guys with the “right stuff”, AFSOC leadership approved the concept to co-locate CCT and PJ operators in AFRS recruiting groups/squadrons to help in that effort. Finding the right recruit is critical because once an individual starts training – even if it’s only for a day, you cannot get that slot back for someone else to give it a try. Attrition rates are lower and graduation rates are higher, attesting to the success of the special operations recruiting liaison program and AST training concept. Numerous additions have occurred since 9/11. On May 1,
2005, the 125th Special Tactics Squadron, a second ANG unit, based at Portland International Airport, Ore., was activated. The 17th Air Operations Support Squadron (ASOS), Fort Benning, Georgia, was cross-walked from Air Combat Command to AFSOC and placed under the 720th STG effective, October 1, 2008. The main mission of the 17th ASOS is to provide Joint Terminal Attack Control (JTAC) qualified Tactical Air Control Party (TACPs) to the US Army Ranger Regiment and its subordinate battalions. The 61 TACP Airmen of the 17th ASOS joined the ranks of more than 900 special tactics Airmen and support personnel. On April 29, 2011, the 724th Special Tactics Group was activated with three subordinate squadrons, 24 STS, 724 OSS and a Data Mask unit all located at Pope Field, N.C. Throughout the last 30 years the 24th STS grew significantly in manpower, scope of responsibility and in new mission sets -- resulting in the stand-up of the new ST group reporting directly to AFSOC. A significant announcement was just made on January 11,
2012, by Lieutenant General Eric Fiel, AFSOC commander. “Air Commandos, it is with great pleasure I announce AFSOC’s newest wing, the 24th Special Operations Wing to be stood up this summer at Hurlburt Field. Establishment of the 24 SOW allows a single commander to lead the recruiting, training and development of our ST warriors and ultimately provide combatant commanders with world-class Airmen to accomplish their mission. Encompassing all ST units (720 STG, 724 STG, STTS and 12 recruiting locations), the 24 SOW reflects the demand for their unique capability. I am also pleased to announce the leadership team for the 24 SOW: Col. Robert Armfield – Commander, Col. Eric Ray - Vice Commander. I’m certain their leadership will lay the foundation for success and an enduring legacy for the 24 SOW. Please join me in congratulating them and wishing them every success.” Presently AFSOC has approximately 1,300
ST operator and support personnel positions, with growth planned through fiscal year 2019.
Later – Fiscal Year 2019 The future looks even brighter. A new Special
Tactics squadron is proposed, bed-down location yet to be determined, but likely in the western United States. The AFSOC strategic plan for ST forces identified a need for like capabilities and mission sets for every ST squadron and an affiliation with Army Special Forces Groups (SFG). That means CCT, PJ, SOWT, and TACP enlisted operators and officer equivalent
www.aircommando.org Winter 2011/12 │ AIR COMMANDO JOURNAL │ 47
specialties are planned in each ST squadron -- and each unit will align geographically with its affiliated SFG. A study is underway to evaluate the possibility of
establishing an Air Force Reserve Component ST squadron. The location is to be determined, but likely under the administrative command of the 919th Special Operations Wing, Duke Field, Fla., with operational control to the 24 SOW. If all goes as planned, manpower end-strength for ST
forces in 2019 will be approximately 1,800 authorizations – and hopefully most of those will be filled by highly trained operators and the best combat support personnel the Air Force has to offer.
Send Me At the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year banquet in
Washington D.C., September 2010, the Air Force Band Rock Group called “Max Impact” performed a song with action music video called “Locked and Loaded.” The 720th STG commander, Col. Robert “Gwyn” Armfield and Group Chief, Chief Master Sgt Mike Lamonica, were impressed by the production and talked to the band members after the banquet. The lead singer told them they would love to do another action video… this time featuring Special Tactics Airmen. The band went to work writing the lyrics and produced the music for a song named “Send Me.” The song is in honor of the ST operators who continue to raise their hand and say “Send Me.” In early 2012, ST Airmen will be filmed to fill in the storyboard action items and still pictures that correspond to the words. The words include such lyrics as “First There” the CCT motto and “That Others May Live,” the PJ motto. The song includes the Air Force creed and the chorus goes like this:
Who will be the one to stand and fight for you And be the first there We give our all, that others may live And why we say… Send me… Send me.
About the Author: Chief (ret) Wayne Norrad is the former Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commander Air Force Special Operations Command and is now Analyst, Public Relations for the 720th
Special Tactics Group.
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