Air Force Combat Control

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Combat Control patch

Combat Controllers (AFSC 1C2X1) are ground combat forces assigned to Special Tactics Squadrons within the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The mission of a Combat Controller is to deploy by the most feasible means available into combat and non-permissive environments. Combat Controllers are Special Tactics Operators who establish assault zones, while simultaneously providing: Air Traffic Control, Fire support, and Command and Control Communications in the joint arena. Additionally, Combat Controllers expertly employ all-terrain vehicles, amphibious vehicles, weapons and demolitions. Functions include assault zone assessment and establishment; air traffic control; command and control communications; special operations terminal attack control; and removal of obstacles with demolitions. The CCTs provide a unique capability and deploy with joint air and ground forces in the execution of Direct Action, Counter-terrorism, Foreign Internal Defense, Humanitarian assistance, Special Reconnaissance, Austere Airfield, and Combat Search and Rescue operations.

1 History
2 Physical Abilities Stamina Test (PAST)
3 Training
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] History

Combat Control Teams (CCTs) originated during the airborne campaign of World War II. Major parachute assaults fell well short of expectations, resulting in some cases with personnel being air dropped as much as 30 miles from their intended target areas. The shortcomings of these operations identified the need for effective guidance and control of air transported combat forces. Thus, a small parachute scout company of Army pathfinders was organized and trained. Their mission was to precede the main assault force to an objective area and, through the use of high powered lights, flares and smoke pots, provide visual guidance and critical weather information to inbound aircraft.

In 1943, pathfinders were first employed during the airborne reinforcement of allied troops in Italy. Later, pathfinders from the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions played an integral role in the Normandy invasion.

After the establishment of the U.S. Air Force as a separate service on 18 September 1947, organizational changes resulted in tactical airlift and aerial port squadrons assuming responsibility for support of the U.S. Army ground forces. Air Force pathfinder teams, later called combat control teams, were activated in January of 1953 to provide navigational aids and air traffic control for the growing airlift forces. They were incorporated into aerial port squadrons and remained there until 1977, when they were assigned to the Director of Operations. In 1984 combat control was restructured into a system of squadrons and detachments reporting directly to numbered Air Forces and in 1991 they were placed under the control of host wing commanders.

Combat Controllers are required to be expert marksmen

[edit] Physical Abilities Stamina Test (PAST)

As of Feb 2006 the test mentioned below is no longer used. The official test for entrance into the CCT career field is now the same as the PJ PAST test (point based). There are seven events which must be completed in the prescribed order:
1) 20 meter underwater swim
2) 500 meter surface swim (freestyle/sidestroke/or breaststroke)
3) 1.5 mile run
4) pull-ups or chin-ups (members choice)
5) sit-ups
6) push-ups
7) flutter kicks
Each event has a possible point value depending on performance. All points are then added up with a passing score being 270 (330 is perfect).
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The (old) Combat Control Physical Abilities Stamina Test must be administered in the order listed and completed within a three-hour time frame. If a candidate is unable to meet any minimum standard, they have failed the test and the test will end at that point. Test results will be documented by the unit/squadron administering the test with a copy provided to the candidate. NOTE: The PAST requirements are designed to test for a minimum fitness level necessary to insure safety. Combat Control candidates should train to exceed these minimums in order to enhance their chances of success in the CCT training process.

[edit] 500 Meter Surface Swim

(non-stop) in 15:00 minutes or less utilizing any stroke (no fins)
This swim is conducted using any stroke. The maximum time limit is fifteen (15) minutes. This swim must be continuous (non-stop). If a candidate stops anytime during the swim, the test will be stopped and considered a failure for the entire PAST. Swim suits and goggles are the only equipment items allowed. After completion of the swim, allow a 10 minutes rest before the next event. Candidate should carefully stretch before the calisthenics during this break.

[edit] Calisthenics

Candidate must exercise for the full time limit or to muscle failure
Three calisthenics exercises are evaluated, each with specific time parameters and specific exercise for mechanics. All the exercise candidates will exercise to either muscle failure or time completion. The intent here is to have candidates do as many “good form” repetitions in the time allotted or to muscle failure. NOTE: In performing all calisthenics, the exercises proper form must be followed. Deviation from the form to allow an extra repetition is strictly reinforced during the training pipeline. A two (2) minute rest will be given between each calisthenics exercise.

[edit] 6 Chin-Ups

in One (1) Minute
Chin-ups are a two count exercise. Starting position is hanging from a bar, palms facing the candidate, with no bend in the elbows. Hand spread is approximately shoulder width. Count one, poll the body up until the chin clears the top of the bar. Count two, return to the starting position. Legs are allowed to bend, but must not be kicked or manipulated to aid upward movement. If the candidate falls off, stops, or releases the bar, the exercise is terminated. Candidates will exercise to muscle failure or time completion. A two (2) minute rest will be given after the chin-ups.

[edit] 50 Sit-Ups

in Two (2) Minutes
Sit-ups are a two count exercise. Starting position is back flat on the ground, fingers interlocked behind the head, head off the ground, and knees bent at approximately a 90 degree angle. The feet only, are held by another individual during the exercise. Count one, sit up so the shoulders are directly over the pelvis (hips). Count two, return to the starting position. There is no authorized rest position during this exercise. If the candidate rests, the exercise is terminated. If the candidate's buttocks rises off the ground or his fingers are not interlocked behind his head during a repetition, that repetition is not counted. Candidate will exercise to muscle failure or time completion. A two (2) minute rest will be given after the sit-ups.

[edit] 42 Push-Ups

in Two (2) Minutes
Push-ups are a two count exercise. Starting position is hands shoulder width apart with arms straight and directly below the chest on the ground. The legs ar extended, and the back and legs remain straight. Count one, lower the chest until the elbows are bent at a 90 degree or lower angle. Count two, return to the starting position while maintaining a straight back and legs. The only authorized rest position is the starting position. If the knees touch the ground the exercise is terminated. The candidate will not raise his buttocks in the air or sag his middle to the ground or the repetition will not be counted. If a hand or foot is raised from their starting position, the exercise is terminated. Candidate will exercise to muscle failure or to time completion. A ten (10) minute rest will be given after the push-ups.

[edit] 1.5 Mile Run

(non-stop) in 11 Minutes 30 Seconds
The maximum time is 11 minutes, 30 seconds (11:30). PT clothes and good running shoes are the only required items. This run must be continuous (non-stop). If a candidate stops anytime during the run, the test will be stopped and considered a failure for the entire past. Test should be administered on a measured running track.

[edit] Training

Combat controllers are among the most highly trained personnel in the U. S. Air Force. They complete the same technical training as all air traffic controllers, and 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. Their 35-week training and unique mission skills earn them the right to wear the scarlet beret.

• Combat Control Orientation Course, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas This two-week orientation course focuses on sports physiology, nutrition, basic exercises, combat control history and fundamentals.

• Combat Control Operator Course, Keesler AFB, Miss. This 15 and a half-week course teaches aircraft recognition and performance, air navigation aids, weather, airport traffic control, flight assistance service, communication procedures, conventional approach control, radar procedures and air traffic rules. This is the same course that all Air Force air traffic controllers attend and is the core skill of a combat controller's job.

• U.S. Army Airborne School, Fort Benning, Ga. -- Trainees learn the basic parachuting skills required to infiltrate an objective area by static line airdrop in a three-week course.

• U.S. Air Force Basic Survival School, Fairchild AFB, Wash. -- This two and a half-week course teaches basic survival techniques for remote areas. Instruction includes principles, procedures, equipment and techniques, which enable individuals to survive, regardless of climatic conditions or unfriendly environments and return home.

• Combat Control School, Pope AFB, N.C. -- This 13-week course provides final combat controller qualifications. Training includes physical training, small unit tactics, land navigation, communications, assault zones, demolitions, fire support and field operations including parachuting. At the completion of this course, each graduate is awarded the 3-skill level (journeymen), scarlet beret and CCT flash.

• Special Tactics Advanced Skills Training, Hurlburt Field, Fla. -- Advanced Skills Training is a 12-to-15-month program for newly assigned combat controller operators. AST produces mission-ready operators for the Air Force and U.S. Special Operations Command. The AST schedule is broken down into four phases: water, ground, employment and full mission profile. The course tests the trainee’s personal limits through demanding mental and physical training. Combat controllers also attend the following schools during AST:

• U.S. Army Military Free Fall Parachutist School, Fort Bragg, N.C., and Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz. -- This course instructs free fall parachuting procedures. The four-week course provides wind tunnel training, in-air instruction focusing on student stability, aerial maneuvers, air sense, parachute opening procedures and parachute canopy control.

• U.S. Army Combat Divers School, Panama City, Fla. -- Trainees become combat divers, learning to use scuba and closed circuit diving equipment to covertly infiltrate denied areas. The four-week course provides training to depths of 130 feet, stressing development of maximum underwater mobility under various operating conditions.

• U.S. Navy Underwater Egress Training, Pensacola Naval Air Station, Fla. -- This one-day course teaches how to safely escape from an aircraft that has ditched in the water. Instruction includes principles, procedures and techniques necessary to get out of a sinking aircraft.