What is Combat Control in the Air Force?
Combat control is a critical component of the United States Air Force’s (USAF) global mission to protect American interests and ensure national security. In this article, we will delve into the definition, responsibilities, and significance of combat control in the Air Force.
What is Combat Control?
Combat control is a unique and highly specialized career field within the USAF. Combat controllers (CCs) are trained to conduct aerial operations, including parachute operations, and provide critical communications and control services in various environments, including combat, humanitarian, and disaster relief operations.
Responsibilities of Combat Controllers
Combat controllers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:
• Air traffic control: CCs operate air traffic control systems to manage and direct aircraft movement, ensuring safe and efficient air operations.
• Communications: CCs establish and maintain secure communications networks, enabling commanders to communicate effectively with troops on the ground and in the air.
• Operations planning: CCs participate in planning and coordinating military operations, ensuring that airpower is properly integrated with ground and sea forces.
• Surveillance and reconnaissance: CCs conduct reconnaissance missions, gathering critical intelligence on enemy positions and movements.
• Emergency response: CCs provide emergency response services, including search and rescue operations, in crisis situations.
Key Skills and Training
To become a combat controller, one must possess a unique combination of skills and training, including:
• Parachute operations: CCs are trained to conduct military free-fall parachute operations, enabling them to quickly deploy into hostile environments.
• Air traffic control: CCs receive comprehensive training in air traffic control procedures, including radar operation and air traffic control automation systems.
• Communications: CCs are trained in various communication systems, including radios, satellite communications, and data links.
• Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE): CCs receive training in SERE techniques, enabling them to survive and evade capture in hostile environments.
• Language training: CCs are trained in various languages, including Pashto, Dari, and Arabic, to facilitate effective communication in conflict zones.
Assignments and Deployment
Combat controllers are assigned to various units, including:
• Combat Control Teams (CCTs): CCTs are small teams of CCs that deploy to forward-operating bases to provide air traffic control, communications, and operations support.
• Combat Operations Squadrons (COS): COSs are larger units that provide support to multiple combat operations.
• Special Operations Forces (SOF): CCs often deploy with SOF units, providing critical support to special operations missions.
Significance of Combat Control
Combat control plays a vital role in the USAF’s global mission, enabling effective airpower integration and communication in a variety of environments. The significance of combat control can be summarized as follows:
• Increased situational awareness: CCs provide critical intelligence on enemy positions and movements, enabling commanders to make informed decisions.
• Enhanced airpower integration: CCs facilitate effective integration of airpower with ground and sea forces, maximizing the impact of military operations.
• Improved communications: CCs establish secure communications networks, ensuring effective communication between commanders and troops on the ground and in the air.
• Enhanced emergency response: CCs provide critical emergency response services, including search and rescue operations, in crisis situations.
Table: Combat Control Career Progression
| Rank | Description | Typical Assignments |
|---|---|---|
| Airman Basic | Basic training and introduction to combat control | Basic Training, CCT Training |
| Airman | Completion of basic training, introduction to air traffic control and communications | CCT Training, Air Traffic Control Apprentice |
| Senior Airman | Completion of air traffic control and communications training, assignment to combat control team | Combat Control Team, Air Traffic Control Apprentice |
| Staff Sergeant | Completion of SERE training, language training, and assignment to combat operations squadron | Combat Operations Squadron, Special Operations Forces |
| Technical Sergeant | Completion of advanced training, assignment to combat control team leadership or air traffic control apprentice leadership | Combat Control Team Leader, Air Traffic Control Apprentice Leader |
| Master Sergeant | Completion of senior leadership training, assignment to combat operations squadron or special operations forces | Combat Operations Squadron, Special Operations Forces |
| Chief Master Sergeant | Completion of senior enlisted leadership training, assignment to combat control career field leadership | Combat Control Career Field Leadership |
Conclusion
Combat control is a critical component of the USAF’s global mission, enabling effective airpower integration and communication in a variety of environments. Combat controllers are highly trained and versatile airmen who provide critical support to military operations, emergency response services, and humanitarian efforts. Whether deployed to forward-operating bases or participating in special operations missions, combat controllers play a vital role in protecting American interests and ensuring national security.
