations are carried out by a range of units with a number of different roles.

USAF Special Operations - Organization

The majority of USAF Special Operations Forces come under control of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).

more info AFSOC organization

A notable exception to the above rule is the the Special Operations Low Level (SOLL) II Division of USAF Air Mobility Command (AMC) which operates modified C-17 Globemasters in support of US SOF.

more info : C-17 Special Operations Low Level II

AFSOC Video

Special Operations Squadrons

These Air Commandos operate fleets of specialised aircraft on a variety of missions:

• AC-130H/U Gunship
• CV-22 Osprey
• EC-130J Commando Solo
• MC-130E/H Combat Talon I/II
• MC-130P Combat Shadow
• MC-130J Commando II
• MC-130W Combat Spear
• MC-130W Dragon Spear
• MH-53J/M Pave Low
• MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
• U-28A
  M-28 Skytruck
  Q-200
  (non-standard aviation)
• BATMAV Micro Unmanned Aircraft System
• Desert Hawk Small Unmanned Aircraft System
• RQ-11 Raven Small Unmanned Aircraft System
• Scan Eagle Unmanned Aircraft System
• RC-26B
• UH-1N helicopter
  Anatov AN-26
  C-47
  Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopters
  (operated by the 6th Special Operations Squadron)
• C-212-200 / C212-300 Aviocar
  CN-235
  (operated by the 427th Special Operations Squadron)

more info : Special Operations Squadrons

Special Tactics Squadrons

AFSOC Special Tactics are specialized ground units who are often integrated with other SOF units such as Special Forces, Rangers and SEALS.

more info : Special Tactics Squadrons

Tactical Air Control Parties

Elite Joint Terminal Attack Controllers with a dedicated squadron within AFSOC.

more info : Tactical Air Control Parties

Special Operations Security Forces Squadron

Elite security forces that provide force protection for garrisoned and deployed AFSOC special operations squadrons.

more info : Special Operations Security Forces Squadrons

USAF Special Operations - Roles

• insertion/extraction/resupply of special operations forces (SOF)
• precision application of firepower
• reconnaissance
• calling in air power to hit ground targets
• combat search and rescue (CSAR)

USAF Special Operations - Notable Operations

• 2001 - Operation Enduring Freedom
• 2003 - Iraq - Operation Iraqi Freedom

A selection of aircraft operated by Air Force Special Operations Command.

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Jacobs

USAF Resources

• Air Force Special Operations Command
  (official AFSOC website)

« American Special Ops