The Combat Control Team (CCT) is a special operations force of the United States Air Force, specializing in establishing and maintaining airfields and landing zones in hostile or austere environments. As a key component of the US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), the CCT plays a crucial role in supporting military operations worldwide. The team's primary mission is to conduct reconnaissance, survey, and establishment of assault zones, as well as providing air traffic control and weather observations to support airlift and airland operations.
History and Origins
The Combat Control Team has its roots in World War II, when the US Army Air Forces established the First Air Commando Group, which included a small contingent of airmen trained to conduct airfield reconnaissance and establish forward air bases. In the 1950s and 1960s, the US Air Force developed the concept of “combat control teams” to support special operations forces, and the first CCT units were established in the early 1970s. Since then, the CCT has undergone significant transformations, with a focus on advanced training, specialized equipment, and integration with other special operations forces.
Training and Selection
To become a member of the Combat Control Team, airmen must undergo a rigorous selection and training process. The training pipeline includes the Combat Control Team Selection Course, the Combat Control Team Training Course, and advanced training in skills such as parachuting, combat diving, and survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE). The training process is designed to push candidates to their limits, both physically and mentally, and only a small percentage of applicants are selected to join the CCT. Physical fitness, mental toughness, and teamwork skills are essential for success in the CCT. The training process also includes advanced first aid and medical skills, as well as tactical combat skills, to prepare airmen for the demands of combat operations.
| Training Phase | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Combat Control Team Selection Course | 2 weeks | Lackland Air Force Base, TX |
| Combat Control Team Training Course | 12 weeks | Pope Army Airfield, NC |
| Advanced Training | variable | various locations |
Operations and Capabilities
The Combat Control Team is capable of conducting a wide range of operations, from establishing and maintaining airfields in hostile environments to providing air traffic control and weather observations to support airlift and airland operations. The team’s advanced communications and navigation systems enable them to coordinate with other special operations forces and provide real-time situational awareness to commanders. The CCT is also trained to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance missions, using advanced sensors and imagery systems to gather intelligence on enemy forces and terrain.
Tactical Operations
In tactical operations, the Combat Control Team plays a key role in supporting special operations forces, such as the US Army Special Forces and the US Navy SEALs. The team’s expertise in airfield operations and air traffic control enables them to establish and maintain secure airfields, even in the most austere environments. The CCT is also trained to conduct combat search and rescue missions, using advanced tactics and techniques to recover downed aircrew and other isolated personnel.
- Establishing and maintaining airfields in hostile environments
- Providing air traffic control and weather observations
- Conducting reconnaissance and surveillance missions
- Supporting special operations forces
- Conducting combat search and rescue missions
What is the primary mission of the Combat Control Team?
+The primary mission of the Combat Control Team is to conduct reconnaissance, survey, and establishment of assault zones, as well as providing air traffic control and weather observations to support airlift and airland operations.
What is the training process like for the Combat Control Team?
+The training process for the Combat Control Team includes the Combat Control Team Selection Course, the Combat Control Team Training Course, and advanced training in skills such as parachuting, combat diving, and survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE).
The Combat Control Team is a highly specialized and highly trained force, capable of conducting a wide range of operations in support of military objectives. With their advanced training, specialized equipment, and integration with other special operations forces, the CCT plays a critical role in supporting US military operations worldwide. As the nature of modern warfare continues to evolve, the Combat Control Team will remain a vital component of US special operations forces, providing the expertise and capabilities needed to succeed in the most challenging environments.
