24TH SPECIAL TACTICS SQUADRON
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE SPECIAL OPERATIONS | AIR COMMANDOS
“First There… That Others May Live”
Unit Overview
The 24th Special Tactics Squadron is the U.S. Air Force’s premier special operations ground force, providing integrated air, space, and cyber capabilities for joint special operations worldwide.
Based at Pope Field, North Carolina, the squadron deploys Special Tactics Officers, Combat Controllers, Pararescuemen (PJs), and Tactical Air Control Party specialists to enable global access, precision strike, and personnel recovery operations in denied areas.
Specialized Equipment
- AN/PRC-163 Multiband Radio
- Rover 6 Laser Target Designator
- MC-6 Parachute Military Freefall System
- AN/PEQ-15 Laser Aiming Module
Critical Missions
Combat Controllers were first on the ground in Afghanistan, establishing landing zones and calling in precision airstrikes.
Special Tactics teams secured oil infrastructure and provided terminal attack control during the invasion.
CLASSIFIED: Special Tactics Pipeline
The Special Tactics training pipeline is one of the longest and most demanding in the U.S. military, lasting over 2 years. It includes Combat Diver, Military Freefall, Survival Training, and advanced medical training for PJs.
Combat Controllers attend the 15-month long Combat Control Operator Course, learning over 70 aircraft types and their capabilities, while Pararescuemen complete the 2-year Pararescue Recovery Specialist Course, making them the only DoD personnel certified as Nationally Registered Paramedics.
